I am sure many of you have seen umpteen pictures of the iconic Hawa Mahal in Jaipur. I have posted a few pictures of Hawa Mahal in my posts as well since it is synonymous with Jaipur.
Check out: Hawa Mahal – The face of Jaipur

A large number of tourists only get to see the facade of the Hawa Mahal which is facing the road.

And why is it so? The reasons for it are plenty.
Firstly, the tour companies cram as many places in the itinerary during a short span of time to create more “value”. They are able to add this “illusion” with a customary 5-minute halt outside the Hawa Mahal. This allows tourists to click few pictures of this iconic building, on way to Amer Fort. That’s it! Visitors are wrongly informed that there is hardly anything to see inside the building.

Secondly, with many things to see and experience in Jaipur, it’s natural for some “compromise” which results in few visitors exploring the Hawa Mahal fully from inside.

Thirdly, the visitor doesn’t have a piece of complete information. They stick to the popular itineraries listed on the internet. Most of these “standard” itineraries never suggest exploring Hawa Mahal.

Exploring the Hawa Mahal complex allows you to enjoy the great views of the surroundings including City Palace, Sirehdyodi bazaar and Johari Bazaar. I’ll be dedicating a full post on Hawa Mahal, soon.


But for now, here are few pictures from the top floor of the Hawa Mahal. It allows you to see things from a different perspective.

Here is a picture that overlooks the other side of Hawa Mahal -towards City Palace.
Hawa Mahal is an interesting building, one of its kind in the entire world. While it may not interest everyone, heritage, history, art and architecture enthusiasts should not miss exploring the Hawa Mahal complex.
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Check out previous posts on Weekly Photo Challenge–Click here. This post is part of Weekly Photo Challenge –Atop
Check out other interesting places in Jaipur
Wow that’s great to know, as I have always seen Hawa Mahal from the front.
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Gopesh you have a lovely blog. Thanks for the visit and your valuable comment. 🙂
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We too were there on 26th of this January and found it really beautiful !!
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Ah! Great to know. Would love to run through the post if you have it on your blog. 🙂
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I so completely agree that there is so much more to see inside the Hawa Mahal than just the exterior. I was personally mesmerized by the interiors, its five different levels, the lovely jharokas, view of the Nahargarh from there….SIGH! I can go again and again and find something new.
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You said it well, Ami! There’s so much to see inside the Hawa Mahal.I’m sure Jaipur will pull you back for another trip. Try monsoon season next time, for a change!
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Wow! Have passed it so many times, visited it twice but never saw it as Lord Krishna’s crown till you mentioned it. Totally agree with you, that there is just so much to see behind the iconic building.
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Most people generally go by popular opinion. Its always a good idea to explore around based on your choices. Thanks for Sharing your thoughts 🙂
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MINDBLOWING
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🙂
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😊
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To be completely honest, I’ve never heard of Jaipur, but I’m glad I came across your blog to learn about it!! Thank you for sharing! And the pictures were lovely 😊
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Well, even though Jaipur is on international tourist map, i wouldn’t be surprised if you haven’t heard about the pink city. Its not a major city on international map. But the city has its own charm and attraction. I’m happy that you like this blog and pictures. Thanks for the visit. 🙂
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This is so true, most tourist companies try to skip Hawa Mahal. We were lucky enough to visit it completely. The views from the top are one of a kind.
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I’m happy that you explored Hawa Mahal. Certainly, view from the top are superb!
I guess you still have not chronicled this travel on your blog, yet!
🙂
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Yeah, I have just started writing. Will slowly add more stuff as and when I get time. 🙂
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Great. Will look forward to it.
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I truly wasn’t aware that tourist guides actually give less importance to this incredible structure. Because I remember being fascinated by the windows and all the shadows they created (that’s what I recall seeing from my then 13 year old eyes, I may be wrong) in the palace. There were so many small windows that I lost count. It’s a beautiful structure, just like you say and people should explore it more.
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Well there are some practices which are not ethical. tourist trade is also guilty of few, with strong cartels that are meant to misguide and fleece tourists.
There are 953 windows!
Did you also visit inside the Hawa Mahal?
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953! Wow! The sheer brilliance of craftsmanship itself is enough to elicit a ‘wow’ from anyone. Yes, I went inside. I clearly remember that, though I dont remember much else from that trip….There was also something about why it’s called Hawa Mahal, thought now i can’t remember the story. Maybe you could tell us
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Well the popular story is that Hawa Mahal enabled the royal ladies to see the processions and other religious function which passed through the city street. Difficult to imagine now, but 60-70 years ago, women spent their life in veil, so this allowed them to see things without walking out of the royal abode. But there are many other versions. I’ll be posting all about it very soon, Pradita. Will keep you updated, whenever I do!
Happy to know you have visited Hawa Mahal. Since you don’t remember anything about that trip, time for a refresher?
🙂
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Yes that’s the story I remember being told too. But then most of that trip comes to me only in fragments. I was more awed by that famous movie hall there… Forgot the name! 😑 But it was like a palace I remember, right down to the rest rooms. I was absolutely mesmerized. We watched Khudagawah there 😁 if you mean to say a visit by a refresher,then I honestly don’t know when my next trip to anywhere is coming up. But if I ever do, you know who I’ll look to 😉
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you’re referring to the iconic Rajmandir! In this age of multiplexes, it’s something else as you rightly pointed out.
I know what you mean regarding travel plans. Just keep the faith. I honored with that statement of yours, Pradita. Thanks 🙂
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Yes! Rajmandir it was. Is it still as marvellous as it was back then? And you’re most welcome 😊
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It is still around and being maintained the ☺same way.
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Then hopefully it still stands whenever I come there again. 😊
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Ha ha! 😂
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Such an inspiring and motivating post! I would love to visit Jaipur soon!
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Happy to know this. Will post more on Hawa Mahal soon. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 🙂
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