The Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is one of Jaipur’s most impressive landmarks and part of a huge complex. A pyramid-shaped facade with five stories (the top three stories are just a single room thick) and at least 953 small decorated windows. (No, I didn’t count the windows and would love to know who did.) The Hawa Mahal is called “Palace of Winds” because air circulates through all the stone-carved screen windows and keeps the Palace cool. Constructed in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh to offer women of the court a place from which to watch activities taking place in the bazaar and streets since women were not allowed to show themselves.

It’s quite a eye-popping sight to stand in front of this pink sandstone architecture and look up at all the small casements with tiny windows, arched roofs, and small screened balconies. The windows are called Jharokhas and constructed to look like a giant honeycomb. The Hawa Mahal is part of the City Palace, and extends to the women’s chambers, the harem.

The entrance to the Hawa Mahal is from a side road to the rear end and the top two floor are accessed through ramps, with I’m told, wonderful views of Jaipur. All I remember, and what you’ll remember, is the unbelievable facade. The most iconic and unforgettable sight in Jaipur, India.

Lonely Planet Discover eBook Travel Guides for your iPad