Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace)

Hawa Mahal once served as the royal harem of the Maharaja of Jaipur in summers. The unusual exterior facade of the palace is a single wall that is five storeys high and has as many as 953 window-lets that allowed the royal women to have a glimpse of the Central Market area of the city without being seen from outside, thus maintaining the 'purdah'. Fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies built in sandstone and plastered in pink at Hawa Mahal are delightful. Natural air-conditioning system and cool breeze circulating around the palace at all times - has earned it the title of 'Palace of Winds'. The acute aesthetics and scientific ingenuity that was used to build this rare gem speaks volumes about the exquisite craftsmanship of the local artisans.