The Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace) in Jaipur is unquestionably one of India’s most iconic structures. Unquestionably, it is Jaipur’s most recognisable landmark. The dramatic front of the building, with all its tiny open spaces, never fails to pique interest. You can learn everything there is to know about the Hawa Mahal and how to see it by reviewing our extensive tour.

Location

The Hawa Mahal is situated in Jaipur’s walled Old City in Badi Chaupar (Big Square). The journey from Delhi to Jaipur, the state’s capital, takes four to five hours. It is easily accessible by rail, road, or air and is a part of India’s well-known Golden Triangle Tourist Circuit.

Architecture and history

The Hawa Mahal was constructed in 1799 as an addition to the zenana (women’s apartments) of the City Palace by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, who governed Jaipur from 1778 to 1803. Its odd form, which has been compared to a honeycomb taken from a beehive, is what is most noticeable about it.

There are 953 jharokhas (windows) in the Hawa Mahal. To observe the city that lay below without being seen, the royal women were accustomed to sitting behind them.

Hindu Rajput and Islamic Mughal aesthetic inspiration may be seen in the Hawa Mahal. The architecture itself isn’t quite note-worthy because it resembles a Mughal building featuring enclosed lattice chambers for ladies. But Lal Chand Ustad took a step further by turning the idea into a massive landmark building with five levels.

Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh had been an ardent follower of Lord Krishna, and it is thought that the exterior of the Hawa Mahal resembles his crown. The Khetri Mahal of a town called J, constructed in 1770 by Bhopal Singh in the Shekhawati area of Rajasthan, is also said to have served as the model for the Hawa Mahal. It is also described by the term “wind palace,” but it uses pillars to help the air move through it.

The Hawa Mahal’s facade was coated in pinkish paint in 1876, in addition to the remainder of the Old City, even though it is constructed from pink and red sandstone. Maharaja Ram Singh thought this would be a wonderful way to welcome Albert, the Prince of Wales, to Jaipur, as pink was believed to be the colour of hospitality. Jaipur earned its moniker as the “Pink City” in this way. Since the pink colouring must now be preserved by law, the painting is still being done.

The Hawa Mahal is allegedly one of the most attractive tourist spots not only in Rajasthan but is also the highest structure in the world without a foundation, which is another intriguing fact. It is supposed to have been built with a little curvature to compensate for its weak base.

How to visit the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur

One will undoubtedly pass the Hawa Mahal on your journey because it is located in front of the main thoroughfare of the old city. However, early in the day, when the sun’s rays intensify the colour, the scene appears at its most breathtaking.

The Wind See Cafe, which is situated on the roof of the structure across from it, is the best place to see the Hawa Mahal. Between the stores, if you look closely, you will find a hallway and a stairway leading up to it. The coffee is delicious (the beans come from Italy), so one can truly enjoy the environment around you.

Nevertheless, there is no need to speculate about what lies behind the Hawa Mahal’s veneer. One may really observe the people from behind the window, much like the royal women did in the past. The visitors are unaware of the fact that they can be seen from behind the windows. This is due to the Hawa Mahal’s status as the City Palace wing. You’ll need to travel through the back and contact it from a separate street in order to get there. Turn right at the first crossroads you come to, the Badi Chaupar intersection, walk a little geographical distance, and subsequently, swing right into the first alleyway as you are facing the Hawa Mahal. The Hawa Mahal building is indicated by a big sign.

Indian citizens must pay 50 rupees to enter, but international visitors must pay 200 rupees. If you intend to do a lot of sightseeing, you may get a composite ticket. It is good for two days and also grants access to Sisodia Rani Garden, Vidyadhar Garden, Jantar Mantar, Nahargarh Fort, and Amber Fort. For Indians, the fare costs 300 rupees; for foreigners, it costs 1,000 rupees. You may buy tickets at Hawa Mahal’s ticket office or online here. At the ticket counter, you can rent audio tours.

Four days a year, Rajasthan Diwas (30 March), World Heritage Day (18 April), International Museum Day (18 May), and World Tourism Day (27 September), are free entry days to the Hawa Mahal.

The daily hours for the Hawa Mahal are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It and the tiny museum within can be seen in an hour. The monument is also stunningly lit at night, and you may drive past it to view it.

Things to Do Nearby or Else

Around the Hawa Mahal, you’ll find a tonne of stores offering typical tourist goods, such as apparel and textiles. But if you do decide to buy something, haggle hard because they are frequently more expensive than elsewhere. The best places to buy low-cost jewellery and handicrafts are Johari Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, and the less well-known Chandpole Bazaar. Even a turban is available!

The City Palace, where the royal household still resides in part, is one of the other well-known tourist destinations in the Old City, where the Hawa Mahal is situated. Use the aforementioned self-guided walking tour to roam and discover Jaipur’s Old City.

Alternatively, Vedic Walks offers informative walking excursions in the mornings and nights if you prefer to completely lose yourself in the captivating Old City.

About 10 minutes walk north of the Hawa Mahal is a unique idea called the Surabhi Restaurant and Turban Museum. It is located in a historic mansion and offers visitors live entertainment and a cultural experience.

The previously historic old Indian Coffee House, located close to Ajmeri Gate off M.I. Road, is another place where you may relive your past. The biggest restaurant chain in India is called Indian Coffee House. It was established by the British in the 1930s to boost coffee consumption and market their coffee harvests. Later, the coffee shops developed a reputation as famous hangouts for thinkers and social activists. It offers simple yet delicious South Indian food.