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Travel bucket list idea:

Palace of the Winds

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

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Bucket List Experience
Last updated: 26 June, 2023
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.

 

Logistics

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.

Who to go with: organised tours

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

Private Full Day Tour of Jaipur with Guide

Jaipur

Private Full Day Tour of Jaipur with Guide
Experience a private 8 Hour Tour of Jaipur!!! In the morning, there will be a 8:30 AM pickup from your hotel by your Driver & Guide. You will be driven in a Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle to the outskirts of Jaipur to visit the Amber Fort - a World Heritage Site, the Rajput-style Jal Mahal (Water Palace), The Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), The Jantar Mantar (Astronomical Observatory) and The Old and New Part of Jaipur city. Later in the day, enjoy an afternoon of shopping in Jaipur where you will find an enticing variety of goods. Some of the most precious Gemstones, Silver Jewelry, Bangles, Clothes, Blu Pottery and Textiles etc.

Price: $48

Min age: 0

Rating 4.97 / 5 [228 ratings]

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Private Jaipur Sightseeing Tour by Car with Driver

Jaipur

Private Jaipur Sightseeing Tour by Car with Driver
Explore Jaipur with your own private car and driver on a full-day tour that covers landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Start with a sightseeing tour that includes Amber Fort, Jal Mahal (Water Palace), Hawa Mahal (The Palace of Winds), and more, then have time for shopping in the afternoon. You’ll travel in comfort in an air-conditioned vehicle, and enjoy the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off.

Price: ₹1,550

Min age: 12

Rating 4.95 / 5 [93 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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

Jaipur

Full-Day Jaipur City Tour with Amber Fort and City Palace
Enjoy a memorable day of sightseeing and shopping on this guided tour of the highlights of Jaipur. Visit a variety of well-known historical landmarks including the Amber Fort, the City Palace, the Hawa Mahal and more. This 9-hour tour includes transportation, admission to all listed monuments and an Indian buffet lunch.

Price: $44

Min age: 0

Rating 4.84 / 5 [86 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Jaipur Day Tour

Jaipur

Jaipur Day Tour
• 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 historical monuments and landmarks covering the Amber Fort, Water Palace, Wind Palace, The City Palace and many more. This 8 hours tour includes transportation, Indian buffet lunch and admission to all listed monuments.

Price: $32

Min age: 8

Rating 4.90 / 5 [44 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Jaipur sightseeing Tour by Car - All Inclusive

Jaipur

Private Jaipur sightseeing Tour by Car - All Inclusive
Discover the best of the Pink City includes entrance to the Amber Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Nahargarh Fort, Albert Hall with a guide service to your package, which makes for convenient for Independent travelers will enjoy exploring the Amber Fort and Palace on their own time.

Price: ₹1,500

Min age: 0

Rating 4.42 / 5 [26 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

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