Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

The Palace of Winds or Hawa Mahal is a beautiful red sandstone building rising five storey high. Designed in the form of the crown of Lord Krishna, the purpose of Hawa Mahal was to create an extension to the Zenana section of the City Palace and allow the ladies of the court to view the life of the city from behind purdah.

Hawa Mahal is the most famous landmark of Jaipur, recognized by the 953 windows on its facade. The tiny windows with lattice work provide the much needed ventilation and give a pyramid like outline to the building.

The Hawa Mahal has an amazing view of the city down below and the Jantar Mantar. The best time to visit the Hawa Mahal is at sunrise when the palace glows in the morning light. A beautiful gateway from City Palace enables entry into the Hawa Mahal. There are no stairways inside Hawa Mahal, only ramps.