Hawa Mahal: A Must-Visit Tourist Attraction in Jaipur During A Family Vacation

The Pink City, Jaipur, is home to dozens of ancient forts and palaces. Throughout the year, the city sees tourists thronging to see these. However, some places stand out and are a must-visit during a family vacation. Of the many tourist places in Jaipur, the Hawa Mahal is truly outstanding, making it one of the top places to visit in Jaipur.

A Popular Destination for a Family Vacation

A sight that will leave you mesmerised with its grandeur, the Hawa Mahal is one of the finest creations of the Rajput era. Literally meaning ‘Palace of Winds’, the regal structure was designed by Lal Chand Ustad and built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh around 1799. The monument was inspired by Khetri Mahal, a unique palace in Jhunjhunu, a town near Jaipur.

The five-storeyed palace stands 50 feet tall. The first two storeys have open courtyards while the top three floors contain just one room. These three rooms each contain the Vichitra, Prakash, and Hawa Mandirs. The top two storeys are only accessible via a ramp and do not have stairs.

Read Also: Visit Kumbhalgarh Fort, World’s Second Longest Wall

The building features a blend of classic Rajput architecture with strong Mughal influence. The Rajput architecture can be seen in the domed canopies, lotus and floral work, and the fluted pillars, while the Mughal influence is reflected in the filigree work and arches. The Mughal parts are often compared to the work seen in Fatehpur Sikri.

The truly defining features of the palace are the jharokhas – small windows on the outside of the building that were meant for the women of the royal family. This was built into the design because Rajput women followed the purdah system that prevented them from showing their face in public. The jharokhas were built for women to view daily happenings, religious processions, and festival celebrations without violating the norms of the time.

The Hawa Mahal has 953 such windows arranged in a pyramid shape and honeycomb pattern. These jharokhas serve another purpose – they allow proper ventilation; cool breezes are a blessing in the burning heat of the Jaipur summer. The actual viewing holes are very small and this leads to the ‘venturi’ effect, which takes place when any fluid or gas passes through a constricted area. Air pressure gets reduced, leading to a cooler and more pleasant atmosphere.

Entry Timings

The Hawa Mahal is open to visitors from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. The palace is located in the middle of the old city and reaching the monument is very convenient. It is one of the star attractions of Jaipur tourism and you can take an auto or taxi from your place of stay. You can even hop on a bus to take in the sights of the city on the way. Jaipur is well-connected by rail and air, both domestically and internationally.

The best time to visit Jaipur is between October and March when the weather is pleasant, unlike the rest of the year when the heat could be unbearable. The city is a popular tourist spot because of its various attractions. It is a city that has embraced modernisation without losing any of its great culture and heritage. The Hawa Mahal is just one of the numerous beautiful tourist places in Jaipur.

Enjoy a Memorable Stay at Club Mahindra Jaipur

With plenty of places to visit in Jaipur, it is no surprise that there are several resorts and hotels. But to enjoy a memorable stay one must choose a Jaipur resort that has style and class. Club Mahindra Jaipur resort offers unparalleled amenities with spacious and comfortable rooms to make your visit a truly memorable one. The in-house restaurant allows you to savour the local cuisine. Check out some of the Club Mahindra reviews online to know more.

Jaipur is the perfect getaway to relieve you of stress; it allows you to enjoy a memorable vacation with your family. So book your tickets now and prepare to lose yourself in the wonder of the Pink City!