Detailed review by borntofly
borntofly(30)
London, United Kingdom86%
When my husband, son and I visited Jaipur last year we had hired a car, the driver was very well aquainted with jaipur and its attractions therefore we had no problems in getting to and visiting all the main attractions. In the short space of time that we were in Jaipur we actually managed to see and do a lot more than we could have if we were alone.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF HAWA MAHAL
On the very first morning of our stay the driver suggested we went to Hawa Mahal. It was a popular site in the middle of the city, sort of at the heart of Jaipur. The first thing that you notice is the sheer size of the palace, it is very high up and broad built in the shape of a pyramid. The building itself is designed in a honey comb design. It has very intricate carvings and an identical pattern up to the top. The palace is the same as most landmarks in Jaipur are, made of pink stone. The palace is shaped like a pyramid and is a five-storied building, with number of small windows and screens, with arched roofs, the palace adjoins the famous City Palace wall. The palace was built in 1799, by the then ruler, Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. It is thought that the reason behind the palace having very small windows and is very discreet is because at that time all ladies had to wear a veil and were not allowed to go out in public, through the palace windows the women were able to observe the outside world. Although we went there at around 10am we were informed that the best time to visit Hawa Mahal is in the early morning, right when the sun is rising as the palace bathes in the golden light of the sun, it looks magical.
PHOTOS
For taking photos of the palace you would have to across the street, as we did, due to the size of it there is no way you could get the whole palace in the photo frame just by simply standing underneath it! Public were not permitted to go inside the palace when we were there and I think that this is the case for most of the time. Although we were told that inside and behind the palace there is nothing much to see, the intricate detail and attention has only being paid to the front. The backside of the palace is very plain in contrast and is filled with passages and a mass of pillars.
LOCATION
Where the palace is situated is ideal, as you cannot go inside, you can simply spend around 45 minutes here admiring the detail and Mughal architectural style, take photos and then proceed to other places of interest. All the other attractions are very close by the Hawa Mahal. Also there are a variety of hotels around the area and restaurants making it an ideal place to stay in, dine in and sight see. There are local train stations nearby, buses and rikshaws are readily available, if you are brave enough you can always ride on elephant or camel back to the sights.
CONCLUSION
Although the Hawa Mahal was the first place we visited, it does really stick in your mind. You will be in awe of the actual intricacy and design. You will find yourself wondering of the times the rulers resided here, because wherever you go in Jaipur you are never far away from a palace, the people of Jaipur have preserved and well maintained there heritage to such an extenct that you will not find worn down old ruins here but actually palaces that seem as though they are still under occupation. I had seen Jaipur in many forms before mainly on TV but to actually go there and see the palaces for yourself is a once in a lifetime experience, it truly is a wonderous place.
Palace of Winds9
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