Hawa Mahal - INDIA

Location: This monument is located in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Built In: 1799
Built By: Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh
How to Reach: Hawa Mahal can be easily reached from anywhere in
Jaipur, since it is a very famous landmark.
Jaipur is synonymous with Hawa Mahal. This beautiful monument of India
was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the year 1799. Also known
as the Palaceof Winds, this beautiful monument is the landmark of
Jaipur. The monument is five stories high and the front of themonument
is delicately carved with beautiful motifs. It provides an outstanding
example of Rajput style of architecture. Hawa Mahal is not exactly a
palace but a screen of superbly sculpted windows that look like the
front of a palace. It was built for the royal ladies of Rajasthan who
wanted to view the busycity life from inside a veil. Read on about
Hawa Mahal of Rajasthan.
The structure comprises of 953 beautiful windows made out of pink
sandstone. These windows are known as"Jharokhas" and are built in a
way that it resembles a honeycomb.Behind every window is a small
chamber meant for sitting comfortably and viewing the busy city life.
The palace is called Hawa Mahal because these small windows allow
natural circulation of air, thus allowing ventilation from all parts
of the palace.
The monument is visited by scores of tourists every year, both local
and foreign who are completely mesmerized by the sheer magnitude and
elegance of this monument. The best time to view this monument is
early morning during sunrise when it looks exceptionally gorgeous. The
upper floors of the palace can be reached by climbing the narrow
ramps. There are no stairs inside the Hawa Mahal.
The palace is now maintained by the Archaeological Department. There
is a small museum located in the premises of Hawa Mahal that houses
ancient artifacts related to the Rajput lifestyle. This beautiful pink
sandstone structure is a must see if you are visiting Jaipur. It is
located right in the center of the city and can be easily reached from
anywhere in Jaipur. You can always hire an auto or a taxi to get to
this famous monument.