Hawa Mahad “Palace of Winds”

This unusual red sandstone structure, was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799. The façade is of a pyramid nature, reaching five storeys in height. At every level there are small windows, intricately decorated with lattice work and totalling in excess of 950. This was not built as a residence and is generally considered, to have been utilised by the women of the royal household, who were not permitted to enter into the street and from this vantage point they would have been able to observe the comings and goings in the streets below, including processions and the like.

One of the most favourable times to visit this giant honeycomb, is in the early morning, as this is when it is bathed in golden sunlight.