Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal)
Description
Built in 1799, Hawa Mahal is the most stunning sight in the city of Jaipur. The palace, part of a huge complex, overlooks one of Jaipur’s main streets and was originally constructed to offer women of the court a vantage point, behind stone-carved screens, from which to watch the activities taking place in the bazaar and the surrounding streets. For this purpose, it was designed with over 900 niches, and the entire building is shaped like a crown adorning Lord Krishna’s head. The site offers superb views of the city, including the many old palaces and houses which were painted ochre-pink, the colour of hospitality, by the Rajputs, for the 1853 visit of Prince Albert.
Air: Indira Gandhi International Airport, Sanganer Airport (domestic flights). Rail: Train: Jaipur Station. Road: Bus: Public services. Car: NH8 (from Delhi); NH11 (from Agra); NH12 (from Bhopal).
Contact Addresses
India Tourism, Khasa-Kothi, Jaipur 302001, India
Tel: (0141) 372 200
Website: www.incredibleindia.org
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