
Built of red and pink sandstone, the Hawa Mahal is an architectural and cultural gem of Jaipur, India. Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the structure sits on the edge of the City Palace and acts as the ceremonial and administrative seat in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. In English, Hawa Mahal translates to “The Palace of Winds”. Designed by architect Lal Chand Ustad, the unique five-story palace resembles the honeycomb of a beehive and contains 953 small windows called Jharokhas. Decorated with intricate lattice work, these windows allow cool air to pass through, making the area more pleasant during the high temperatures in summer.