Location
: Jaipur
Built in : 1799
Highlights : Its Rajputana architecture and its 953 windows
Perfect Time to Visit : October to March
The literal meaning of Hawa Mahal is 'Palace of Winds'. One of the main
landmarks of Jaipur, it is a five storey building, displaying remarkable
Rajputana architecture. Build in pink and red sandstone, the mahal has 953
windows, which were built with the aim to enable ladies of the royal
household to watch the everyday life and royal processions in the city
without being seen. Each one of these windows has tiny lattice worked (Jali)
windows (pink in color), small balconies and arched roofs with hanging
cornices, elegantly modeled, engraved and carved. A spectacular view of the
city can be seen from this palace. Though one can see a glimpse of Mughal
architecture, the splendid Rajputana architecture with beautiful outline and
white borders and motif's done (painted) with quick lime beautifully adorns
the palace.
The main entrance to the Hawa Mahal is from the City Palace side, through a
door that opens into a spacious courtyard. This courtyard has a double
storeyed building on three sides. The pyramid shape of the Mahal gives it an
appearance of the crown that adorned the head of Lord Krishna. The Mahal
stands on a podium and is fifty feet high, though the thickness is less than
even a foot. In contrast to its beautiful architecture, the interiors of the
palace are simple. The best time to explore the beauty of the Hawa Mahal is
sunrise when sunlight pierces the latticed windows giving it a wonderful
glow.
How to Reach
Air :Jaipur is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur,
Aurangabad, Kolkata and Varanasi by domestic flights.
Rail : Jaipur is well connected to major cities of India by train.
The train service to Jaipur is available from all the major parts of the
country.
Road :Jaipur can be accessed from all the major places in Rajasthan,
Gujarat, Delhi and Mumbai by bus.
