"Hawa Mahal- The Wind Palace" HAWA MAHAL Tip by lynnehamman

Built in 1799 by order of Maharajah Sawai Pratap Singh, this pink confection of a building is part of the city palace complex. I call it a pink confection because my first impression of it was that of a giant pink honeycomb cake. The design and shape was meant to resemble that of Krishnas crown. It is built from red and pink sandstone, highlighted with white.
Comprising of 5 stories, there are no stairs- only ramps to ascend.The entrance courtyard has 3 sides of 2 story height, and the eastern (street facing) side is 3 stories high, and has width of exactly one room.
The Front of the Wind Palace has 953 windows, covered with carved lattice filligree windows, which allows a cool breeze to circulate through the building. This frontage was designed so that the ladies of the zenana, (who held strict purdah) were able to look down and watch street activity without themselves being seen.
The architectural style is Rajput (Chatris) but softened with touches of Mughal (delicate curved arches and marble inlay ornamentation.).
There are fine views of Jaipur form the top floor of the building.

Address: Part of City Palace Complex
Directions: Old City, Main Street. Enter Hawa Mahal from the rear.