Binalkumar Garasia
Google
Overview
The Hawa Mahal, or “Palace of Winds”, is one of Jaipur’s most iconic landmarks and a masterpiece of Rajput architecture. Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, it was designed by Lal Chand Ustad as an extension of the City Palace.
The main purpose of this five-story palace was to allow the royal ladies to observe street festivals and daily life without being seen — maintaining the purdah tradition while still enjoying the vibrant city below.
🌬️ Architecture & Design
Hawa Mahal’s façade is truly breathtaking — a pink sandstone structure with 953 small jharokhas (windows), each intricately carved and beautifully designed.
These tiny windows allow cool breezes (“hawa”) to pass through, naturally ventilating the palace — a brilliant example of traditional Rajasthani architecture that combines beauty with functionality.
From the front, the building looks like a delicate honeycomb or crown, making it one of the most photographed monuments in Jaipur.
Inside, narrow corridors and sloping ramps connect the levels, offering panoramic views of the City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and the bustling streets of the Pink City.
☀️ Experience
Visiting Hawa Mahal is a delightful experience — from the outside, it looks grand and intricate, while the inside gives you a real feel of Jaipur’s royal past.
The upper floors provide beautiful views of the old city, especially in the morning when sunlight hits the pink façade.
The cool breeze flowing through the windows even on a warm day justifies its name — truly a Palace of Winds.
The area outside Hawa Mahal is also very lively, surrounded by local shops, cafés, and street vendors selling handicrafts, jewelry, and Rajasthani textiles.
📸 Photography & Surroundings
The best view of Hawa Mahal is actually from across the road, where several cafés have rooftop seating (like Tattoo Café or Wind View Café).
Morning light enhances the pink color beautifully, making it perfect for photos.
The top floors of the palace offer great shots of the City Palace and Sireh Deori Bazaar below.