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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Amar Grover

The intricate lattice-screened and salmon-pink facade of the Hawa Mahal, or the ‘Palace of Winds’, is probably the most iconic image of Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital.

Constructed in 1799 as an extension of the maharaja’s City Palace, it was designed to permit ladies of the royal court to see the comings and goings of the outside world without themselves being seen by strangers. This tradition of purdah – essentially female seclusion – was strictly observed by the royals.

Its hundreds of tiny arched windows and niches with decorative dome-like mouldings and balcony-like brackets are rather fetching. The entire mahal is reputedly shaped like the god Krishna’s crown. Surprisingly, there’s not much to see behind the facade.

 

Price from: £1
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Hawa Mahal is in the centre of Jaipur, just around the corner from City Palace and next to Badi Chaupar metro station.

Many visitors content themselves with a (free) look at the facade from the public road it overlooks. Iconic though it is, the Hawa Mahal is really just about its remarkable facade.

However, you can visit the interior and, just as the courtly ladies once did, gaze out through its diminutive windows and screens. Buy tickets on the spot; access is via a small lane off Tripolia Bazar.

When to do it

The Palace is open all year round, seven days a week. It’s worth noting that as the building faces east, you’ll want to be there in the morning – the earlier the better – to catch the best sun-lit pictures of its photogenic facade.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Jaipur Sightseeing By Car, Driver and Guide

Jaipur Sightseeing By Car, Driver and Guide

Jaipur

Explore the enchanting city of Jaipur, In 9 Hour tour of Jaipur! In the morning, there will be a 8 - 10 AM pickup from your hotel by your Dr...

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Jaipur Day Tour

Jaipur Day Tour

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• Pick up at 9 am from your hotel, to enjoy a mesmerising day of Pink City sightseening on this guided tour of Jaipur. Visit a variety of hi...

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Jaipur Full-Day Private Guided Tour

Jaipur Full-Day Private Guided Tour

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Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites — the Amber Fort and Jantar Mantar — in addition to other top attractions on a private full-day tour o...

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Full-Day Jaipur City Tour with Amber Fort and City Palace

Full-Day Jaipur City Tour with Amber Fort and City Palace

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Enjoy a memorable day of sightseeing and shopping on this guided tour of the highlights of Jaipur. Visit a variety of well-known historical ...

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Samode Haveli

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India[1.5 miles]

A beautiful boutique hotel combining heritage and romance in an atmospheric corner of the Old City.

Official star rating:

Diggi Palace Hotel

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India[2.1 miles]

Characterful and charming heritage hotel in central Jaipur – a haveli, or mansion, originally built for a wealthy noble family. Excellent value for money.

Official star rating:

Rambagh Palace

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India[3.4 miles]

Formerly the Maharaja of Jaipur’s palace, this superb heritage hotel boasts luxurious and characterful rooms, coupled with impeccable service and charming gardens.

Official star rating:

The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India[7.8 miles]

A top-end, spacious reinvention of a Rajput fortress with beautiful gardens spread over 32 acres, with accommodation in elegant Maharajah-style tents or luxurious villas.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Jaipur

Rajasthan, India

Rajasthan’s state capital is a compelling blend of huge hillside forts, extravagant palaces, bustling bazaars, memorable heritage hotels and almost comically thronged streets.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

City Palace

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India[0.4 miles]

A fascinating, and among the best-preserved palace complex in Rajasthan, set in the heart of Jaipur’s Old City.

Best for ages: 13+ | £2

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Johari Bazaar

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India[0.5 miles]

Vibrant Johari Bazaar encapsulates the city’s reputation as India’s main gemstone and jewellery centre, with artisans’ workshops dotting its lanes and alleys.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Raj Mandir Cinema

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India[1.9 miles]

One of India’s most famous and flamboyant cinemas, it remains a Jaipur landmark and often screens movies to a full house.

Best for ages: 18+ | £1 | 90+ minutes

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Amber Fort

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India[7.3 miles]

One of Rajasthan’s great maharaja fortress-palace complexes, dating back to the 16th century, set amidst a spectacular backdrop of stark hills.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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