Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, was built in 1799 by Sawai Pratap Singh to the design of Lal Chand Ustad, as an extension of the City Palace zenana onto the main street. Its purpose was the street itself: 953 small jharokha windows let the women of the court watch processions and the life of the bazaar without being seen, and the lattice kept the building cool — hence the name.
It is five storeys tall and one room deep at the top, a facade more than a building; the shape is often compared to Krishna’s crown. The front is the view from the street; the entrance is from the back, through the City Palace side, and the upper floors give the only view down onto Badi Chaupar from above.
It is the image of Jaipur, and the pink of the walled city is nowhere pinker. The cafes across the street are where everyone photographs it.
What to see
| Name | Where | What it is known for |
|---|---|---|
| The facade | Sireh Deori Bazaar | 953 windows in red and pink sandstone. |
| The ramps | Inside | No stairs; the floors are reached by ramps. |
| Top floor view | Inside | Over Badi Chaupar and the bazaars. |
| Rooftop cafes opposite | Across the street | Where the photographs are taken. |
| Sireh Deori Gate | Beside | The palace’s ceremonial gate to the street. |
Worth knowing
- Morning light is best on the facade.
- The entrance is at the back; follow the signs from Tripolia.
- Included in the composite ticket.
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