Hawa Mahal in Jaipur forms a part of exclusive circuit of historic monuments in India. The monument is also known as “the Palace of Winds or Breeze’ and also a prominent landmark of the Pink City- Jaipur. Tourists from all over the world visiting Jaipur include this beautiful palace in their sightseeing tour. The immensely beautiful structure of Hawa Mahal mesmerizes everyone through its small windows and arouses the innocent inquisitiveness not just to tourists but also to the viewers as well.
History –
The capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur was previously ruled and governed by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. This beautiful architecture as it stands today was constructed by the Maharaja in 1799 AD as an extension to the women’s quarter known as Zenana of City Palace. The most exclusive feature of this monument is its beautiful shape that resembles a honeycomb from a beehive. The architecture of this palace includes 953 carved small windows also known as Jharokhas.
It is said that royal women would sit behind the windows to observe the city below without being noticed from outside. The stunning latticed windows are so finely angled in a way that they overlook the main city market area and central avenue. Due to the ancient Indian system of separation of women, especially the married ones and concubines of the Maharajas from the outside world known as Pardah system. The fact that the palace is bereft of the traditional handicraft curtains instead of intricate marble grills that covers the windows is what makes this palace exceptional.
Architecture –
The architectural beauty of Hawa Mahal uniquely blends the Hindu Rajput style and the Islamic Mughal style of elements. However the monument resembles that Mughal Palace which used to possess sections of screened lattice for women. The architect Lal Chand Ustad was brought over it in the city. The five-storeyed structure of this palace amuses the tourists the most. It is said that Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh was an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna and thus the architecture attributes its similarities to the crown of Lord Krishna and the peacock tail, so implying both royalty and power respectively. The structure of this palace is made from pink and red sandstone, although during one of the instances of visit of Prince Albert of Wales in the city.
Best time to visit Hawa Mahal –
Winters are considered as the best time to visit Jaipur between the months of September and February when the temperature during these months remain constant and ideal for a visit. It is expected that it will take 2 hours approximately to explore Hawa Mahal and early morning view of this monument is all that you must not avoid during the sunrise. When the mild morning sun rays fall on the structure lit up and reflects a golden shade over to the pink color. It is highly recommended to hire a local guide for learning more about this monument.
Entry fee, timings, and photography
Usually, there is a nominal entry fee levied for entering to the palace that costs upto INR 50 for Indians and INR 200 for Foreigners. The palace get open to the general public between 9 am to 4:30 pm on all days of the week.
Photography is allowed inside the Hawa Mahal at nominal rates of INR 10 for Indians and INR 30 for Foreigners.
Entry charges and photography charges may vary according to the latest updates.
Hawa Mahal is truly an iconic attraction of Jaipur sightseeing tour. After completing a visit to Hawa Mahal, you can also explore its nearby places like City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Ram Bagh Garden, and others. Even you can stroll through the nearby market areas and shop for the best artifacts of Jaipur.
