About Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal or The Palace of Wind, is the most impressive monument in Jaipur. The major landmark of Jaipur, Hawa Mahal is a multi layered palace, which was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the year 1799. The magnificent five storeyed palace overlooking one of the main streets of Jaipur, was originally built for the women, so that they can watch the activities taking place is in the nearby market and surrounding streets. The palace offer splendour views of the pink city, including the old palaces and pink-painted houses. People who climb up to the balconies of Hawa Mahal, are almost swept away by the cool breeze.

Architecture of Hawa Mahal

The five storey palace designed by Lal Chand Usta, is famous for its beehive like struture. The Hawa Mahal is a finest example of the Rajputana architecture, which was greatly influenced by Mughal architectural style. The palace built of red and pink sand stone, is carefully and intricately outlined with white borders and motifs. The pyramid shaped structure is made up of 953 small casements, each with small lattice work pink windows, small balconies and nicely carved arched roofs. The interior of the building in not properly ornated. The chambers are plain, with more mass of pillars and passages lead to the top storey.

Entrance to the Hawa Mahal

The Palace has its entrance from the rare side of the main building, through a stately door. It has not the entry from front portion, like the conventional buildings. The entrance opens onto a spacious courtyard, which is surrounded from three sides by a double-storeyed building. A small archaeological museum is situated here. On the eastern wing there are three more storeys, which is just one room wide. The building stands on a high podium, which give this palace its unique facade. There are no regular stairs to reach the upper floors, but only ramps.

Attractions near Hawa Mahal

The City Palace The City Palace or Sawai Jai Singh's Chandra Mahal is situated close to Hawa Mahal. The Palace occupies a large area comprising many pavilions, courtyard, chambers, gardens and palaces. The architecture of the palace is a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. A portion of the palace is retained by the royal family, while the rest is open for public viewing.

Jantar Mantar The City PalaceThe stone observatory is located near the City Palace. Built by Sawai Jai Singh, Jantar Mantar houses complex astronomical instruments, which still provide fairly accurate information.

How To Reach

Air:Jaipur airport has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Jodhpur, and Udaipur etc.

Rail: Jaipur railhead is connected to major cities and towns of the country. From Delhi Shatabadi Express (in the morning) and Intercity Express (in the evening) run daily to Jaipur.

Road: Good network of roads connect Jaipur with other cities of Rajasthan and also with other states. The buses of Rajasthan Roadways run every day from Delhi to Jaipur.

Accommodation

The pink city is Jaipur, has several hotels which offer best accommodation facilities. The hotels range from deluxe, luxury, star to economic hotels cater to the requirements of visitors.