Hawa Mahal Jaipur, Rajasthan

Last Updated on 5/10/2026

Hawa Mahal in Jaipur is a famous pink sandstone palace known for its beautiful windows, unique design, and cool breeze. It was built for the royal family. Visitors can reach it by road, train, or air. You can visit this place from October to March to enjoy its beauty, history, and lovely city views. 

Imagine walking through the busy streets of Jaipur and suddenly seeing a beautiful pink palace covered with tiny windows. That is Hawa Mahal. It is one of the most famous landmarks in Jaipur and has a very fascinating story behind its design.

It was built for the royal family and was designed with hundreds of small windows that allowed fresh air to flow through the palace. This special design also gave royal women a way to watch the busy streets without being seen. Today, it is a must-see place for anyone visiting Jaipur. 

Where Can You Find Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal is located in the heart of Jaipur, Rajasthan, in the famous Pink City. It stands on Hawa Mahal Road, near the busy Johari Bazaar, so visitors can easily explore the local markets after seeing the palace. 

The palace is also close to other popular attractions like City Palace and Jantar Mantar. This makes it easy to visit several famous places in Jaipur on the same day. 

What Makes Hawa Mahal Famous

Hawa Mahal is famous for its beautiful pink sandstone front and hundreds of small windows. Its unique design, royal history, and place in Jaipur’s old city make it one of the most popular places to visit in Rajasthan.

History of Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the grandson of Jaipur’s founder, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. It was designed by Lal Chand Ustad for the women of the royal family. So, they could watch festivals, street life, and daily activities through the windows without being seen. The name Hawa Mahal means “Palace of Winds” because air can easily pass through its many windows. 

Hawa Mahal Architecture and Design

The palace has five storeys and is mainly made of pink and red sandstone. Its front has hundreds of jharokhas, or small windows, with beautiful lattice designs. These windows give the palace a honeycomb-like look and also allow fresh air to move through the building. This clever design helps keep the palace cool during hot weather. 

What to See Inside Hawa Mahal

While the outside of Hawa Mahal gets most of the attention, its inside also has some interesting features worth exploring.

• The Five Levels: Hawa Mahal has five levels, each with its own design and features. Some areas have colourful glass work, while others are open to the sky.

• Ramps and Passages: Inside the palace, you will find narrow ramps and passages instead of regular stairs. These made it easier for the royal women to move around the building.

• The Jharokhas: The palace has 953 small windows, known as jharokhas. These beautifully designed windows allowed royal women to watch the streets and festivals while staying away from public view.

• Central Courtyard and Museum: A central courtyard can be found inside the palace, along with a small archaeological museum. It displays historical objects and gives visitors a better idea of Jaipur’s past.

Good to Know Before You Go

• The Famous Front View: The famous honeycomb-like front of Hawa Mahal is best seen from outside. Since the palace is quite shallow, you cannot get the same full view from inside.

• Best Photo Spots: You can get beautiful photos of Hawa Mahal from the street across the palace. Some nearby rooftop cafes also offer a higher view of its famous pink facade.

Things to Do Near Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal is surrounded by many famous places, so you can easily explore more of Jaipur after visiting the palace. From royal buildings to busy markets and museums, there is something interesting to see nearby. 

• City Palace: City Palace is a beautiful royal complex located close to Hawa Mahal. You can explore its grand courtyards, gates, halls, and museums while learning about Jaipur’s royal family and history. 

• Jantar Mantar: Jantar Mantar is a historical observatory located near Hawa Mahal. It has large stone instruments that were used to study the sun, stars, and planets. It is a great  place to see how people studied the sky before modern technology. 

• Johari Bazaar: If you enjoy shopping, head to  Johari Bazaar near Hawa Mahal. The market is known for jewellery, colourful clothes, handicrafts, and traditional Rajasthani items. You can walk through its busy streets and experience Jaipur’s local life. 

• Albert Hall Museum: Albert Hall Museum is one of Jaipur’s oldest museums and is known for its beautiful architecture and large collection of historical objects. You can see paintings, sculptures, pottery, textiles, and other items that tell stories about Rajasthan’s rich past.

How to Reach Hawa Mahal Jaipur 

Hawa Mahal is in the heart of Jaipur, so reaching it is quite easy. You can travel to Jaipur by air, train, or road and then take a local taxi, auto-rickshaw, or bus to reach the palace.

Hawa Mahal Timings, Entry Fee and Best Time to Visit

Before visiting Hawa Mahal, it is good to know its opening time, ticket price, and the best time to go. This makes it easier to plan your visit and enjoy the palace without rushing.

• Opening Hours: Hawa Mahal is open every day from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Morning is a good time to visit because the weather is cooler and the sunlight makes the pink sandstone look beautiful.

• Entry Fee: The ticket costs around INR 100 for Indian visitors and INR 600 for foreign visitors. Students may get tickets at a lower price with a valid ID.  You can also check the official Rajasthan tourism information for current ticket details.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March is a good time to visit because Jaipur has cooler weather during these months. However, if you visit during summer, try going in the early morning to avoid the strong afternoon heat.

• Best Time for Photos: Early morning can also be a great time for photos, as the sunlight falls nicely on the front of the palace. For a different view, you can also see the palace from nearby rooftops later in the day.

Best Places to Take Photos of Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal looks beautiful from almost every angle, but a few spots give you especially good views of its famous pink facade. You can choose a rooftop cafe for a higher view or stay at street level for a closer look.

• Tattoo Cafe: Tattoo Cafe is located across the street from Hawa Mahal and offers a clear view of the palace. Its rooftop setting is a great place to capture the full honeycomb-like facade from a higher angle.

• Wind View Cafe: Wind View Cafe is another popular rooftop spot near Hawa Mahal. From here, you can get an elevated view of the palace and its rows of small windows while enjoying the busy streets around it.

• Street Level: The area directly opposite Hawa Mahal is a simple option for taking photos. You can capture the full front of the palace from the pavement and try different angles to make your pictures more interesting.

• Opposite Temple Staircase: For a different view, you can use the staircase of the temple opposite Hawa Mahal. The higher landing of this spot gives you a clear view of the palace and can be a good spot if you want a less common photo angle.

Tips for Visiting Hawa Mahal

A little planning can make your visit to Hawa Mahal easier and more enjoyable. So, keep these simple tips in mind before you go.

• Visit in the Morning: Try to visit Hawa Mahal in the morning when the weather is cooler and the area may be less crowded.

• Wear Comfortable Shoes: Wear comfortable shoes because you may need to walk around the busy streets and nearby attractions.

• Carry Water: Carry a bottle of water with you, especially if you are visiting during the warmer months.

• Keep Your Camera Ready: Keep your camera always ready because you can find many beautiful views and details to photograph inside and outside the palace.

• Explore Nearby Places: You can also visit nearby attractions such as City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and Johari Bazaar on the same trip.

• Check the Latest Ticket Information: Check the latest ticket prices and visiting details before your trip because they can change.

• Be Careful Around the Road: Be careful while crossing the road in front of Hawa Mahal because the area can be busy with traffic and pedestrians.

Conclusion

Hawa Mahal is one of the most beautiful and famous places in Jaipur. Its pink walls, small windows, and interesting royal history make it special. A visit to this palace lets you see its design and learn a little about Jaipur’s past. You can also take beautiful photos and explore nearby places like City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and Johari Bazaar. So, if you are visiting Jaipur, Hawa Mahal is a place worth adding to your travel plan. 

Also Read : Jodhpur: The Blue City of Rajasthan