Hawa Mahal: The Trademark of Jaipur

This palace resembling the shape of inverted honeycomb structure was built in 1799 primarily to allow the royal ladies to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the street without being noticed by the onlookers. Due to the specific architecture of the palace and the uninterrupted views that it provided, the royal ladies could actually see the clear view of the street life without revealing them to the glare of public. In fact the windows of the palace were provided with designer lattice that not only allowed the birds' eye view of the street scenes but also helped to give a unique look to the entire building from the outside. But the main objective of these windows was to let the royal ladies enjoy the street scene without being noticed.

Who built it?

The credit of building this palace goes to Sawai Pratap Singh of Kachchwaha Rajput Clan. One of the most prominent architects of the era Lal Chand Ustad used best of his artistic skills and architectural excellence to conceptualize and plan the design of the palace.

What was the functional use of the palace?

There are as many as 953 windows that allowed the queens to enjoy the street view without being seen. In fact the customs and traditions of erstwhile Rajputs didn't allow the women to mingle with the local public freely and in case of royal women, even allowing the general public to view the face of princess or queen was out of question. But this secluded life stifled the queen's desires to enjoy the views of their beloved city, Jaipur that was then known as Rajputana. Hence, this palace facilitated them to get the unrestricted views of the street life without being seen by the general populace. The latticed windows of the palace not only helped them to enjoy the unrestricted views of the city life but also helped them to feel the luxuries of open environment as the 953 latticed windows of the palace allowed free inflow of air.

What is the reason behind specific shape of Hawamahal?

The Palace is designed in pyramid shape and there is more than one possible reasons of its artistic design. This palace was a few of its kinds that were especially built for the queens and if you look at the palace from a distance it looks like an inverted honeycomb and in the colony of honeybees the queen bee is the actual ruler. Isn't there any similarity between the life in the hive that is largely dominated by the queen and this palace that was especially designed for queens. Another theory goes that the building looks like a crown from a great distance and it was built to represent the crown of GovindDeoji the beloved deity of Mahraja.

Would you like to know some interesting tidbits?

The delicate and designer front of this pink hued palace has a distinct feminine character.
The palace is 5 stories high and when you will enter inside the front door you will see a large courtyard that has another surprise for you if you will look around . In fact there are 2 storey buildings on the three sides of the courtyard. The top 3 storey’s have only single room without courtyard. In simple words the top 3 buildings have only front existence while the 2 buildings in the base have proper courtyards.
Using his excellent architecture techniques Lalchand Ustad built the palace in such a strategic way that it facilitated the free flow of wind. So it was also used by royal people to fight the summer blues.
Hawa Mahal does not have a foundation and is counted among the tallest buildings in the world that stand without the support of foundation
The actual building of Hawamahal is curved and leans slightly. If you will use your best geometrical skills you can actually notice that it makes an angle of 87 degrees.
The top 3 storeys of the building do not have staircases and one can access there using ramps. The interiors of the palace are plain.
For the best visual rewards it is advisable to visit the palace from Saturday to Thursday. There is a minim museum that welcomes the visitors with rich relics, miniature paintings and ceremonial armor that gives a glimpse of the royal past.
While you reach at the topmost storey you can enjoy the bird's eye views of city palace and Jantar Mantar.

How to Reach

From Airport

Via Cab or Auto

Distance from airport 11.9 km via Jawahar Lal Naharu Marg (JLN Marg).
Car or auto will take 30-35 min to reach Hawa Mahal.
Charges for one side is approx. for auto Rs. 110 – 160 Indian rupee.
Charges for one side is approx. for cab Rs. 130 – 190 Indian rupee

Via Public Transportation

Bus Service is available for Hawa Mahal.
You can take auto and reach Jawahar Circle, than from Jawahar circle you can take bus AC-2 towards Joshi Marg, it will drop you at Badi Chopad from there 130 m (2 minutes walking distance of Hawamahal),
It will take more than 1 hour,
For Tickets & Information - +91 141 223 3509

From Railway Station

Via Cab or Auto

Distance from railway station is 4.2 km (via Station Road).
Cab or auto will take 15-20 min to reach Hawa Mahal.
Charges for one side is approx. for auto Rs. 70-100 Indian rupee.
Charges for one side is approx. for auto Rs. 100-120 Indian rupee.

Via Public Transportation

Bus Service is available for Hawa Mahal.
You can reach Station Circle, than after that from Station Circle you can take bus Mini Bus towards Galta Gate, it will drop you at Tripolia Bazar from there 450 m (8 minutes walking distance),
It will take 18-20 minutes.