Palace of the Winds, Jaipur, India

Palace of the Winds – India
The wondrous Façade of the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, in Jaipur is one of the ancient cities most famous and attractive buildings. Constructed in 1799, the legend behind the striking design was that it was intended to conceal the ladies of the royal household while they watched the bustling everyday life in the streets below. The Palace was built from a mixture of red and pink sandstone, which gives it its beautiful iconic colour that typifies the city itself, Jaipur being known as the Pink City of India. It is believed to have been constructed in the form of the crown of Krishna, the Hindu god. It has over 950 balconies, which interweave to give the lattice like appearance of a honeycomb. The roof of the Palace gives a stunning panoramic view of Jaipur itself.

Where is it?
The Palace is in the north-east of the city of Jaipur, which itself is the capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan in the north of the country.

What is it?
The striking Palace was built in 1799 by the Maharaja of the time. It was designed to house the ladies of the royal household and provide them with a comfortable viewing platform to see everyday life.

Best time to visit?
Between October and March is the best time to visit the Pink City, as this is when the sun’s heat is less severe and the weather is cooler than the scorching summer months.

Must See?
The Façade itself is the greatest feature of the iconic Palace. It is best enjoyed in the morning because, as it faces east, the rising sun enhances every intricately crafted window in incredible golden tones.