Hawa Mahal Jaipur

Fact File

It was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 A.D. and is major Rajput landmark dedicated to Lord Krishna.

Overview

Well known as the 'Palace of the Wind', it is an excellant example of Rajputana architecture. It is believed that this palace was built for the women of royal household to watch the everyday life and royal processions going on in the streets and bazars. Designed by Lal Chand Utsa, this beautiful monument is made of red and pink sandstone. The pyramid shaped five storeyed structure has 953 small windows along with small balconies and arched roofs giving it a look of giant screen and not the palace. It is known for its beautiful lattice work and splendid motifs.

Getting There

By Air : Jaipur is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur by domestic flights.

By Road : Jaipur can be reached from all the major places in Rajasthan, Delhi and Mumbai by bus.

By Rail : Jaipur is connected by rail to all major parts of the country.

Did You Know?

• The side of the Hawa Mahal facing the street has 953 small windows, and the breeze which passes through these windows gives this place its name. The breeze that blows here keeps the Mahal cool even during summers.
• Hawa Mahal can be visited between 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.
• The Hawa Mahal was designed by Lal Chand Usta.
• There is a small archaeological museum in the Hawa Mahal.

Attractions

City Palace

Situated in the heart of the old city, this palace is known for the excellent Rajput and Mughal architecture. It houses the seven-storey Chandra Mahal, and visitors can see here the former ruling family of Jaipur. The palace also has a musuem with an excellent collection of jewellery, costumes, arms, chariots, palanquins, carpets, rare manuscripts, miniature paintings and several items of the royal background.

Jantar Mantar

It is the largest of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh. This remarkable observatory was erected in 1718 to study the movement of stars.

Amber Fort

11km away from Jaipur on the Delhi-Jaipur highway, lies Amber Fort. Built by Maharaja Man Singh and Maharaja Jai Singh, it is a distinguished Rajasthan fort-palace. Inside the fort, visitors can see the Hall of Victory, the Ganesh Pole and the Sheesh Mahal. One can see the breathtaking look of the surroundings from this fort.

Central Musuem

Built in 1876, it is one of the oldest musuems in Jaipur. It is also called the 'Albert Musuem' and it lies in the Ramnivas Garden. It reflects the Indo- Sarcenic style of architecture and exhibits miniature paintings from Udaipur, Bundi, Kota, fine specimens of woodwork, metal objects, paintings and sculptures and other rare and beautiful objects. Courtyards, pillars and arches of this musuem are just spell bounding.

Location

Hawa Mahal or the Palace of the Wind is located in the pink city of Jaipur.

Best Time to Visit

As the summers are too hot so this magical city of Jaipur must be visited from October to February.