Hawa Mahal: Ticket, Timings, Best Photo Spots & Rooftop Cafés
10 Oct 2026
With its pink honeycomb facade of 953 tiny windows, Hawa Mahal is the face of Jaipur. Most people photograph it from the road and move on – but going inside, and then climbing to a rooftop café opposite, is the best way to experience it. This guide covers the Hawa Mahal ticket price, Hawa Mahal timings, how to find the entrance, the best photo spots and cafés with a view.
Quick facts: Hawa Mahal
- Hawa Mahal timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, every day
- Hawa Mahal ticket (2026): ₹100 Indian adults, ₹50 Indian students; ₹600 foreign adults, ₹300 foreign students
- Composite ticket: valid here, along with Amer, Jantar Mantar, Nahargarh and Albert Hall
- Location: Hawa Mahal Road, Badi Chaupar, in the old walled city
- Distance from Jaipur railway station: about 4–5 km, 15–25 minutes
- Time needed: 45 minutes to 1 hour inside
- Best photo time: early morning, when the sun lights up the facade
2026 rates as reported after the January 2026 revision – confirm on the official ticketing portal.
Hawa Mahal kahan hai? (Where is Hawa Mahal?)
Hawa Mahal is in the heart of Jaipur's old walled city, on Hawa Mahal Road near Badi Chaupar, right next to Johari Bazaar and a short walk from the City Palace and Jantar Mantar. If you are coming from the station or airport, ask your driver for "Hawa Mahal, Badi Chaupar".
Hawa Mahal timings
Hawa Mahal is open every day from about 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The facade faces east, so the morning light is the most beautiful – reach by 8:30 am for photos from the road, then go inside at opening time before tour groups arrive. In the evening, the monument is closed but the facade is lit up, which makes a lovely night view.
Hawa Mahal ticket price 2026
| Visitor | Hawa Mahal ticket |
|---|---|
| Indian adult | ₹100 |
| Indian student (with ID) | ₹50 |
| Foreign adult | ₹600 |
| Foreign student (with ID) | ₹300 |
If you are visiting several monuments, the composite ticket (covering Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Nahargarh, Albert Hall and more) is usually better value.
Finding the entrance
Here's the tip most first-timers miss: the entrance is not on the main road. The famous facade is actually the back of the palace. To go inside, walk around to the side lane towards Tripolia Bazaar and enter from the rear courtyard. Ask any shopkeeper for the "Hawa Mahal entry gate".
What to see inside
- The courtyards: a quiet open courtyard with a fountain and small exhibition rooms.
- The upper storeys: narrow ramps (not stairs) lead to the five floors – they were built so royal palanquins could be carried up.
- The windows (jharokhas): look through the latticed windows to see the street below, just as the royal women once did.
- The top floor: views of Jantar Mantar, City Palace and Nahargarh on the hill.
- Coloured glass: in the upper rooms, sunlight through stained glass creates beautiful patterns.
A little history
Hawa Mahal was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and designed by Lal Chand Ustad. Its shape is said to resemble the crown of Lord Krishna, of whom the Maharaja was a devotee. The 953 small windows (jharokhas) allowed the women of the royal household to watch festivals and street life without being seen, and they kept the palace cool with a constant breeze – hence "Palace of Winds".
Best Hawa Mahal photo spots
- From the road opposite: the classic front view; the wide median gives you a little distance.
- Rooftop cafés opposite: the best elevated angle, with the full facade in frame.
- From inside: frame the street through the latticed windows.
- Early morning: golden light on the pink sandstone and fewer vehicles.
- At night: the illuminated facade from the road or a café.
Hawa Mahal cafés with a view
Several cafés on the upper floors of the buildings directly opposite Hawa Mahal offer the best view in town. Popular ones include Wind View Café and Tattoo Café, both reached by narrow staircases in the shopping arcade opposite the monument. Go for a masala chai or a light meal; seats with the best view fill up around sunset and during peak season, so arrive early. Prices are a little higher than street cafés – you are paying for the view.
How to reach Hawa Mahal
- Jaipur station to Hawa Mahal distance: about 4–5 km; 15–25 minutes by car or auto.
- By metro: the Pink Line's Badi Chaupar station is a short walk away.
- By taxi: drivers drop you on Hawa Mahal Road; parking is limited, so the car waits nearby.
- From the airport: about 13–15 km, 30–45 minutes.
Book a Jaipur sightseeing taxi on WhatsApp: +91 63675 62588 – or see our city tour options.
Nearby places to combine
- Jantar Mantar and City Palace: a 5–10 minute walk.
- Johari Bazaar: right next door for jewellery, sweets and textiles.
- Isarlat (Swargasuli): a minaret near Tripolia with views over the old city.
- LMB and other Johari Bazaar sweet shops: for ghewar and kachori. See our food guide.
Hotels near Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
For walking access to Hawa Mahal and the bazaars, stay in the old city – there are heritage havelis and guesthouses around Johari Bazaar, Tripolia and Chandpole, many with rooftop restaurants. For more space and modern hotels, MI Road and C-Scheme are 10–15 minutes away. Note that old-city lanes are narrow, so check whether a car can reach your hotel.
Tips
- Go early – by 11 am the street outside is crowded and the light is flat.
- The ramps inside are narrow; take care with small children.
- Combine with Jantar Mantar and City Palace for a half-day in the old city.
- Bargain politely in the bazaars around Hawa Mahal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hawa Mahal ticket price?
As per the 2026 revised rates, the Hawa Mahal ticket is ₹100 for Indian adults and ₹600 for foreign adults, with lower student rates. The composite ticket is also valid here.
What are the Hawa Mahal timings?
Hawa Mahal is open daily from about 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The facade is lit up after dark but the monument is closed at night.
Where is Hawa Mahal located?
Hawa Mahal is on Hawa Mahal Road near Badi Chaupar in Jaipur's old walled city, next to Johari Bazaar.
Where is the entrance to Hawa Mahal?
The entrance is at the back of the building, reached from the side lane towards Tripolia Bazaar – not from the main facade on the road.
How far is Hawa Mahal from Jaipur railway station?
The Jaipur station to Hawa Mahal distance is about 4–5 km, a 15–25 minute drive.
Which café has the best view of Hawa Mahal?
The rooftop cafés directly opposite the monument, such as Wind View Café and Tattoo Café, have the best views.
How many windows does Hawa Mahal have?
Hawa Mahal has 953 small windows, called jharokhas.
Conclusion
Hawa Mahal is best enjoyed in three parts: the facade at sunrise, the windows from inside, and a cup of chai at a rooftop café opposite. Check the Hawa Mahal timings and ticket price, find the rear entrance, and pair it with Jantar Mantar and City Palace. Ghumo Jaipur's city tour taxi can drop you right at the old city gates.
Also read: Amer Fort guide · 35 best places to visit in Jaipur · Jaipur shopping guide