The Mysterious Palace - The Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal or Wind Place was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh.
Hawa Mahal is the most stunning sight situated in the heart of the city of
Jaipur. Hawas Mahal in Jaipur, Rajasthan is a part of a huge complex,
overlooking one of Jaipur's main streets. Hawa Mahal of Jaipur was
originally constructed to offer the women of the court to view the
activities of the street, while being behind stone-carved screens. This
five-story, pyramid-shaped structure is made up of small casements, each
with tiny windows and arched roofs with hanging cornices,
exceptionally
modeled and carved. Its facade makes Hawa Mahal look more like a screen than
a palace. It is a fifty-foot high thin shield, less than a foot in
thickness, but has over 900 pigeonhole like windows and a mass of
semi-octagonal bays, carved sandstone grills, finials and domes, which give
this palace its outstanding facade.
How to Approach
Sky Way : Jaipur is well connected to Delhi by air. It is also
connected to all other major cities of India and Rajasthan by air.
Trackway : Jaipur has its own railhead. One can easily board a train
from Delhi and other major cities of India to reach Jaipur.
Expressway : One can easily reach Jaipur by bus or other vehicles
from Delhi. Regular buses are available from Delhi, Agra and other major
cities of Rajasthan & India.
The Most Popular Sights to Visit
The City Palace
In the heart of the city is situated the City Palace, a blend of Rajasthani
and Mughal architecture. The City Palace is marked by projecting balconies,
arches on slender pillars, and ornate entrances. There is a huge paved
courtyard flanked by apartments from three sides. The place is now a museum
except for one section where the erstwhile royal family still lives.
Nahargarh Fort
Further beyond the hills of Jaigarh, is situated the fort of Nahargarh like
a watchful protector guarding Sawai Jai Singh's beautiful capital.
Jal Mahal
The Jal Mahal Palace in Jaipur is noted for its interesting architecture.
The Palace has grown up as a pleasure spot. It was used for the royal duck
shooting parties.
Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar, the 'Yantralaya' of Sawai Jai Singh II, the great astronomer
King of India, is based at the entrance to the City Palace. This modernistic
structures known as 'Yantras' are the unique inventions designed by the
astronomer-king and built by experts to observe the movements of the
astronomical bodies - sun, moon, planets and the stars.
