The city’s most-distinctive landmark, the 18th-century Hawa Mahal (obms-tourist.rajasthan.gov.in/place-details/Hawa-mahal; adult/student ₹202/102) is an extraordinary gingerbread house of a residence, fronted by a delicate honeycomb of tiny porthole windows and multicolored glass panels that allowed the ladies of the royal household to secretly peek out at the jostle of the city bazaars.
Its five stories are linked by narrow, claustrophobic passageways, and selfie-takers throng the front facade of a monument known locally as the Palace of the Winds or Palace of Breeze. A few rooms display stone carvings, but the most enjoyable experience is sneaking a peek at the streets below through the doll's-house-like windows (great fun for kids). Climb to the upper levels for stunning views over the City Palace (the very top terrace is closed to visitors).
There’s a small museum (open Saturday to Thursday), with miniature paintings and some rich relics, such as ceremonial armor, which help evoke the royal past.
The entrance is on an alley running north from Tripolia Bazaar, but you can also get here via a passageway just north of the palace on Hawa Mahal Rd, beside the pink, courtyard-style Sri Goverdhan Nath Temple. Visit with a two-day composite ticket, which also covers the Amber Fort, Central Museum, Jantar Mantar, Isarlat and Narhargarh.
