Hawa Mahal

Jaipur · architecture · India · palace

Pink sandstone palace. The Hawa Mahal was built from beautiful red and pink sandstone in Jaipur, a city in Rajasthan, India. Its cheerful colors and intricate design make it one of the most recognizable buildings in the world.

Almost a thousand windows. The palace has 953 tiny windows called jharokhas that create a honeycomb pattern on its walls. These windows were designed to let cool breezes flow through the palace and keep the interior fresh in the hot Indian climate.

Home for royal women. The Hawa Mahal connected to the City Palace and extended to the Zenana, which were the private chambers where women of the royal family lived. The unique design allowed them to see outside through the windows while remaining hidden from public view.

Wind palace magic. The name Hawa Mahal means 'Palace of Wind' or 'Palace of Breeze' in Hindi. The intricate lattice windows were specially designed to catch every bit of air movement and create natural cooling throughout the building.

Architectural masterpiece. Built in the 18th century, the Hawa Mahal shows off incredible architecture that blends traditional Indian design with other styles. Its five stories and red-pink color scheme have made it a symbol of Jaipur and an inspiration to architects around the world.