Rajasthan and Gujarat Sights
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Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal Review
Jaipur's photogenic Palace of Winds was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 so that the women of the courtcould discreetly take some air and watch the activity on the street below. Every story has semi-octagonal overhanging windows, and each has a perforated screen. This curious five-story structure, named after the westerly winds that blow cool breezes through the windows, is just one room thick. The wind easily passes through the building and works like a cooler. (Traditionally, servants also threw water on the lattice, so any breeze would be cooled by the water, and would lower the temperature.) The building facade has a delicate honeycomb design with close to 1,000 windows, and is fashioned from pink sandstone.
Travel Deals in Rajasthan and Gujarat
- Last-Minute India Sale Fares (R/T incl. Tax) Air France
- India 3-City Trip: Tours, Luxe Hotels & Air from NY Friendly Planet
- Last-Minute India Sale Fares (R/T incl. Tax) — $1,007 Air France
- India Experience — $1,879 IExplore
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