The Hawa Mahal is Jaipur’s most iconic structure. It is historically diverse and architecturally rich. It is located in the heart of the city, and owing to its light pink colour, the entire city of Jaipur is known as the Pink City of India. It is a stunning five-story palace that has hundreds of windows, and because of that, the palace is always airy and windy. It is located in Jaipur’s Badi Chopar and overlooks the busy streets of the Sireh Deori Gate market.
It is a very bustling area with a lot of activity going on at all times. The main city streets pass through the palace edges, and this is why the city is visible from many of the windows of this grand palace. One of the main purposes of building the Mahal was to enable the royal ladies to see the sights on the streets below and enjoy the festivities and processions clearly without being seen themselves.
The Hawa Mahal located in central Jaipur is therefore very iconic and interesting, and this is precisely why it is flocked by so many tourists all through the year.
History of Hawa Mahal:
The history about Hawa Mahal is rich and diverse. The word Hawa means wind, and the word Mahal means palace. The Hawa Mahal, or the palace of winds, was built in 1799 by the then King of Jaipur, Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. Sawai Pratap Singh belonged to the long-ruling royal family of the city, and his grandfather, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, is the founder of Jaipur.
As per the history records, there were two main reasons behind the construction of this majestic palace. First and foremost, the palace was built in such a way that it had continuous airflow and ventilation, which made it comfortable for the palace dwellers to deal with the intense heat of Jaipur. Apart from this, the other intention behind the construction was to allow the royal ladies to look out of the windows and witness the scenes of public life, which they didn't always get an opportunity to do. Ladies of the royal family were not allowed to show their faces in public, so looking out of windows was not permissible. However, the windows of the Hawa Mahal, known as the Jharokhas, were built in such a way that everything was visible from the inside but nothing from the outside. Hence, the ladies could peek out without getting spotted in return.
Ustad Lal Chand was the chief Hawa Mahal architect. He was regarded as one of the best and most prestigious architects of the time. That is precisely why the Maharaja of Jaipur summoned him in the late 18th Century to design and construct the beautiful Hawa Mahal.
Interesting facts about Hawa Mahal:
If you are fascinated about the Hawa Mahal and want more Hawa Mahal information, we have some of the most interesting facts for you to read:
- What we see is the back : What we see when we look at the majestic Hawa Mahal is actually the rear side of the palace. Yes, that is correct! There are close to 950 windows, but they are all situated at the back of the palace. On the other side, Lies the main gate and entrance of the palace. So if you want to see the Hawa Mahal from the inside, you have to go all the way around to the front entrance.
- Akash Patal Jaali: As mentioned above, the women were not allowed to be seen from the outside. This is why the windows of the Mahal were covered with the Akash Patal Jaali, which means an all-encompassing net. The net was designed in such a way that it would allow people to look out, but no one would be able to catch the internal visuals from the outside.
- Not built as a residence: Not many people know that the Hawa Mahal was built not as a residence but as a leisure area for the royal family. The City Palace served as the main royal residence, while the Royals visited the Hawa Mahal to enjoy the cool breeze and look outside.
- Lord Krishna’s crown: The Hawa Mahal palace is built in a way to resemble the crown of Lord Krishna. If you look closely at the design, it rises and falls just the way the Lord’s crown does. The resemblance is more noticeable when you get a panoramic view of the palace from a distance.
- No stairs inside: The Hawa Mahal, located in the heart of Jaipur, is a tall structure. However, there are no stairs inside the Hawa Mahal. This is quite fascinating because the palace is five stories high. To navigate between the floors, you can only use the many ramps that have been built all across the palace. This makes it accessible to everyone.
As you can see, these facts are really interesting, and they help you to understand exactly why the Hawa Mahal is so popular as a tourist attraction. Do not let go of an opportunity to visit this place if you get one!
The best time/ Season to visit Hawa Mahal:
Jaipur is a place that sees a steady inflow of tourists throughout the year. However, there is a peak tourist season and an off-season:
- Peak tourist season - Since the summers are quite harsh and uncomfortable, the winters are the best time to visit the Hawa Mahal. This is what many people do, and hence, the months between October to March are considered to be the peak tourist season. You will not only get wonderful weather at this time, but you will also get the best deals on hotels, travel, etc. Therefore, the best time to visit Jaipur and explore the Hawa Mahal is between October and March.
- Off-season : The Hawa Mahal is located in which city? The answer is Jaipur, and we all know just how hot the Rajasthani summers are! This is why many people avoid visiting the Hawa Mahal during the months of April and September. However, the palace is open on all days of the year, so you can very well plan a trip even during this time. You will get some very good discounts on your travel deals. Just carry comfortable clothes, use good quality sunscreen lotion, and always remember to stay hydrated if travelling at this time.
It is advisable for you to enter the Hawa Mahal early in the morning on the day you decide to visit the monument. This is mainly because the palace looks beautiful in the soft brightness of the morning sun. The weather is also pleasant, and the cool breeze helps you to experience the true nature and soul of the intriguing palace of winds.
- Location of Hawa Mahal: The exact location of the Hawa Mahal is in central Jaipur’s Hawa mahal Road. It is exactly situated at the intersection of the Badi Choupad, which is next to the JDA Market. If you wish to reach this place, you can hop into any auto rickshaw or cab, and the driver will take you there in no time. If you wish to drive down yourself, just enter the location on your map, and you will know where to go.
How to Reach Hawa Mahal location?
To reach Hawa Mahal, you first need to reach the city of Jaipur. You have several options:
- By train: The Indian Railways is a great way for all Indians to travel, no matter where they want to go within the country. The rain network is excellent and you can find trains from most of the major cities and towns to Jaipur. You can book your tickets and enjoy a serene train ride while travelling to the pink city to visit the Hawa Mahal.
- By bus: Like the railways, the roadways also offer many options to reach the Hawa Mahal location. You can get luxury AC buses or budget buses from many locations to go to Jaipur. Travelling by bus is a flexible and inexpensive option and so is preferred by many people.
- By car: Whether you want to travel in your own four-wheeler or you want to hire a cab, you can do so if your quest to reach Jaipur by road. Hundreds of people drive into the city from other places, such as Delhi and Chandigarh. It is very comfortable and flexible to drive in. You can drive alone, or you can drive with your friends and family and have a great Jaipur holiday.
- By flight: And last but not the least, you always have the option of flying in. Jaipur has a large and world-class airport that has flights coming in from all big Indian destinations. Plan your travel in advance and book your air travel right away if you are planning to visit the Hawa Mahal in the near future.
Once you arrive in Jaipur, you can hire a cab or auto rickshaw to go to the Hawa Mahal. The public transport system in the pink city is very impressive, and you will always find a mode of transport to reach the exact Hawa Mahal location. It helps a lot to plan your trip and make all the bookings in advance. You can book the tickets through a trusted travel agent and get all the work done peacefully. After that, all you have to do is focus on your holiday and enjoy yourself.
Travel Tips before visiting Hawa Mahal:
The Hawa Mahal built by the Maharaja of Jaipur in 1799, has stood proud in the heart of the city for over 300 years. Over the centuries, countless tourists have visited this structure and have been left in awe of its beauty and grandeur. If you are planning to go and witness this majestic structure yourself, do your research and find all the Hawa Mahal information you need to ensure you do not hit any roadblocks on the way. Here are some pointers to help you have a hassle-free trip:
- Operational days - The Hawa Mahal in Jaipur is open every day, all through the year. It is operational on weekends and public holidays as well. You can plan a day trip to Jaipur on a Saturday just to see the Hawa Mahal or you can plan a vacation to Rajasthan and include a Jaipur halt where you can explore all the tourist attractions of the city, including the very grand and majestic Hawa Mahal.
- Ticket price - All children below the age of five years enter Hawa Mahal free of charge. This holds true for Indian and foreign children. However, if you are above the age of five years, you have to buy the Hawa Mahal tickets by paying a sum of Rs 10 as an Indian citizen or Rs 50 as a foreign national. There are no separate charges for carrying cameras, but you are strictly asked to use the footage captured for personal use only.
- Opening & Closing Time - The Hawa Mahal opening time is every day from 9 am to 5 pm. You can enter at any time during this period, and once you are in, you can stay there for as long as you like. However, try to get in early when the sun isn't too harsh, and the wind is cool. The palace closes by 5 pm, which is before sunset. However, you can see the Hawa Mahal night view from the outside. It is absolutely stunning to see the entire palace, including all the windows, lit up in majestic lights. Don't forget to catch the night view and click a few pictures of it.
Now that you know more about the important details related to the Hawa Mahal, you can visit the place smoothly without having to encounter any obstructions.
Languages spoken :
The main language spoken in the city of Jaipur and in the area of the Hawa Mahal is Hindi, which is the national language of the country. You will find the vast majority of the people here speaking in Hindi. However, other local languages and dialects like Rajasthani and Mewari are also spoken by the local people. You can easily communicate with the locals, shopkeepers, hotel staff, cab drivers, etc if you know basic Hindi. Some of the tour guides and drivers also speak English, so ensure you find someone who understands your language beforehand if you cannot communicate in Hindi at all. If you don't know where to book a guide, ask your travel agent or your hotel to help you find the best one.
Things to do in the Hawa Mahal :
There are many interesting activities that you can indulge in when you visit Jaipur and the localities surrounding the Hawa Mahal. They are:
- Trying the local cuisine: The best way to experience a culture and connect with the people is to savour the local cuisine. And when you are in Jaipur, you will never have a shortage of food items to choose from. The famous dal bati churma of Rajasthan is widely available all across Jaipur. There are some wonderful eateries all around the Hawa Mahal that serve this award-winning dish. You can go to a fine dining restaurant, or you can eat at a roadside food stall, but you won't be disappointed with the food for sure! The other famous dishes to try include kachori, various types of chaat, shrikhand, lassi, lal maas, etc. Give into your culinary desires and make your tummy and heart very happy!
- Shopping: No trip to Jaipur can be complete without a trip to the colourful markets of the city. Fortunately, the area surrounding the Hawa Mahal is choc-a-block with markets and roadside stalls that sell everything from clothes to footwear to jewellery to bedsheets. You will be able to shop to your heart’s content and pick up some unique items. The prices are very affordable too, and that makes shopping in Jaipur all the more enjoyable and desirable. You can explore the shopping scene in the evening after you finish visiting the Hawa Mahal during the day. The roadside shopping is very famous in Jaipur, but there are some big malls in the city too from where you can buy high-couture clothes and shoes. This apart, the city also has some wholesale markets that you must explore if you wish to buy in bulk.
- Exploring Rajasthan: If you take the trouble to go all the way to Jaipur, try exploring the adjoining cities and towns as well and make it a comprehensive vacation. Rajasthan is a state that is filled with wonderful cities, most of which are historically significant. You will find the best palaces, monuments, and architectural monuments all across Rajasthan, so keep exploring. From the Ajmer Dargah to the Pushkar Temple, from the majestic mahals of Jodhpur to the sprawling lakes of Udaipur, you will not be able to comprehend just how stunning the place is. Explore the deserts of Jaisalmer and see the grandeur of the cities. Exploring Rajasthan should be on your must-do list when you plan your Hawa Mahal trip.
Make sure you carry out each of the above-mentioned activities, as that will help you to experience Jaipur and Rajasthan in the best and most soulful way. You can get many varied experiences and carry back with you memories of a lifetime.
Popular places to visit around the Hawa Mahal:
As stated, the wonder and amazement of the location do not cease with the Hawa Mahal. You also have other beautiful structures and monuments in very close proximity to the mahal. You should not miss the opportunity to visit these places as they will add to your experience of learning about the history and beauty of the Hawa Mahal. Some of the magnificent places include:
- Chandra Mahal: The Chandra Mahal is situated very near the Hawa Mahal, and in fact, it is a core part of the City Palace. Many members of the Royal Family still reside within the chambers of the Chandra Mahal, and those chambers are closed to the public. The Chandra Mahal has excellent architecture and is a very beautiful monument to visit when you visit the Hawa Mahal. It has a steeper entry fee of Rs 75, but once you enter the palace, you will be left mesmerised.
- Hawa Mahal Museum: The Hawa Mahal Museum is another beautiful monument that many people don't know of. Located within the premises of the Hawa Mahal, this museum houses many artefacts and rare items from the Royal family. From generations-old swords, mirrors, and knives to exuberant chinaware that once donned the royal kitchen of the Mahal, you get to see some very interesting items and read about their history in the Hawa Mahal Museum. The museum is open on all days except Fridays and public holidays.
- City Palace: The current residence of the Jaipur Royal Family, the City Palace, covers more than half of Jaipur. It has stunning architecture, and many parts of the palace are open for the public to view. This is another important landmark in the Pink City that you just cannot afford to miss seeing.
- Jantar Mantar: Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II built several astronomical observatories in the city, and the Jantar Mantar is the largest of them all. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is frequented by many tourists every day. It is at a walkable distance from the Hawa Mahal, so don't forget to visit to the Jantar Mantar.
- Govind Devji Temple: One of the most famous and religious places in all of Jaipur, the Govind Devji Temple is an ancient temple that thousands of people visit each day to witness offerings at dawn and dusk. This is also very close to the Hawa Mahal, so put it on your list to see.
Now that you know more about the Hawa Mahal location, the exterior and interior Hawa Mahal beauty, and you know why it is such a monumental structure, plan your visit right away. Once you stand in front of this majestic palace, you will realise how fulfilling your trip has been.
