
Built in 1799, the Palace of Winds is located on the main road of Jaipur's commercial center. It was originally part of the City Palace and extended to the harem where concubines lived. It is now a landmark building in Jaipur.
The unique five-story building resembles a giant pink "wall," densely packed with 953 honeycomb-shaped windows, carved from red sandstone. At sunrise, the Golden Palace appears particularly magnificent, bathed in golden light, while at night, under the bright moonlight, it takes on a unique charm.
This structure also allows wind to blow into any part of the palace. Even in windy weather, as long as the windows are opened, the strong wind will blow through the front and back windows without blowing the building down. Hence the name "Palace of Wind".
Suitable for travel all year round
1-2 hours
50 rupees
9:00-16:30
The Palace of Winds (Hawa Mahal) was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh as an extension to the City Palace of Jaipur. The palace is an architectural marvel, known for its intricate latticework, 953 small windows, and its design which allowed royal women to observe street festivities without being seen. It is one of Jaipur's most famous landmarks and an iconic example of Rajasthani architecture.
The Palace of Winds is located in the heart of Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, in the city’s old town. You can reach the palace by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or local buses. Walking from nearby landmarks like the City Palace is also a great way to explore the area.
The Palace of Winds is open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The best times to visit are in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is perfect for photography and the crowds are smaller.
The entrance fee for Indian nationals is approximately ₹50, and for foreign nationals, it is around ₹200. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, but online booking options are also available for convenience.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory but recommended during peak tourist seasons (October to March) to avoid long queues. Tickets can typically be booked a few days in advance online.
You can fully explore the Palace of Winds in about 1-2 hours, including time for photography and exploring the surrounding area.
Yes, guided tours are available, and audio guides in multiple languages, including English and Hindi, can be rented at the entrance for a more informative experience.
Start by entering the main gate and exploring the museum on the ground floor. Then, head up to the upper floors to admire the intricate windows and the views. Take your time on the rooftop to capture the best photos of the palace and its surroundings.
The Palace of Winds does not offer night visits or light shows. The best time to visit is during daylight hours to fully appreciate the architectural details and city views.
The palace can get crowded, especially in the afternoon and on weekends. To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning or during weekdays.
The palace is generally accessible to elderly and children, though the upper floors can be challenging for those with limited mobility due to stairs. There are no special facilities for disabled visitors.
Cash is commonly used, but mobile payments like Paytm and cards are accepted at the ticket counter and nearby shops.
Many local restaurants in Jaipur offer vegetarian options, as vegetarianism is widely practiced in the region. Vegan and halal food options are also available in some restaurants.
Souvenir shops near the Palace of Winds offer Rajasthani handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and miniature paintings. Traditional items like scarves, pottery, and embroidered fabric are popular souvenirs.