Hawa Mahal India
If you have considered visiting India, you have probably heard of or at least seen a picture of the Hawa Mahal. It’s hard to miss… A massive pink building famously associated with Jaipur and boasting hundreds of tiny windows! Hawa Mahal also referred to as the Palace of the Winds, is, perhaps, one of the most Instagrammed places in India… but is it worth the hype?!
In this quick stop guide, we will tell you our first-hand experience and some top tips to help you decide if you want to visit this famous landmark! Lets Dive In!
We Value Your Time
We value your time! If you already know why you are here then head to our table of contents above and jump to the section you need. If you’re short on time right now, feel free to pin this guide on Pinterest for later!
Pin It On Pinterest
Where Is The Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal sits in the middle of Jaipurs Pink City, along Johari Bazaar Road, near the intersection of Badi Chaupar. It is very central, meaning lots of other attractions are just a stones throw away! We have highlighted the location on google maps below:
Our Experience At The Hawa Mahal
It was beautiful… but a bit manic! The street is exceedingly busy in and around the Palace, lots of people, tuk-tuks, cows, motorbikes, you name it – all making their way down the street while you try to grab that iconic shot! Definitely an Instagram vs reality moment, shall we say!
They do have a small area fenced off for tourists right in front of the Palace, which definitely saves you from being floored by a tuk-tuk. However, this section is very close to the Palace, so if you want to grab that iconic shot, you will have to venture out and across the road; this is the best spot!
Overall, we actually loved the chaos of the street, after all; if you are visiting India, you are likely looking for this authentic experience! It was a beautiful stop, and we would definitely recommend adding it to your Jaipur itinerary!
You Can Check Out Our Firsthand Experience At The Hawa Mahal On YouTube!
How To Visit The Hawa Mahal
If you want to visit the Hawa Mahal, we highly recommend booking a day tour around Jaipur! These tend to be very affordable and make seeing all the top sites a breeze! Our top picks are below:
Best Jaipur Tours
How To Get The Best Picture At The Hawa Mahal
To get that iconic shot at the Hawa Mahal, we recommend two things: Firstly, when you are close to the Palace or inside the tourist barrier, use a wide-angle lens, hold the camera low and tilt it upward; that way you should get the whole building visible in portrait mode.
Secondly, and very carefully, head across the busy street to the opposite side of the road! Here, you should be able to get a full landscape picture of the Hawa Mahal in all its glory!
Are You Keeping Up With Our India Series?
Check out our full collection of India Travel Guides here:
India Travel Guides!
Hawa Mahal History
Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the Hawa Mahal was constructed from red and pink sandstone to blend harmoniously with the grandeur of Jaipur’s City Palace. What makes Hawa Mahal most iconic is its intricate honeycomb facade, consisting of 953 small windows, or jharokhas, covered with delicate latticework.
This many windowed design was chosen to enable royal women of the court to observe street life and grand processions without breaking the purdah system. This sysem is a practise that restricts a womens personal, social and economic activities outside her home, usuallly due to religious beliefs. The many windows also permit air to flow through the palace, providing relief from the intense India heat and giving rise to its second name The Palace of the Winds.
Hawa Mahal Entrance Fee
If you just want to view the Palace from the street it is free! However, there will be lots of local guides there offering to take photos for a small fee. You can use their services if you wish, just be sure to agree on a price beforehand.
If you wish to go inside there is a small entrance fee. Alternatively you can purchase a day tour which inlcudes entrace to the palace amongst many other Jaipur attractions!
Where To Stay Near The Hawa Mahal
Here are our top recommendations for where to stay in Jaipur:
The Best Time To Visit The Hawa Mahal
In terms of the best time of year, we would recommend visiting the Hawa Mahal in the cooler months between October and March. Daytime temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C, making it far more comfortable than the sweltering summer months.
As for the time of day, really the earlier the better if you want to avoid the crowds. Later in the day is definitely busier but honestly, the vibrant streets are all part of the experience!
Pin It On Pinterest
Conclusion – Is The Hawa Mahal Worth The Hype?!
Overall we would say yes, the Hawa Mahal is worth the hype! It is stunning with some really interesting history, and the vibrant streets are all part of the experience! If you are heading to Jaipur, we say add it to your itinerary, even if you don’t go inside!
Don’t hesitate to let us know any questions you might have in the comments below!
Big Love
Beth and Denz