Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), Jaipur: Opening Hours & Fees
Aptly known as Rajput Mahal, as it is a peek-a-boo into the old Rajputana culture, is the very reason why Hawa Mahal was built. Built-in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the Palace of Winds in Jaipur is an extension of the City Palace where the royal family still resides.The honeycomb look-a-like pink sandstone palace with its 5 stories interspersed with 950 windows, allowed its women to see the complete city without being seen from outside. Built-in Badi Chaupad in Rajput architecture, the pink-colored palace has arched awnings, scalloped walkways, intricate floral patterns, grooved pillars, and lotus.
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Each stone was carved by hand and the beauty of this architecture exudes the royal charm set in simplicity. True to its name, the palace is always airy as breeze circulates in ample inside the walls. The outer structure was envisioned by its designer Lal Chand Ustad, to look like Lord Krishna's crown, Lord Krishna being the favorite god of local women.
Opening Time: 9:00 am. – 4:30 pm.
Entrance Fees:
Foreigners: Rs.50
Tourist Pass/Composite Ticket covers 7 Jaipur monuments: Amber Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawamahal, Nahargarh, Albert Hall, Sisodia Garden, Vidhyadhar Garden.
Price:
Students:
Indian: Rs. 40 Foreign: Rs. 200
Things to Do in Hawa Mahal
The Hawa Mahal takes not more than one hour to go around unless you want to enjoy the breeze and architecture for longer. There are many other things around the Mahal that one can spend time seeing in leisure. Presenting you the non-exhaustive list of things to do in and around Hawa Mahal.The small museum inside is the window to the imperial past with swords, paintings ceremonial armor, and rich relics from that era on display. It is open from 9 am to 4:30 pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday only. Having seen the mahal and museum one can go to the City Palace.
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The Facade of the Magnificent Hawa Mahal
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City Palace:
The royal family still lives in a part of it. Connected with the Hawa Mahal, this is the original part of the palace that is estimated to be occupying one-seventh of the city of Jaipur. The spacious layout and exquisite craftsmanship are one-of-its-own-kind. The palace opens for the public at 9.30 am and closes at 5.00 pm every day.
Chandra Mahal:
Chandra Mahal is that part of the City Palace where the royal family still resides. This section offers only partial access to the public, royal quarters are no-access areas. Located around 200 meters from Hawa Mahal, this place reminds of the exuberant past lived by Rajput kings.
The palace is huge and needs time and stamina to walk around. The gate worth a mention is the one at Pritam Chowk, decorated with Peacocks that shine in the sunlight. Some portion of the palace is open to the general public from 9:30 am to 5 pm every day. Plenty of water will surely help you sail through easily.
Wind View Café:
If you are at Hawa Mahal in the morning, then this café gives you a complete and a very beautiful view of Hawa Mahal glistening in soft sunshine. Can there be a better way to do this than with a cup of Italian coffee in hand, soaked in its aroma?
Insightful Walking Tours:
These heritage walking tours are conducted in the mornings and evenings by a few tour operators. These tours help enter the by-lanes and see the authentic Jaipur. This is where you may realize the city’s geometrically precise architecture and stories behind the temples, buildings, and architecture. The tour may take you to see a local artisan's workshop to learn ancient arts like bangle making using sealing wax.
Jantar Mantar:
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located near City Palace. Largest of five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, this is the finest piece of scientific/astronomical architecture created between the period 1727 and 1734. Being this old, it is still completely functional and capable of advanced studies. Recommended for students, mathematicians, astrologists, scientists, photographers, and every curious soul. Jantar Mantar is located within Tripolia Bazar and near City Palace and Hawa Mahal. Jantar Mantar opens at 9:00 AM to close at 5:00 PM every day.
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Shopping:
Hawa Mahal is in proximity to many good markets like Johari Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, Chandpole Bazaar, etc. There is also Raja Ji Ka Safa the shopping arcade for inexpensive jewelry and handicrafts. Bargaining is a survival skill in these markets. Raja Ji ka Safa is good for bridal shopping and traditional Safas (turbans) matching the groom's trousseau. The entrance road is small and often congested, but that doesn't deter hardcore shoppers from getting the best deals. Adjacent Katla market is the ultimate shopping destination for wedding decorations.
Tripolia Market, on the other hand, sells pieces form vibrant Rajasthani culture. This one keeps richly embroidered clothes for women, distinctly designed carpets, brass, and iron items, the famous lac jewelry, rare gemstones that you would love to buy for gifting and keeping sake.
Govind Devji Temple:
A Lord Krishna temple, is one of the most visited temples in Jaipur. Morning and evening aartis are beautiful and ooze piousness. Do not forget to take the prasad as the laddoos are one of the tastiest here. The temple is located 700 meters from the Hawa Mahal. The temple opens for the public from 5:00 am to 11:45 am in the mornings and from 5:00 pm to 8:45 pm in the evenings.
Surabhi Restaurant and Turban Museum:
An old mansion is offering this rich cultural experience with live music and entertainment. A 10-minute walk from Hawa Mahal takes you to this unique place.
Tarkeshwar Mahadev Mandir:
This is a Lord Shiva temple. As per the folklore, it is believed that Tarkeshwar was born from earth. This is a very old temple is considered as the spiritual abode of Lord Shiva. The religious sanctity and spiritual aura pull devotees from afar. This two-century-old temple has a huge shivling and has spiritual value. The temple celebrates main festivals like Mahashivratri, Deepavali, Annakuta, and Nrisingh Leela.
There are many more attractions in Jaipur, close to Hawa Mahal like Gemstone Ganesh Museum, Gurudwara Hida Ki Mori, Sawai Mansingh Town Hall, etc. Narayan Gajak wale is a famous Gajak address in case you are a Gajak (a sweet) fan. A good sweet that can stay for months and a good gifting option. There are many more items that you like to carry back home. That's Jaipur for you.