India /Rajasthan /Jaipur /Jaipur
Sight Address : Hawa Mahal is next to the City Palace. Enter from the rear of the building Edit
Detail InformationEdit
Hawa Mahal is counted amongst the most gorgeous and captivating piece of work by the Rajput rulers. The Rajputs were strictly traditional and did not wish their women folk to be seen in public. The Rajputs women were themselves immensely particular about their dignity and self respect hence, they did not prefer to come out in open with the common public and strangers.
Hawa Mahal
HistoryEdit
Hawa Mahal, Built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh the ‘Hawa Mahal’, Palace of the Wind, is one of the major landmarks of Jaipur. It is an integral part of the City Palace, an extension of the Zenana (women’s chambers) standing away from the main complex. This five storey building of unusual architecture designed by Lal Chand Usta, is a stunning example of Rajput artistry made of red and pink sand stone, beautifully outlined with white borders and motif’s painted with quick lime. The monument with a spectacular view of Jaipur city with road avenues, intersections and colourful crowds in the market, was originally conceived with the aim of enabling ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and royal processions in the city without being seen by others. It was in 1799 that the Kachhwaha Rajput ruler, Sawai Pratap Singh, grandson of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh who built Jaipur, constructed Hawa Mahal as a continuation of the Royal City Palace. Sawai Pratap Singh’s devotion to Lord Krishna is evident in the palace’s construction as it resembles the lord’s crown. Though many reasons are cited behind the construction of the fort, Purdah system followed by the Rajputs is said to be one of the main causes. During those days, Rajput royal women did not appear in public or in front of strangers. However, they were keen to follow the day-to-day events and royal processions occurring on the streets. It is for their benefit that the Hawa Mahal was built, complete with small windows and screened balconies. This gave the women a sense of freedom, without appearing in public. The entrance to Hawa Mahal is from the City Palace side, through a stately door which opens into a spacious courtyard. The courtyard has a double storeyed building on three sides. There is a small archaeological museum here. Only the eastern wing has three more storeys above, which are just a single room thick. The building, standing on a high podium, is a fifty-foot high thin shield, less than a foot in thickness, with small intimate chambers, which give this palace its unique façade. There are no regular stairs to reach the upper floors, but only ramps.
Must SeeEdit
Must-see
Visiting TimeEdit
9.30 A.M to 4.30 P.M.
Closed OnEdit
Friday
Best Season to VisitEdit
October to February
Best Time To VisitEdit
Morning, Afternoon
Time Required for SightseeingEdit
N.A.
Ticket Required : Yes Edit
Individual National Adult Rs. : Rs.10 (Free on Monday)
Kids Rs. : N.A.
Individual Foreigner Adult Rs. : Rs.50 (Free on Monday)
Kids Rs. : N.A.
Still Photo Camera Rs. : For Indian Rs. 10 & for Foreigner 30
Video Camera Rs. : For Indian Rs.20 & for Foreigner 70
Guide Required : No Edit
Approximate cost: N.A.
Dress Code (If Any) : No Edit
Dress Require: N.A.
Restaurants NearbyAdd / Edit
- Rangoli Restaurant ; Comfort Inn Hawa Mahal, Civil Lines, Jaipur ; Ph/M – 2223172 ; Food Serve – Continental, Indian, Chinese
How to ReachEdit
Taxi : Hawa Mahal, Jaipur can be accessed by Taxi. Taxis run on meter, and charges will hover around Rs 12 per kilometer.
Bus : Hawa Mahal is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Jaipur city. Buses are easily available to Jaigarh Fort from any major destinations of Jaipur.
Train : The nearest railway station to reach Hawa Mahal is Jaipur Railway Station, Shanti Nagar, Hasanpura, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India which is located at a middle of city. After getting down at the railway station, take an auto-rickshaw, bus or hire a taxi to reach the destination within the city.
Air : The airport is situated close to Sanganer, almost 13 km to the south of Jaipur City. Domestic airlines connect the city to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Agra, Jodhpur and Udaipur. The Jaipur airport also provides international flights to Dubai, London, Muscat and Sharjah. Taxis are available to and from airport. Air India, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, etc. fly daily to Jaipur.
Others : Cycle rickshaws charge anywhere from Rs 10 to 30, but this mode of transport is very slow.
Things to CarryEdit
Tourists should carry light cotton clothing, sunscreen.
Safety / WarningEdit
Summer – light tropical or cotton Winter – Woollens
1. Double-check all hotel and restaurant bills for errors.
2. Don’t leave cash and valuables in your hotel room. Use room safes where available.
3. Keep daily cash in separate pockets.
4. Don’t flash jewellery or large sums of money.
5. Never pay for anything upfront – including drivers.
6. Avoid touts!
HelplineEdit
Police 100
Fire 101
Ambulance 108
Child 1098
Directory Assistance 198
