Hawa Mahal Jaipur

Hawa Mahal or The Palace of Winds is an enduring and most recognisable symbol of the royal past of Jaipur. Designed by Lal Chand Usta, the Hawa Mahal was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799.

The Hawa Mahal extends the women's chambers of the City Palace and was built to enable the women to view the city life, without being visible themselves. Women of the royal family at that time observed strict 'purdah'.

Made of red and pink stone and highlighted with white quick lime, Hawa Mahal has five stories. There are 953 windows in the building and its facade looks more like a screen than a solid wall. The breeze that circulates as a result of so many windows gives the palace its name. It also keeps the palace cool even in most blistering of summers.

Hawa Mahal is favoured by tourists for its excellent view of the city. The best time to view Hawa Mahal is at sunrise as sunlight filtering in through the latticed windows gives it a wonderful glow. Hawa Mahal in the golden light of the sun is an experience truly to be savoured.

There are no stairs to access the upper floors, only ramps. Hawa Mahal now is maintained by the State archaeological department. Hawa Mahal is accessible through the city palace.