Introduction

Hawa Mahal is perhaps the most well known architectural landmark of Jaipur. An imposing structure in the city’s signature pink color, Hawa Mahal is a unique palace as it does not have any rooms or halls. It is a five-storeyed structure embellished with numerous little windows and balconied. Designed as a viewing gallery for the women of the royal household, the windows and balconies of this palace feature delicate latticework that is astonishing in detail and level of craftsmanship.

Sited adjacent to the City Palace, Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh built this beautiful edifice in late 18th century. As ‘purdah’ was widely observed among the Rajputs, the latticed walls and balconies of this palace served as a window through which the women could observe life outside the palace.

Intriguingly the entire palace is like a singular wall, decorated with latticed windows and balconies that lead to a maze of corridors and rooms. This pyramid-like structure is a fine blend of delicate Rajput designs and majestic Mughal architecture.

Hawa Mahal is an architectural marvel of its time, as the network of windows, corridors, and balconies offers free movement to cool winds, which in turn naturally cool the entire palace, thereby giving it its name - the palace of winds.

Most mornings, when the sunlight filters through the hundreds of windows and balconies, Hawa Mahal seems to glow. A trip inside offers enchanting panoramic views of the beautiful pink city around.

Special Attributes

Major architectural landmark remarkable for its latticed, red sandstone façade. .

Nuisance

Touts

Dressing restrictions

None, wear whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

Buses, Taxis, Auto Rickshaws

Enjoyed by

All

Exposure

Some exposure to sunshine while in the open areas.

Avoidable Season

April, May, June

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

Visit during early morning hours, when the monument seems to be dazzle in the golden glow of the first rays from the sun. At that time the roads are relatively free of traffic, providing you unencumbered opportunity to take glorious pictures.

Type of site

Monument