Nestled in the heart of Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, Hawa Mahal stands as a testament to the city’s rich heritage. Also known as the Palace of winds,, this icponic landmark is renowned for its stunning architecture and historical significance.
Here’s a closer look at what makes Hawa Mahal, a must-visit destination in the Pink City.
A Glimpse into History
Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, Hawa Mahal was designed by Lal Chand Ustad in the form of Lord Krishna’s crown, the unique structure allowed royal women to observe street festivities and daily life while remaining hidden from public view, adhering to the purdah system.
Made of red and pink sandstone, the palace reflects the Rajputana and Mughal architectural style, Hawa Mahal symbolizes the royal lifestyle of the bygone era, showcasing a fusion of beauty and functionality.
Architectural Marvel
Hawa Mahal is often admired for its distinctive honeycomb-like structure, which serves multiple purposes:
Ø The 953 jharokhas ( windows) provide natural air circulation, keeping the palace cool even during Jaipur’s scorching summers.
Ø The top floors offer breathtaking panoramic views of Jantar Mantar, City Palace, and the bustling streets of the old city.
Ø Unlike conventional buildings, Hawa Mahal has no front entrance; visitors enter from the City Palace side.
When to visit Jaipur:
October to March
Jaipur has a warm climate, but October to March can be described as the best time to visit the pink city. … Winter is the best time to visit Jaipur, the weather is perfectly dry and sunny. There’s barely any rainfall, so it turns out to be the destination to escape the cold winter temperatures at home.
On the other hand, considering that it is the time where most tourists visit the city, one may have to be prepared for higher accommodation prices. Since the most popular hotels in Jaipur are usually in high demand during this time, plan if you intend to visit the place during this period.
When not to visit: April to June:
These months make up summer in Jaipur. It is quite hot, especially during the daytime. May and June are the hottest months. Summers in Rajasthan can be brutal and, hence, sightseeing can be very difficult. The temperature can soar up to 47 degrees Celsius.
July to September: Though still hot in Jaipur, the monsoons during these months bring with it high humidity levels.
Getting There: By Air:
Sanganer Airport is 10 km away from the main city and has both Domestic and International Terminus, which is 7 km and 10 km far, respectively. All the major airlines like Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet connect Jaipur with the other major cities in India.
Direct flight to Kuala Lumpur, Sharjah, Muscat, and Dubai are also available from here.
Delhi to Jaipur Flights (Non-Stop) duration 50 minutes to 1 hr 5 minutes.
Mumbai to Jaipur Flights (Non-Stop) Duration 1 hr 40 minutes to 1 hr 50 minutes
By Train:
It has three Railway Junctions: Gandhinagar, Durgapura, and Jaipur Main. Indian Railways have connected this popular tourist place with all the major cities, such as Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Ahmadabad, Jammu, Kanpur, Bhubaneswar, and Agra.
Major trains, such as the Shatabdi Express, Intercity Express, and other Express Trains, regularly connect Jaipur with other cities.
You can enjoy the exotic train journey in ‘ Palace on Wheels’. It originates from Delhi and connects Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, and Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur, and Agra for a week-long luxury trip. Costs: Differs in peak season, and the itinerary is 7 nights, 8 days.For a truly luxurious experience, opt for the ‘Palace on Wheels’.
Delhi to Jaipur Train: travel time between 6 hours to 9 hours
Mumbai to Jaipur Railway Station Train: travel time between 17.50 hours to 22 hours.
By Road:
Jaipur, the Pink City, is linked with all the major cities of India through the network of National Highway 8, 11, and 12 to name a few. There’s also an excellent bus service between Jaipur and Delhi provided by Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) with the buses at about every half an hour to and from both sides.
There are non-AC and AC Volvo buses in which the fare of the AC bus is higher. Distance from different places by road :
- Delhi to Jaipur — 269 Km (4h 13 min via NH8)
- Agra to Jaipur — 237 Km (4h 15 min via NH11)
- Jodhpur to Jaipur — 338 Km (5h 8 min via NH112 and NH8)
- Bikaner to Jaipur — 343 Km (5h 20 min via NH11)
- Jaisalmer to Jaipur — 592 Km (8h 36 min via NH15 and RJ SH 19)
Where to Stay:
· 5 Star Hotels: Hotel Oberoi Trident,Hotel J W Marriot, Jai Mahal Palace, Radisson Blu, Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre & Hotel Le Meridien to name a few.
· 4 Star Hotels: Hotel Ramada, Hotel Park Prime, Hotel Peppermint, etc.
· 3 Star Hotels: Hotel Arya Niwas, Hotel Maharani Palace, Ummaid Mahal Hotel, Comfort Inn Hawa Mahal, etc.
· Heritage Hotels: Alsisar Haveli, Bharat Mahal Palace, Bissau Palace, Castle Kanota, Chomu Palace.
Experience the royal way of life in Jaipur, where the hospitality of the people is as warm as the blush hues that embrace the cityscape!
What to Pack:
· Lightweight cotton clothing for the summer as temperatures can peak beyond 40C.
· Essentials like a good pair of walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sunhat and mosquito repellent.
· A jacket and woolens for winter nights as temperatures can dip to 4C.
What to Eat:
Pink city is one of the most visited destinations of many holidaymakers. Rajasthani cuisine the city is always on the travel list of many. A visit to this beautiful city calls for a dip into the pool of rich flavors of Rajasthan. Your trip is not complete without trying Dal Baati Churma, Pyaz ki Kachori, Gatte ki sabzi, Ghewar, Mava Kachori, Lassi, Chokhani Kheer and Mirchi Vada, and the mouthwatering Kachoris!
Pyaz ki Kachori:
For all those who are wondering what Kachori is? Well, it is a puffed-up fried snack that is crispy and flaky in texture and is filled with sweet or savory flavors.
Every morning starts with a plate of kachoris and a warm cup of chai (tea), and if you’re traversing the city, you ought to live and travel like a native.
Hawa Mahal is not just an architectural marvel or a historical site, but also a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Jaipur. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or a foodie, this majestic palace and the city surrounding it offer an unforgettable experience.
Plan your trip during the winter months, choose your accommodation wisely, and don’t forget to savor the flavors of Rajasthan, and immerse yourself in the grandeur of Jaipur.
In my next blog, I will try to give you a glimpse of the mouth-watering Rajasthani cuisine.
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