Forts and Monuments

Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan
Highlights: 953 sandstone windows designed in Rajput Architectural Style
Timing: 09:00 A.M. to 04:30 P.M. (Friday closed)
Entry Fee: Rs. 10 for Indians , Rs. 30 for Foreigners, extra charge for camera/video

Visit the bustling Pink City, Jaipur in Rajasthan and you can't afford to leave the place without exploring Hawa Mahal. Also, known as the Wind Palace, this five-storey building is an excellent example of erstwhile architectural elegance. The bustling street of Sireh Deori Bazaar offers passers-by a marvelous view of the Hawa Mahal.

Hawa Mahal was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and was staying place for the females of royal families. A climb atop the multi niched building provides an extraordinary glimpse of the City Palace and Jantar Mantar

Palace Architecture
Hawa Mahal is best known for its semi-octagonal overhanging windows,which are covered with lattice screen. During the Rajput era, females of royal families where restricted from appearing before public and therefore the windows help them view world outside the Mahal. The pink sandstone Palace has 953 windows, all intricately crafted of tiny lattice (Jharokhas) and elaborate frames. The window also represents a remarkable touch of Mughal architecture, which aid free circulation of air to the Mahal.

The carved balconies and arched roofs(Torans) are added attractions. History says, that the whole structure was designed by Lal Chand Utsad, who had not only used its creativity to design the exterior of the monument, but also made a mark in the interior complex. The dept of the room and narrow scalloped walkways under domed canopies are worth-watching.

Tourist Attractions
The stunning Hawa Mahal attracts tourist, who desires to feat their eyes with architectural splendor. The Mahal glitters with beholding the shimmers of sun and offers a riot of pink, yellow and golden hues. It houses some collections of oldest artifacts, that speaks a lot about the medieval vim and vigor. Miniature paintings, ancient manuscripts, photographs of Raja Maharajas, coins, newspapers cuttings are displayed in array in the Museum.

Nearby Places to get around
Beside exploring the nook and corner of Hawa Mahal, tourist can get around the marvelous City Palace. The Palace complex consists of some must-visit places like Diwan -i- khas, Diwan-ae-aam, Mubarak Mahal, Rajendra Pol, the armory etc. The nearby Jantar Mantar Observatory is worth-visiting. Built in 1728, this astronomical center is the best and largest of five observatories in India.