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Hawa Mahal
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · India

Hawa Mahal

Getting around: In the old (Pink) city of Jaipur, easily reached by auto-rickshaw, taxi, or a walk if staying nearby; the main entrance for entering the structure is around the back rather than the famous street-facing facade.
Hours: Open daily, roughly 9am to 4:30pm.

Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is a five-story pink sandstone facade built in 1799, famous for its 953 small latticed windows (jharokhas), originally designed to allow royal women to observe street life below without being seen themselves, in keeping with purdah customs of the era. The honeycomb structure also served a practical cooling function, drawing air through the small windows.

Most photos of Hawa Mahal are taken from the street outside, since the building is essentially a thin, elaborately decorated screen wall rather than a deep palace structure; entering from the rear does let you walk through the levels and look out through the same latticed windows the building is famous for.

Hawa Mahal FAQs

Can I go inside Hawa Mahal?

Yes, entry is through a side/rear entrance rather than the main street-facing facade, letting you walk up through the levels and look out through the latticed windows.

Why does Hawa Mahal have so many small windows?

The 953 jharokha windows were designed so royal women could observe street life below without being seen, in line with purdah customs of the era, while also providing natural cooling.

How long does a visit take?

30-45 minutes for the interior; many visitors also spend time photographing the facade from across the street.

Where's the best spot to photograph Hawa Mahal from outside?

A cafe or rooftop across the street from the main facade is the classic vantage point for the full front-on photo.

Is there an entry fee?

Yes, a modest ticket fee applies.

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