The Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds, is a stunning architectural marvel located in the Pink City of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, this five-story palace is made of red and pink sandstone. The unique facade of the Hawa Mahal has 953 small windows, or jharokhas, which were designed to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life and festivals in the street below without being seen.
The Hawa Mahal is open to visitors every day from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.
The entry fee for Indian nationals is Rs. 50, while for foreign tourists, it is Rs. 200. There is an additional camera fee of Rs. 50 for still photography and Rs. 200 for videography.
Visitors typically spend about 1-2 hours exploring the Hawa Mahal. Some of the restricted items include weapons, sharp objects, food, and alcohol.
The Hawa Mahal's unique architecture is a blend of Rajput and Mughal styles. The five-story structure is pyramid-shaped and has a honeycomb-like exterior with small windows, lattice work, and intricate detailing. The palace was designed by Lal Chand Ustad, a renowned architect of his time.
The best time to visit the Hawa Mahal is during the winter months of October to March when the weather is pleasant and cool.
The Hawa Mahal is located in the heart of Jaipur and is easily accessible by road. Visitors can hire a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or take a local bus to reach the palace. Jaipur International Airport is the closest airport, located about 10 km away from the Hawa Mahal.
The Hawa Mahal was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the grandson of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. It was designed as an extension of the City Palace to allow royal ladies to watch processions and everyday life on the streets below while maintaining purdah.
Inside the Hawa Mahal, visitors can explore the various floors and chambers that offer stunning views of the city. The palace also houses a small museum that showcases artifacts, paintings, and sculptures from the royal era.
It is advisable to wear comfortable footwear as there are steep stairs and narrow corridors inside the palace. Visitors should also carry water and sunscreen, especially during the summer months.
Some of the hotels near the Hawa Mahal include: 1. The Raj Palace 2. Alsisar Haveli 3. Umaid Bhawan Heritage House Hotel 4. Pearl Palace Heritage - The Boutique Guesthouse 5. Radisson Jaipur City Center
There are several tourist attractions near the Hawa Mahal that visitors can explore, including: 1. City Palace 2. Jantar Mantar 3. Amer Fort 4. Jal Mahal 5. Nahargarh Fort 6. Albert Hall Museum