Heading to Jaipur? And want to know more about one of the best gems of Jaipur? You’re at the right place. Just suppose you found yourself in front of a building that has hundreds of little windows that gleam like honeycombs in the bright sunshine. Welcome to the Hawa Mahal, which is the jewel of Jaipur. This five-storey palace, also known as the Palace of Winds, is not only a beautiful building, but also a narrator of the royal history of Rajasthan. Constructed using the pink and red sandstone, it allows you to enter a world where tradition blends with the beauty.
This monument has something to offer everyone, whether you are interested in learning the history, visiting its inside, or knowing when the best time to see it is. This guide will lead you through its plush history, breathtaking architecture, practical information and other nearby attractions so that you have a full-on royal experience on your trip to Rajasthan.
History of Hawa Mahal
Each stone of Hawa Mahal bears the memory of the great days of the Rajputana. The palace was a creation of Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, and the Hawa Mahal's history dates back to 1799, when it was built by Lal Chand Ustad. The king was a devout follower of Lord Krishna, and actually, his vision to have the Krishna on the crown of the palace was the one which gave the palace its special design.
However, history does not concern itself with appearances only. The palace featured 953 well-carved windows (jharokhas), which provided the royal women with an observation, through which they were able to see normal daily life, festivals and processions on the street below, but they could not be seen from the outside following the auspicious rules of purdah. This well-thought-out design raised the building into a property which was both private and public, and grand and subtle at the same time.
Hawa Mahal has been considered one of the most photographed locations of Jaipur over the years. It has become a landmark of the city, and now People proudly call this city the Pink City due to its pink facade. Nowadays, tourists from different parts of the globe go not only to see the architecture but also to listen to the royal tales it contains.
Architecture of Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal is a blend of the Rajput and the Mughal style of architecture. Five storeys high, it seems to be the size of a screen rather than the architecture of a palace, looking from the street. The honeycomb designs of the windows allow air to waft inside, and then they were able to cool their palace even in the hot winds in Rajasthan.
It was constructed of red and pink sandstone, and it rhymes perfectly well with the environment of Jaipur. The pyramid-shaped structure is erected elegantly, whereby each level is narrower than the one below it to give it a crown-like appearance. The rooms indoors are less refined than the breathtaking exterior: open residential yards, narrow lanes, and small rooms.
The best part? A spectacular view of Jaipur city, including the bustling Johari Bazaar and City Palace, can be witnessed when one climbs to the inside of Hawa Mahal. It is the place where arts and practicality meet.
Essential Information on Hawa Mahal
It is always better to be acquainted with the basic information about Hawa Mahal before filling your bags. It will solve the problem and make your trip smoother, and not bring surprises at the last moment.
Location: Hawa Mahal Road, Badi Choupad, in the centre of Jaipur’s Pink City (Johari Bazaar).
Timings: Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Best visited in the morning when the sunlight enhances the façade.
Entry Fee: Indian tourists: ₹50 per person, Foreign tourists: ₹200 per person, Combined ticket available (includes Amber Fort, Jantar Mantar, Nahargarh Fort, and Hawa Mahal).
Inside Highlights: Narrow passages, pretty courtyards, a small museum with relics and miniatures, and upper-floor viewpoints overlooking Jaipur’s busy streets.
Best Time to Visit Hawa Mahal
With the appropriate timing, your trip can be more fun. The weather in Jaipur is very extreme, and therefore, scheduling your trip as per the best time to visit Jaipur makes your holiday comfortable.
Winter (October to March): This is the best season. The weather is conducive, 8°C to 22°C, which is ideal when sightseeing. Kite festivals and cultural festivals such as the Jaipur Literature Festival bring out the additional charm.
Summer (April to June): Jaipur is hot at this time of the year, and it can be up to 40°C. However, early in the morning is good; the sunrise is at the palace, making it look beautiful.
Monsoon (July to September): This average precipitation makes the city green. Going right after or during the rain adds a new flavour to the visit, but unexpected rain can alter the plans.
How To Reach Hawa Mahal
It is not a problem to reach here as Hawa Mahal is located in the centre of Jaipur.
By Air: Jaipur International Airport is within a 12 km distance. It is possible to take a cab or taxi there.
By Train: Jaipur Junction Railway Station is located within 5 km of the monument. There are auto-rickshaws and cabs.
By Road: Jaipur is linked with Delhi, Agra, and other cities by road. Cabs can be hired, you can use buses or drive.
By Local Transport: You can travel here by auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws and using apps like Ola and Uber. You can also rent a vehicle for yourself.
Places to Visit Near Hawa Mahal
Stay a little longer after visiting the Palace of Winds. Jaipur city has numerous treasures. These are the 5 must-visit places in Jaipur that must not be skipped when close to the Hawa Mahal:
1. City Palace Jaipur
Close to Hawa Mahal, there is the City Palace, where a blend of Rajput and Mughal styles can be observed during a short walk. It consists of open courtyards, gardens, and museums equipped with royal costumes, arms and artefacts that were built by Maharaja Sawai Jai and Jung II. Peacock Gate within is an excellent place to take pictures.
Timings: 9:30 AM- 5:00 PM
Entry fee: ₹ 200 (Indians), ₹ 500 (Foreigners)
Location: Jaleb Chowk, Jaipur
2. Jantar Mantar
It is a UNESCO World Heritage and it is an 18th-century astronomical observatory whose giant instruments keep track of time, planets and eclipse prediction. The Samrat Yantra, a sundial which is the largest in the world, is a sight to be seen. You should consider it a must-visit place if you appreciate science and history.
Timings: 9:00 AM 4:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹50 (Indians) ₹200 (Foreigners)
Location: Closely located to the City Palace, Jaipur.
3. Johari Bazaar
Johari Bazaar is where you want to be in case you love shopping. It is known for custom jewellery, fabric, gems and handicrafts. The bustling streets expose you to the Jaipur culture. Do not skip the Kundan and Meenakari jewellery at this place.
Timings: 10:00 AM- 9:00 PM
Entry fee: Free
Location: Next to Hawa Mahal, Jaipur.
4. Govind Dev Ji Temple
It is a temple of Lord Krishna, and it is a significant religious location in Jaipur. The idol resembles Krishna when he descended to earth. People gather to sing lively aartis and particularly in the months of Janmashtami.
Timings: 4:30 AM- 11:30 AM, 5:45 PM- 9:30 PM
Entry fee: Free Location: Jaipur City Palace Complex, Jaipur.
5. Albert Hall Museum
A museum designed in the Indo-Saracenic style, the museum is a treasure trove for history lovers. It possesses coins of ancient times, king attire and even Egyptian mummies. It is also an attractive place to take photos at night, which is lit in a surreal way.
Timings: 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM
Entry fee: ₹40 (Indians), ₹300 (Foreigners)
Location: Ram Niwas Garden, Jaipur.
Conclusion
Hawa Mahal is not just the face of Jaipur, but the representation of royal history and architecture. The honeycomb pattern, views from inside are all magical, and it is a must-visit when you go to Jaipur. It can be visited in combination with local attractions such as the City Palace or the Johari Bazaar to complete a royal experience. But do not admire pictures from the internet only; go into the fairy tale and experience it. So, don’t wait aymore and plan for your royal trip now.
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