The Hawa Mahal or Wind Palace, what Jaipur is most famous for, was built in 1799. Commissioned by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the grandson of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, who was the founder of Jaipur.
When you see the Hawa Mahal from the street side, you might think it is the front of the palace – our own thought as well, – but it is in fact the back.
The building has 5 floors and is constructed in such a way that the wind can ventilate the whole building. This makes the whole area more pleasant during the high Jaipuri temperatures in summer.
The palace only consists of 1 facade with 953 decorated windows, balconies and screens, that have the same round shape as the palace itself (this shape is inspired by honeycomb).
The palace is part of the bigger complex of the City Palace richt next to it, and it extends to the Zenana, or women’s chambers.
Makes sense, given the building’s function: the Hawa Mahal was used by the harem of the Maharaja. Obeying the strict rules of purdah, not appearing in public without face coverings. The public couldn’t see them, but the royal ladies could see the daily life and festivals celebrated in the streets of Jaipur.
If you ever get the chance to visit Jaipur, we recommend you to pay a visit to this royal place. Even seeing it only from the outside, it’s stunning!
Street view and rooftop view over Hawa Mahal
You can choose one of the cafes on the other side of the street, to have the best view over this beautiful Palace of Breeze (you won’t be the only one though ;)).
Hawa Mahal Rd, Badi Choupad, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002, India
Breuhuys 
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