Hawa Mahal Audio Guide
Explore Hawa Mahal with Stanza's GPS-triggered offline audio guide.
About the Tour
The Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, is a five-story palace in Jaipur, India, known for its distinctive beehive-like facade with 953 small windows. Built of red and pink sandstone, it allowed royal ladies to observe street festivals unseen.
What you will hear
The Anand Pol Entrance
Walk around to the City Palace side to enter through the 'true' front gate. This transition takes you from the bustling bazaar into the royal sanctuary.
The Imperial Gates
Entering through the Anand Pol or Chand Pol gates marks a sudden transition from the city's noise to royal silence. The heavy red sandstone reflects Jaipur’s identity as the Pink City.
The Archaeological Museum
Located within the courtyard, this space houses artifacts that tell the story of the Kachwaha clan of Jaipur.
Rajput Floral Art
These hand-painted floral motifs represent the fusion of Hindu Rajput and Islamic Mughal styles. Delicate organic patterns contrast beautifully with the sharp geometric lines of the palace arches.
Sharad Mandir (The Autumn Temple)
The first floor was used for autumn celebrations. Notice the fusion of Rajput floral motifs and Mughal arches.
Architecture of the Inner Facade
The top three floors of this palace are surprisingly thin, often measuring only the width of a single room. Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh was inspired by the unique Khetri Mahal.
The Royal Ramps
There are no stairs here. These smooth ramps allowed palanquins to carry royal ladies to the upper floors while maintaining their privacy.
The Screened Galleries
These narrow passages were designed for the parda system, which kept royal women invisible. The dense stone screens allowed them to see the city perfectly while remaining hidden in shadow.
Legacy of the Pink City
As you descend, reflect on how this 'Palace of Winds' remains the ultimate symbol of Jaipur's architectural genius.
Palace of Winds at Night
As the sun sets, modern floodlights transform the palace into a glowing orange beacon against the dark Jaipur sky.
Want to hear the rest?
Download the Stanza app to unlock all 25 stops and full GPS-guided navigation.