Hawa Mahal which literally means "Wind Palace" is pride of Jaipur, the Pink city of India. Constructed by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the year 1799 A.D, Hawa Mahal is one of the remarkable monuments of the city.
Location: This alluring monument of erstwhile Rajputana era is located on the west of City Palace Complex.
History: Hawa Mahal was constructed to enable the royal ladies to witness the daily activities and colorful processions taken place on the main streets of busy old Jaipur city while remaining under veil. Lal Chand Usta, a famed architecture of bygone era has designed this unique structure.
Architecture: It is indeed a brilliant masterpiece of Rajputana dynasty. It has its own charisma which is unparalleled to any other monuments of India. Hawa Mahal's architectural design resembles to Lord Krishna's crown.
It is made up of red and pink sandstone and highlighted with white quick lime. It is a five storey, honey-combed structure monument. It is a perfect blend of traditional Rajputana artistry and Mughal style of architecture.
It has a very unusual architectural design, due to which it looks like a screen form outside. It has tier after tier of 953 small casements, each with tiny windows, small balconies and arched roofs. During the summer season, these small windows of this palace facilitates in the circulation of cool breeze.
What To See In Hawa Mahal: The prime attraction of Wind Palace is a small archaeological museum. It is known as Hawa Mahal museum and has a good collection of Terracotta antiquities, fish hooks, swords, arrow heads, helmets and some valuable articles used by the Maharajahs of Jaipur. This museum was founded in the year 1983 and built behind Hawa Mahal, adjoins to the Pratap mandir.
Best Time To Visit Hawa Mahal: The most suitable time to visit it is early morning, when it is drenched in the golden rays of sun.
