One of the most imposing structures in Jaipur, Hawa Mahal is built in the year 1799 by Sawai Pratap Singh. This beautiful monument was the structural design of the eminent artist Lalchand Usta. A five storied structure, Hawa Mahal, is a huge tapering composition with frequent arches, small windows, spires and trellised casements in spite of its lofty formations, the Hawa Mahal appears like a light, roomy structure which might puff away by a gentle breeze.
Hawa Mahal is part and parcel of the ladies quarters and it might be a gallery for the royal ladies to watch the proceedings around them. The airy interiors of Hawa Mahal pose a cooling atmosphere where the royal ladies can sit comfortably and watch everything whilst remaining veiled. Placed beautifully in the midst of the busy Johari Bazaar, Hawa Mahal reminds the vivid history of Jaipur. Built up of red sand stones, this magical structure, which is otherwise called the palace of winds differs from any other monuments one could see in the Pink City.
Except on Fridays, public are admitted to the Hawa Mahal and the visiting time is fixed at 10 am to 5.30 pm. On Mondays admission to Hawa Mahal is free.
Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/azwegers/6271685549/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/felixdance/5270671846/in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/felixdance/5270654240/in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bjvs/4290382818/in/photostream
