The five-storey pink sandstone Palace of Winds, built in 1799, with 953 small windows. Its east-facing facade glows at sunrise.
Hawa Mahal was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh so that royal women could watch street life unseen, and its honeycombed screen of jharokha windows is Jaipur's best-known image. The famous facade faces east onto Badi Choupad, so morning light is best; the busy road offers few angles, and the preferred classic view is from the rooftop cafes across the street. Inside the fort-like complex, a courtyard and the rear side are quieter shots. Entry is about ₹50 for Indians and about ₹200 for foreign visitors per commonly quoted listings, and the monument is open roughly 9:00AM to 4:30PM, so the best dawn shots come from the road or cafes rather than inside. Check the current ticket price at the gate.
| Best time | Sunrise to 9:00AM for the facade; late afternoon for the rear courtyard |
|---|---|
| Best season | October to March |
| Address | Hawa Mahal, Hawa Mahal Road, Badi Choupad, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002, India |
Shooting notes
- Equipment
- 24-70mm zoom, 16-35mm wide-angle, a 70-200mm for window detail
Location
Hawa Mahal, Hawa Mahal Road, Badi Choupad, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002, India
26.9239, 75.8267 View on map
Highlights
- Iconic honeycomb facade of 953 windows
- Rooftop cafe views across the road
- Quiet rear courtyard
- Warm sunrise glow on pink sandstone
Tips for visiting
- Shoot from a rooftop cafe opposite at sunrise
- Use a polarising filter to deepen the sky
- Stay clear of the busy road corners
- Tripods may not be allowed inside
When to visit
Sunrise to 9:00AM for the facade; late afternoon for the rear courtyard
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time for a Hawa Mahal photo?
Sunrise to about 9:00AM, when the east-facing facade is lit.
What does entry cost?
About ₹50 for Indians and ₹200 for foreigners (approx $2.08 USD); verify at the gate.
Is the monument open at sunrise?
The monument opens later; the exterior is visible from the street at dawn.