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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Pink city-one of the precious treasures of India
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Indeed. Thanks for the visit 🙂
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If I visit Jaipur again, you will be one of the reasons. Your pictures are encouraging me for doing so 🙂 Lovely pictures as always.
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Is that so Rupali ? Happy to know that you liked it. When was the last time you visited Jaipur? Few years? ….
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More than a decade ago 🙂
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Oh…Another reason for you to visit Rupali. 🙂
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Another reason I don’t use tour companies, Arv. I spent at least two hours there (I don’t know exactly how long) exploring, looking and photographing.
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Me too Mick. We’re not here to merely tick off places on the list! I would rather prepare my itinerary based on what I like than allow someone else with his choice. I will happily settle for 2 places than 6!
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Definitely, Arv. I like to travel slowly, familiarise myself with a new town, then see a few places, but see them properly.
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Well said. That’s like an explorer, not
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A tourist
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Beautiful pictures!
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Thank you Giulia 🙂
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Excellent pictures and pink is so pink!
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I always have an intense desire to visit Hawa Mahal and your photography made me more interested…
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Great. 🙂
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I believe the problem with bus tours being constantly on the go and not taking time for in depth exploration of anything worth seeing is universal around the globe. Indeed, the Hawa Mahal is unique in the way it has been constructed in the shape of a crown. Magnificent images, my friend!
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Thank you for appreciating. You are right the tour companies operate on a squeezed itinerary. I guess that’s how they are able to generate business as well, showing more places. I know many people who don’t like such travel. 🙂
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Haha Mahal looks more beautiful in pictures! You are right arv, the tourists are told there is nothing inside this renowned structure and I feel it is right because the majestic beauty of the outside fades away from memory once you decide to look inside. I did! When I was told so I insisted on going inside but was a little disappointed as it is not kept well, it cries for care!
Your pictures are terrific!
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I visited Hawa Mahal recently. I believe you must have taken a tour long back. As of now, its being maintained pretty well. All tourist attractions in Jaipur are definitely in a better condition today than before. But yes, some less popular places need better upkeep. Generalized opinions may not be accurate since we all have our own preferences and interests. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for the appreciation. 🙂
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I have a thing to not just go by tour itineraries. Read blogs, they give you better information – like here!
In fact, i take road trips these days because i was tired of those customary 5-minute halts. I so wanted to explore Great Ocean Road in Australia but had to wind-up in just a day because of the tour we took.
Good to see Mahal from inside, will check out your full post too.
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You are right. In my opinion, these conducted tours are not meant for explorers. They suit tourist better.
You are right, blogs provide many different perspectives which commercial and paid guides don’t. This way you can plan better.
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This is definitely my №1 destination in India. I am in love with this building since your first post about Hawa Mahal. I really would like to explore it from each angle and inside if possible.
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I’m sure you’ll absolutely love this place, Lidiia. Keep me posted on your plan to visit Jaipur. Will provide you some suggestions. 🙂
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I would be glad to have your suggestions while planning a trip to India. Btw, one Indian guy from our recent trip is coming to Ukraine next month. He said, he was so inspired by our culture and style of life so he has to see and feel it by himself =D
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That’s awesome Lidiia! I’m sure your culture is inspiring enough for this person to travel to Ukraine to experience it in person. It’ll be great to help you plan your India trip, Lidiia! 🙂
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Yeah, we are already planning the activities for this Indian guy and I am so looking forward to visit your country.
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Great. 🙂
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The inside of the Hawa Mahal, is one of the most beautiful palaces I have seen on my recent, I’ve spent hours walking around and admiring this treasure.
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Its great to hear this Cornelia. The architecture is marvelous. Happy to hear about it from you. 🙂
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I climbed to the top floor of Hawa Mahal in 2011 to peep through the little windows
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Great. 🙂
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Please follow me 😊
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Lovely photos, Arv. Like you, I’d much prefer to visit two sites in a day and be able to take in all the details of the place than just whip round six and see very little at all! Hawa Mahal is a magnificent structure and I’d love to spend some time looking around and taking photographs.
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Truly Beautiful.
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Thank you Rupam 🙂
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Loved it. The pictures are beautiful. 🙂
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Thank you Yamini. 🙂
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Have you ever been inside the Hawa Mahal?
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Gorgeous Arv! A friend of mine was recently in your region and is posting lots of awesome pics on Instagram. Making me really want to visit someday. Her blog and Instagram is called Soul Travel Blog. Her name is Ellie.
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Thanks Nicole. I checked her Instagram. Lovely pictures. You should visit India….someday?
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As you mentioned Arv, these are definitely the unseen parts of Hawa Mahal, we would spend hours here roaming inside and taking in all the beauty! This is the downside of hiring the guides or the tour companies since they don’t allow you to have your own time and enjoy a place.
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While hiring a guide does have its own advantage, the problem starts when your interest doesn’t quite match up with general itinerary! you just might take a fancy of a particular spot, and decide to spend another hour over there! So if you love certain aspect, its always wise to find out about a place in advance. This allows you to amend a program to your advantage.
I always pick just a handful of places that interest me rather than tick off the list. I’m sure this works well for you too! I haven’t posted a full post on Hawa Mahal, yet! will keep you posted when I do.
Thanks for sharing your views here. 🙂
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Wow – that building is amazing!
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Thank you Fiona. 🙂
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Not only hawa mahal, one should explore the whole jaipur. It’s a beautiful place. ❣
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I can only agree with you, Nikita. Did you visit Jaipur, recently?
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Not recently, but like 3 or 4 yrs ago.
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Ah! Will love to read your travel accounts of Jaipur, if you have posted on your blog, Nikita. 🙂
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I haven’t posted yet any travel diaries.. but will do it for sure 🙂
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Will look forward to it then, Nikita 🙂
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