The Stunning Architecture of Hawa Mahal Palace in Jaipur, Known as the Palace of Winds / A Palace with 953 Unusual Windows Where Women Were Not Allowed to Leave + Video

Saturday, January 25, 2025 Read time4 min

"Saed News: Jaipur is one of the most fascinating cities in India, home to some of the most unique and famous landmarks in the country. In this beautiful city, there are several royal palaces, each more stunning than the other. One of these palaces in Jaipur is known as Hawa Mahal, also referred to as the Palace of Winds in India."

The Stunning Architecture of Hawa Mahal Palace in Jaipur, Known as the Palace of Winds / A Palace with 953 Unusual Windows Where Women Were Not Allowed to Leave + Video

"According to the Family Magazine Service of Saed News, the Hawa Mahal Palace was built in 1799 and is recognized as one of the most unique palaces in the world due to its fascinating structure and architecture. The palace is made of red and pink sandstone. The design and construction of the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur were inspired by Rajput and Mughal architectural styles, and the beautiful result of this fusion is a palace that, even after all these years, is still considered one of the most beautiful palaces in the world.

The palace was built at a time when royal women were not allowed to leave the palace and could not appear in public. For this very reason, the architect decided to design a palace for the royal family where the women could watch life outside and enjoy public festivals through the numerous windows of the palace. This palace we are talking about is the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur (The Palace of Winds), and it is known by this name because it has 953 windows, more than any other building in the world! If you look out from inside the palace through its windows, you will see a fascinating view of the City Palace of Jaipur and the Sireh Deori Bazaar. It’s worth mentioning that the Sireh Deori Bazaar is one of the most attractive markets in Jaipur, often referred to as the "Shopping Paradise of Jaipur."

Why Should You Visit the Hawa Mahal Palace?

The Hawa Mahal Palace, located in the city of Jaipur, India, is one of the most iconic and famous palaces in the city. Jaipur, as the capital of Rajasthan, is just a few hours away from Delhi and is one of the most fascinating cities in India, known for its royal palaces and grand architecture. It is part of India’s Golden Triangle tourist circuit, attracting many visitors each year. The beautiful pink Hawa Mahal, also known as the "Palace of Winds," is recognized as one of the most unique palaces in the world, with "Hawa" meaning the easy flow of wind through the palace. The palace is pyramid-shaped, 15 meters high, and built with numerous windows. It is currently home to several buildings and a museum.

History of the Hawa Mahal Palace The Hawa Mahal Palace, with its unique façade, is located in the southern part of Jaipur city and has become a major tourist attraction in recent years. It was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Singh to extend the women’s quarters of the City Palace. The design of the palace was done by the famous architect Lal Chand, who gave it a five-story structure. While the architecture of Hawa Mahal was inspired by another palace called Khetri Mahal, its fame far exceeds that of its predecessor.

Architecture of the Hawa Mahal Palace As mentioned, this palace has five stories, but only three of them are usable; the upper two floors are virtually unused due to their very low ceilings. However, these two floors are vital for the pyramid shape of the palace, and their design contributes greatly to the overall beauty of the building. Each of the 953 windows in the palace is intricately designed and resembles a beehive, and delicate stucco work is done on the walls. The palace is particularly stunning at sunrise, when the light creates a dazzling effect. The palace is designed to be exceptionally cool, due to its specific structure, with the entrance located at the back of the building. To enter, visitors need to go to the rear of the palace. Inside, there is a large door that opens into a central courtyard. Apart from several buildings, there is also a museum located within the palace. In 2006, after a 50-year hiatus, the palace was renovated, and several parts of it were reconstructed.

How to Access the Hawa Mahal Palace in Jaipur The Hawa Mahal Palace is located in the southern part of Jaipur at the intersection of Badi Chaupad Road in the Big Four Square. From there, turn right and follow the signs guiding you to the entrance. The palace's entrance is located at the back of the building, and it can be accessed by all forms of public transportation.

Opening Hours and Entry Fees You can visit the Hawa Mahal Palace daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. With the entrance fee, you can explore this magnificent palace and its beauty. Note that the ticket is valid for two days and allows access to the surrounding areas of the palace. It takes around one to two hours to visit the palace and its museum.

At night, the palace is beautifully illuminated, making it a must-see experience after dark. As mentioned, there is also a small museum inside the Hawa Mahal, open from Saturday to Thursday, where you can view beautiful paintings that hold immense historical value and showcase India's rich culture. Be sure to visit this museum to deepen your understanding of Indian culture.