The best-known landmark and the signature monument of Jaipur, Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds was built by the poet King Sawai Pratap Singh. Though, it is a part of the City Palace, it is situated on the other side of the road. It is the delicate façade that can be seen from outside of this palace, which is the most notable. The five-storeyed building flaunts Rajput architecture and artistry to its best including its 953 pink sandstone windows known as 'jharokhas' that are built in such as manner that it resembles a giant honeycomb. Meant for the ladies of the royal household, the building was built to allow them to watch the colorful bazaars and processions going across the city while maintaining their tradition of being veiled and not to be seen from outside. The fantastic views from the latticed windows are a pleasure to behold. One can also see a small archaeological museum here.

Built in 1799, the chief architect of this exquisite example of architecture was Mr. Lal Chand Usta. The beautiful interplay of red and pink sand stone outlined with white borders and motifs, it naturally attracts the tourists by sheer splendor of its beauty. Famous for its beehive like structure, Hawa Mahal is actually an extension of the Zenana (women's chambers) of the City Palace complex. The palace gets its name because of its small windows that circulate cool air naturally throughout the building even in the hottest months of June and July. The façade is a fifty-foot high thin shield, which is less than a foot in thickness and has small intimate chambers. One can reach the upper floors by climbing through its ramps. At sunrise, Hawa Mahal seems to glow and looks especially mesmerizing.