You just can’t be in the Pink City and not pass by this imposing and charming structure of yore.

Magnificient structure of Hawa Mahal  - Jaipur
[  The tall, imposing structure of Hawa Mahal, Jaipur ]

    This is the Hawa Mahal or the ‘Palace of the winds’. It was built in 1799 by the poet-king Sawai Pratap Singh for the royal ladies to enjoy the various processions or day to day activities from the cool confines of this splendid structure. That was the era when women were not allowed outside and used to maintain ghunghat (purdah system). Built in exquisite Rajputana architecture, this 5 storied semi-octagonal and honeycombed structure comprises of 953 niches and 152 windows.

Delicately carved niches and windows of Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
[ The windows of Hawa Mahal encrusted with domes and spires ]

    There is crazy traffic all around; still tourists stop by to relive the opulence of the bygone era. No wonder then, it has become the hallmark of Jaipur and also the most recognizable and photographed monument of this city.