The
Palace of Winds is centrally located in the city of Jaipur and is an
unusual structure with 953 small windows at the large wall facing the
street today. The numerous latticed windows were constructed to allow
breeze to enter in the hot months of summers. It was built by the poet
king Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 for the women of the royal family, to
view the royal processions and other activities in the street below from
the palace without being visible themselves. The palace also houses a
small archaeological museum. The Hawa Mahal is an architectural marvel
with the intricate jali work on the 953 casements which will undoubtedly
behold the spectator.The palace was designed by Lal Chand Usta in the form of a crown of Lord Sri Krishna. The pyramidal façade of the palace gives it a look of the screen and it doesn't seem that the palace has a huge three side open courtyard. The main entrance to the Hawa Mahal is from the city palace state door which opens into a spacious courtyard. The five storied Mahal is typically a Jaipuri structure for being built in red and pink sandstone, magnificently outlined with white borders and motifs. The astounding view of Jantar Mantar and the events of the street below is something which will remain etched in your mind after visiting this beautiful structure.
The best time to visit the Hawa Mahal is at sunrise when sunrays pierce the striking latticed windows and give the entire palace a golden radiance. The Jharokhas were built by Sawai Pratap Singh so that the royal women can experience a unique veiled freedom. To experience what the royal Rajput ladies of Jaipur felt in the bygone era, a visit to the palace is must. The palace still stands proudly at the heart of Jaipur and is a significant part of the modern-day residents of Jaipur.