Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the year 1799 under the supervision of architect Lal Chand Ustad. He designed the facade of this palace like crown of his deity Lord Krishna. This 87-foot-high-pyramid-shaped, five-storied structure has 365 windows. Each storey is designated with distinct names: Sharad Mandir, Ratan Mandir, Vichitra Mandir, Prakash Mandir, and Hawa Mandir. The main entrance of the palace is known as Anandpoli and The second one is Chandrapoli. There is a huge tank with fountains in the second courtyard. To the south of this tank is Pratap Mandir, the personal room of Maharaja and Bhojanshala (kitchen) in the north. Hawa Mahal is connected to City Palace through a passage, which was used by royal females to see the Teej, Gangaur and other processions on the streets.

An architectural marvel of 953 windows

Perhaps the most stunning example of Rajasthani heritage from the time of the Royals is the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a wonder of wonders that will leave you spellbound with its architectural ingenuity. 

Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the grandson of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh and designed by Lal Chand Ustad, the iconic Hawa Mahal is a cherished landmark nestled right in the heart of Jaipur. It gets its name from an astonishing 953 windows or ‘jharokhas’ cleverly designed to create a honeycombed cooling system that keeps the palace well-aired and cool, even in sun-drenched summers.

This structure is the jewel in Jaipur’s crown that gives it its iconic look. Speaking of crowns, atop this magnificent mahal rests a pyramidal structure that signifies the crown of Lord Krishna. Owing to this resemblance, it is also fondly called 'the crown of Jaipur.'

A stunning fusion of Islamic and Rajput heritage, the Hawa Mahal's architectural brilliance is evident from its lovely pink façade. However, the real delights awaiting you inside will leave you in awe of its breathtaking splendour. So, let's step inside and witness this amazing marvel.

The tallest building in the world - without a foundation!

Turn back the pages of history to 1799, and there you will see Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh of the Kachhwaha Rajput dynasty, who decided to build the incredibly unique palace as an extension of the royal women's chamber. 

In those times, purdah (a religious and social practice of gender partition) was the custom, so with the help of Lal Chand Ustad, the Maharaj designed a unique grill called the Aakash Patal Jali that helped the ladies observe the junta around Johari Bazaar, excitedly chattering and bargaining with shopkeepers and karigars (mechanics), whilst staying unseen by people on the street. The latticed windows also overlooked the central boulevard along which royal and religious processions would pass.

Can't wait to go in and try it out? But if you're having difficulty finding the entrance, you're not the only one. Getting inside the Hawa Mahal is an experience on its own, for strangely, there is no front entrance, only a rear one. Instead of stairs, there are ramps to the upper floors of the tallest building in the world.

Yes, you read that right. At five storeys, the Hawa Mahal is the tallest building in the world—without any foundation. This architectural wonder is possible because it is curved and leans at an angle of 87 degrees.

Incredible, isn't it? 

Wonders at every level

The first floor houses the Sharad Mandir, which is decorated with colourful cultural glasswork for autumn celebrations. The second floor belongs to Ratan Mandir. The last three storeys constitute Vichitra Mandir, Prakash Mandir and Hawa Mandir.

Inside is a museum that houses Rajasthani miniature art; outside is a hub of stalls selling handmade jewellery, leather-crafted home decor items and the region's famous silver jewellery. 

Pretty in pink

In 1799, the palace was built with the beautiful local pink sandstone. Fast-forward a few decades, and Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, was about to visit. Pink was considered the colour of hospitality, so the Maharaja painted the entire city in a romantic, dusky pink hue to welcome him. The prince and the queen loved the colour and nicknamed Jaipur the 'Pink City'.

A law was passed that made it illegal to paint buildings in any colour other than Jaipur Pink, retaining Jaipur's status as the 'Pink City'. 

Beyond the mahal

The area around Hawa Mahal in Jaipur offers attractions such as the Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, and Jal Mahal, all within a short distance. From the historic splendour of ancient monuments to the bustling energy of local markets, the area surrounding the Hawa Mahal promises a multifaceted exploration of Jaipur's charm.

Whether you're drawn by the Hawa Mahal's architectural brilliance or the abundance of nearby heritage sites, this iconic monument is a must-visit destination in your Jaipur itinerary. While its exterior offers great photo opportunities, make sure to explore it from the inside to get a deeper understanding of its significance.

Information

Free Entry for:

- Children below 7 years

- Disable Person

- Entry for Student groups shall be free every day between 10.00 AM to 05.00 PM on the recommendation of their respective Institute.

Free Entry days:

- On the occasion of Rajasthan Diwas

- 18th April- World Heritage Day

- 18th May-World Museum Day

- 27th September- World Tourism Day

*Student concession ticket will be issued on valid ID card.