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jaipurlove > Hawa Mahal Jaipur – History, Visiting Timing, Entry Fee & Info
Hawa Mahal - JaipurLove

Hawa Mahal Jaipur – History, Visiting Timing, Entry Fee & Info

Hawa Mahal Jaipur, or Palace of Winds, is the undisputed Face of Rajasthan Tourism. The beautiful architectural design leaves visitors awestruck.

What is the history of Hawa Mahal?

During the times of late 17th century, Rajput ladies practiced ‘purdah’ due to centuries of foreign aggression.

Why was Hawa Mahal built and what was its original purpose? It is said that the monument was built for the ladies of the royal house, from where they could see all the celebrations and daily life in the bazars of Jaipur while keeping their privacy intact.

Maharaja Pratap Singh (1778 – 1803 AD) built Hawa Mahal in 1799 AD. This architectural milestone was designed by Ustad Lal Chand.

It was inspired by the Palace of Khetri (Wind Palace, Jhunjhunu), which was built by Bhopal Singh in 1770. Pratap Singh was an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna, and thus it was designed and built in such a way that it resembles the crown of Lord Krishna.

Hawa Mahal by night - JaipurLove
Hawa Mahal by night

Pratap Singh built it as an extension to the City Palace of Jaipur. Opposite to popular belief, it is the back side of the palace. The entry is from the Tripolia Bazar side.

A majestic entry gate welcomes visitors to one of the grand courtyards. The Rajput-style courtyard is surrounded by two-storey buildings on three sides and a structure on the eastern side. The fountains in the courtyards add beauty and breeze to the already magnificent palace.

Palace of Winds Jaipur - JaipurLove
Palace of Winds Jaipur

Is Hawa Mahal worth visiting from the inside, or is it mainly the façade that matters?

Most travelers agree that the façade is the main highlight, especially when viewed from the street. However, going inside adds value if you’re interested in architecture, want elevated viewpoints, or prefer understanding the structure beyond quick photos.

The best part of Hawamahal is that even if you miss visiting it from inside, you can always click a selfie in front of the Palace at any time of the day.

Hawa Mahal ticket price (Updated)

Tourist TypeHawamahal Entry Cost (INR)
Indian Student50 INR
Foreign Student300 INR
Indian Tourist100 INR
Foreign Tourist600 INR

Hawa Mahal Timings

Hawa Mahal Timing: It opens at 9:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM.

How long does it take to visit Hawa Mahal Jaipur?

It takes an hour to visit Hawamahal and see all the corners of the palace of wind.

Is there anything inside Hawa Mahal?

Yes. The palace is an architectural masterpiece from the inside as well. The names of the five storeys of Hawamahal in India are:

  • Sharad Mandir – the first one, where the autumn celebrations took place.
  • Ratan Mandir – because of its glass work, the storey is called Ratan Mandir.
  • Vichitra Mandir – Maharaja Pratap Singh used to worship Lord Krishna on this storey and wrote poems in devotion.
  • Prakash Mandir – the fourth is with an open terrace on both sides.
  • Hawamahal – the fifth storey is known as Hawa Mahal, after which the whole structure got its name.

    As most of the jewellery showrooms, garment shops, handicraft shops, and food shops are nearby by a photo walk is recommended after or before visiting the Palace of Wind in Jaipur.

    View from Hawa Mahal - JaipurLove
    View from Hawa Mahal, you can see Jantar Mantar, City Palace, Isarlat & Nahargarh Fort in one frame

    Must-Visit Tourist Places near Hawa Mahal

    Exploring Hawa Mahal is just the beginning. Jaipur’s real charm unfolds in its hidden lanes, local bazaars, heritage food spots, and stories that only locals know. The JaipurLove team curates seamless heritage walks, guided monument tours, and personalized city experiences so you can explore Jaipur without stress, crowds, or confusion. If you want more than photos and want real stories, JaipurLove makes it happen.

    How to reach Hawa Mahal?

    It is located in the center of the walled city of Jaipur. It is very well connected to every part of the city by buses, autos, taxis, cabs, and e-rickshaws.

    Nearest Airport to Palace of Winds – Jaipur International Airport (12.1 KMS)

    Nearest Bus StationSindhi Camp Bus Stand (3.2 KMS)

    Nearest Railway StationJaipur Junction (5 KMS)

    Nearest Metro StationBadi Chaupad Metro Station (50 Meters)

    Want to avoid traffic jams and wasting time spotting parking places? We recommend that you rent a bike in Jaipur and enjoy every part of Jaipur, living the streets and making lasting memories.

    Top Hotels Near Hawa Mahal

    • The Raj Palace Jaipur – A luxury heritage hotel offering royal suites, traditional architecture, and premium hospitality. Located approximately 1.8 km from Hawa Mahal.
    • Samode Haveli Jaipur – A beautifully restored haveli known for its courtyards and cultural ambiance. Around 2 km from Hawa Mahal.
    • Ikaki Niwas Boutique Hotel – A peaceful boutique stay with Rajasthani interiors and personalized service. Roughly 2.5 km from Hawa Mahal.
    • Hotel Pearl Palace Jaipur – A popular mid-range hotel known for its rooftop views and artistic décor. About 3 km from Hawa Mahal.
    • Hotel Arya Niwas – A comfortable and budget-friendly option with a homely atmosphere. Located nearly 3.2 km away.
    Inside view of Hawamahal - JaipurLove
    Inside view of Hawamahal

    Top Places to Eat Near Hawa Mahal

    Vegetarian Restaurants

    • LMB (Laxmi Misthan Bhandar) – Famous for authentic Rajasthani thalis, ghewar, and traditional sweets. Located just 150 meters from Hawa Mahal.
    • Samrat (Chaura Rasta) – Famous for quick snacks and authentic Indian street food
    • Govindam Retreat – Offers pure vegetarian North Indian and Rajasthani cuisine in a traditional setting. Around 1 km from Hawa Mahal.

    Non-Vegetarian Restaurants

    • Handi Restaurant – A Jaipur favorite for laal maas and rich Mughlai dishes. Roughly 2.5 km from Hawa Mahal.
    • Spice Court – Known for authentic Rajasthani and North Indian non-vegetarian cuisine. About 2 km away.
    • Kebabs and Curries – Serves Mughlai and North Indian dishes with a refined dining experience. Located around 100 meters from Hawa Mahal.

    Top Cafés Near Hawa Mahal

    • Wind View Café – One of the most popular cafés facing Hawa Mahal, perfect for photography and light meals. Located directly opposite the monument, less than 100 meters away.
    • Tattoo Café & Lounge – A rooftop café offering panoramic views of Hawa Mahal with continental and Indian options. Around 120 meters away.
    • Masala Chowk – A superb joint with over 40 shops serving authentic Indian, Chinese, and Continental food.
    Colorful Glass Windows at Hawamahal - JaipurLove
    Colorful Glass Windows at Hawamahal

    FAQs about Hawa Mahal Jaipur

    Question: How many windows (jharokhas) are there and what’s special about them?

    Answer: The palace features 953 small windows, or jharokhas, arranged in a honeycomb pattern. These latticed openings promote airflow, enhance privacy, and give the building its iconic, screen-like appearance.

    Question: Is Hawa Mahal really cool inside during hot weather?

    Answer: Yes, the structure remains noticeably cooler than the surrounding streets. The jharokhas channel breezes through the building, creating a natural ventilation system known as the Venturi Effect, which is highly effective in Jaipur’s desert climate. Many people observe a significant difference in the temperature inside the palace.

    Question: What are the best angles or spots for photos?

    Answer: The most popular photos are taken from across the road at street level, especially in early morning light when the palace reflects its magical pinkish hue. Rooftop cafés opposite the monument also offer elevated angles that capture the full façade without traffic in the frame. We highly recommend that you visit the Palace of Winds during the early morning hours or late at night when the place is less crowded.

    Question: How does Hawa Mahal compare to other Jaipur attractions like City Palace or Amber Fort?

    Answer: Hawamahal is more about visual impact and symbolism, while City Palace offers museums and royal residences, and Amber Fort delivers grand scale, fortifications, and expansive views. Together, they provide a well-rounded picture of Jaipur’s royal history and architecture.

    Question: What is the best time to visit Hawa Mahal?

    Answer: The ideal time to visit is from October to March, when temperatures are pleasant, and sightseeing is comfortable. Summers can be extremely hot, while the monsoon season brings humidity and occasional travel disruptions. We recommend that you visit it in the early morning when the sun rays reflect on the Rajput-style orange-pink-enticed Hawamahal. You can visit during the noon hours in winter, but it is recommended to avoid it during the summer. 

     

    4 Comments

    • Donald 8 Dec 2018

      Hawamahal Jaipur was the best part of my two days stay.

      • Pawan 4 Mar 2019

        Hey Donald, Hawa Mahal in India is one of the must visit. Glad you liked it. Spread the word. 🙂

    • Emily 8 Jan 2019

      Hawa Mahal jaipur looks stunning in evenings. Just loved it.

      • Pawan 8 Jan 2019

        Yes you’re so right. Hawamahal Jaipur looks that way during evening hours.

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