Photo spot in Jaipur
Hawa Mahal
Jaipur, Rajasthan
The five-storey 'Palace of Winds' with its honeycomb façade of 953 windows — Jaipur's most photographed landmark.
Best time
Early morning, when the rising sun lights the pink front and the road below is still quiet.
Best angle
Climb to a rooftop café across the road and take a straight-on photo that fits the whole five-storey front in the frame.
Entry fee
₹100 (Indian) / ₹600 (foreign)
Opening hours
9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Crowd level
High
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Hawa Mahal
Best times to shoot
Early morning, 7:00 – 9:00 AM
The façade faces east, so morning sun lights the 953 windows directly and the pink sandstone goes warm instead of flat. This is also before the traffic builds up on the street below.
Shoot from the rooftop cafés opposite
The classic full-façade frame is only available from the cafés directly across the road — they charge for a seat and a drink, and it is worth it. From street level you cannot fit the building in the frame.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Hawa Mahal
Climb to a rooftop café across the road and take a straight-on photo that fits the whole five-storey front in the frame. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
Looking up at the façade
Walking shot with the palace behind
Outfit guide
What to wear at Hawa Mahal
For photos at Hawa Mahal, yellow, white and pastel pink work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Modern, camera-ready looks picked for Hawa Mahal.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural outfits worn across Jaipur.
TraditionalBandhani saree
₹1,200–6,000
Bandhgala Jacket
₹1,500–8,000
Jaipuri Mojari and Jutti
₹300–2,500
Kundan Meena Jewellery
₹500–25,000 and far above
Lac Bangles
₹100–800 a set
TraditionalLeheriya dupatta with kurti
₹600–2,500
Eat nearby
Food near Hawa Mahal
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for pyaaz kachori nearby, or settle in at one of the 2 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
Restaurants & food places nearby
Good to know
Local tips
Photograph the front from a rooftop café on the opposite side of the road.
Arrive before 8 AM for soft light and a quieter street.
Look for the entrance at the back of the building, not on the main road.
Climb to the top floors inside for views over Jantar Mantar and the City Palace.
Watch for traffic when crossing the main road in front of the palace.
Combine your visit with Jantar Mantar and the City Palace, which are a short walk away.
Use the composite ticket if you plan to visit Amber Fort and Jantar Mantar too.
About Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh on the edge of the City Palace complex. Its five-storey pink sandstone front is covered with 953 small windows and latticed balconies. They let the royal women watch street life and processions below without being seen, and kept the rooms cool with a steady breeze.
The famous front faces the busy main road, but the building is only one room deep in places, so it looks very different from inside. You enter from the back and climb narrow ramps rather than stairs to the upper floors, which give views over the old city, Jantar Mantar and the City Palace.
Questions
Hawa Mahal — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Hawa Mahal?
Hawa Mahal is worth two different windows. Early morning, 7:00 – 9:00 AM — the façade faces east, so morning sun lights the 953 windows directly and the pink sandstone goes warm instead of flat. This is also before the traffic builds up on the street below. Shoot from the rooftop cafés opposite — the classic full-façade frame is only available from the cafés directly across the road — they charge for a seat and a drink, and it is worth it. From street level you cannot fit the building in the frame. Climb to a rooftop café across the road and take a straight-on photo that fits the whole five-storey front in the frame.
Is there an entry fee at Hawa Mahal?
Entry to Hawa Mahal costs ₹100 (Indian) / ₹600 (foreign). Prices change, so treat that as a guide and confirm at the counter.
What are the opening hours of Hawa Mahal?
Hawa Mahal is open 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM.
What should I wear at Hawa Mahal?
Yellow, white and pastel pink photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Hawa Mahal get?
Crowd levels are typically high. To miss the busiest window: early morning, when the rising sun lights the pink front and the road below is still quiet.
What food should I try near Hawa Mahal?
Try pyaaz kachori, available at nearby restaurants.
Why was Hawa Mahal built?
Hawa Mahal was built in 1799 so that the royal women could watch festivals and street life through its latticed windows without being seen. The many small windows also let a breeze flow through, which gave the palace its name.
Can I go inside Hawa Mahal?
Yes. The entrance is at the back of the building. Inside, ramps lead to the upper floors, where you can look out through the windows and over the old city.
Where is the best place to photograph Hawa Mahal?
The rooftop cafés directly opposite give the best straight-on view of the whole front. Most expect you to order something, and early morning gives the best light.
How much time do I need at Hawa Mahal?
Around 45 minutes to 1 hour is enough to see the inside and take photos. Add time for a coffee on a rooftop café opposite.