Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds, is one of the most celebrated symbols of Jaipur. Built in 1799 by Sawai Pratap Singh, this stunning pink sandstone structure was designed to be a summer retreat for the royal family. More importantly, it served as a place from where the royal women could quietly observe life and festivities happening in the bustling Johari Bazaar, without being seen.
With its 953 small latticed windows, known as jharokhas, Hawa Mahal stays naturally cool and breezy—giving it the name “Palace of Winds.” Even today, the gentle airflow through these windows feels refreshing.
History of Hawa Mahal: A Palace Built for Privacy & Comfort
The poet-king Sawai Pratap Singh, inspired by Lord Krishna’s crown, built this five-storey masterpiece in the heart of the Pink City. At that time, the practice of purdah (veil) was followed among royal women.
To allow them to witness daily street life, ceremonies, and processions without breaking tradition, the king built this airy, window-filled palace.
Today, the Hawa Mahal is maintained by the Archaeological Department of Rajasthan and also houses an archaeological museum in its courtyard.
The Five Storeys of Hawa Mahal: Names & Unique Attributes
Hawa Mahal is famously known for its five-storey pyramidal structure, each floor designed with a different purpose and architectural style. These floors were built to ensure privacy, airflow, and a beautiful view for the royal women. Here’s a simple and clear breakdown of each level:
First Floor – Sharad Mandir (Hall of Autumn Moonlight)
Sharad Mandir is located on the ground level.
Attributes:
- Used during Sharad Purnima celebrations.
- Decorated for festivals and moonlit nights.
- Cool breeze flows naturally through its many jharokhas.
Second Floor – Ratan Mandir (Hall of Precious Stones)
This level is known for its colorful glasswork.
Attributes:
- Walls decorated with vibrant stained glass windows.
- When sunlight passes through, the entire room glows with beautiful colors.
- It was often used for relaxation by the royal ladies.
Third Floor – Vichitra Mandir (Hall of Wisdom or Curiosity)
This was the private worship area of the king.
Attributes:
- Maharaja used this floor for daily prayers and meditation.
- Has a peaceful, open atmosphere.
- Offers a closer view of the streets below without being visible.
Fourth Floor – Prakash Mandir (Temple of Light)
A bright and airy section of the Mahal.
Attributes:
- Known for maximum natural light.
- Both the front and back sides have open terraces.
- Ideal for enjoying sunrise and sunset.
Fifth Floor – Hawa Mandir (Wind Temple)
The highest and breeziest part of the palace.
Attributes:
- Gives the best panoramic view of Jaipur city.
- The wind flow is strongest here—true to the name Hawa Mahal.
- Light-weight construction ensures better airflow.
Why These Floors Matter
Each storey of Hawa Mahal was built with a purpose—whether it was celebrating festivals, worship, relaxation, or enjoying cool breezes. Together, these five floors create the unique shape and beauty that makes Hawa Mahal one of the greatest architectural masterpieces of Rajasthan.
Architecture: A Blend of Rajput & Mughal Styles
Hawa Mahal is not just beautiful—it is an engineering wonder.
Key Architectural Highlights:
- Five-storey honeycomb design: From the front, it looks like a delicate beehive filled with miniature windows. But inside, the rooms are simple and connected through ramps instead of stairs.
- Tallest building in the world without a foundation:Yes! Despite having no foundation, the building still stands strong because of its unique curved, pyramidal design that leans at an 87-degree angle.
- Cool air circulation: The 953 jharokhas work like a natural air-conditioning system, making the palace breezy even during Jaipur’s hot summers.
Architectural fusion
- Rajput (Hindu) style: domes, canopies, chhatris, fluted pillars
- Mughal style: arches, filigree work, stone-carved designs
This harmonious mix makes Hawa Mahal a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture.
Why Hawa Mahal Was Built
Here’s the simple reason behind the construction:
The royal women wanted to watch festivals, street markets, and city life without being seen. The jharokhas were specially designed to allow them this freedom.
Experience Hawa Mahal: What Visitors Can Do
View from outside
Most visitors admire Hawa Mahal from across the road—the most famous view.
Climb to the top
You can go inside and climb to the upper floors. The view from the windows is beautiful, giving you a clear picture of old Jaipur’s lively streets.
Explore the museum
Inside the courtyard is a small archaeological museum with old artifacts and royal items.
Timings & Entry Fee
- Open: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Indian Visitors: ₹50
- Foreigners: ₹200
Tickets can be bought at the site or online.
How to Reach Hawa Mahal
Reaching Hawa Mahal is very easy because it sits in the center of Jaipur.
Options:
- Local buses
- Auto-rickshaws
- E-rickshaws
- Cabs (Uber/Ola)
It is located close to City Palace and Jantar Mantar, making it part of the perfect Jaipur heritage walk.
Why Hawa Mahal Should Be On Your Jaipur Itinerary
Whether you love history, architecture, photography, or culture—Hawa Mahal is a place you simply shouldn’t miss. Its unique design, cool interiors, and historical charm make it one of the most fascinating structures in India.