Hawa Mahal 

Hawa Mahal is one of the most famous and unique structures in Jaipur. It is a part of the city palace and was built by Sawai Pratap Singh. The outer view of Hawa Mahal like a tapering cover-up of tiny windows that seems to hide nothing behind it but in fact it is a portion of the Zenana Palace or women's quarters that stand behind it. The top three of the five floors are just a room deep but the lower floors are connected to rooms and courtyards.

The Hawa Mahal, the "Palace of the winds" was designed as a window to the outside world for these zenana women who led cloistered lives in the closed courtyards and apartments behind it. The 953-latticed windows built tier built upon tier in a fragile lace- like effect offered a perfect view of the road below while concealing the women from the people outside. The alcove design with carved screen balconies meant the windows caught even the smallest breeze. The zenana women could pass their day sitting here, hidden by the screened windows, watching the world go by and have a view of royal parades and other ceremonials from their airy little perches.

It is a fantastic structure in an odd pyramid shape and it may seem more like a whimsical folly of the king but in fact there was a medieval tradition of building palaces where the zenana women could sit and enjoy fine weather.
Entry fee - Rs. 2/-
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  The City Palace 

Situated in the heart of the Old City, the royal residence of the 18th century is a blend of both Rajasthani and Mughal styles of architectures, and is divided into a series of courtyards, gardens and buildings which are now museums displaying antiques from the royal collection. The Mubarak Mahal and Maharani's Palace now form a part of the Maharaja Sawai Mansingh II Museum. The exquisite Peacock Gate in the courtyard outside is one of the best exhibit of the palace.
Timings - 9.30 am. to 4.45 pm.
Entry fee - Rs.35/- for Indians and 110/-for Foreigners.
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