North India Highlights

Flying from Goa to Delhi this two-night, three-day tour includes a train journey to visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort plus a guided tour of the sites of India's historic capital city.

 
 
 

5 interesting facts about the Hawa Mahal

Updated on Oct 10, 2018 by Alastair McClymont

Blog > 5 interesting facts about the Hawa Mahal

One of the most alluring sites in Jaipur, the Hawa Mahal is memorable for its impressive exterior, but did you know these 5 interesting facts about this stunning building?

Easily visited via one of our fantastic India Tours, Jaipur is one of India's most rewarding and atmospheric destinations. Discovered to the south-west of Delhi in the state of Rajasthan, there's so much to do in this vibrant city. Whether it's exploring the bustling bazaars and discovering the incredible Amber Fort, or visiting the City Palace and observing the mesmerising astronomical instruments of Jantar Mantar; you'll find endless things to see and do in Jaipur.

Amber Fort, Jaipur. Image credit: Olena Tur | Shutterstock

 

Another site that visitors simply can't miss is the incredible and imposing Hawa Mahal. Built in 1799, the building was constructed as part of the City Palace, made using distinctive red sandstone which makes it stand out on the busy street upon which it's set. To get you even more interested in a visit to Jaipur and this architectural gem, we've put together a list of 5 interesting facts about the Hawa Mahal.

 

1. The name 'Hawa Mahal' means 'Palace of Winds', attributed to the breeze that circulates through the building's 950 windows.

 

2. The palace was built so that the ladies of the Royal Court could observe life on the street below without being seen.

 

3. The architecture of the Hawa Mahal is a unique combination of Rajput and Mughal styles. The most famous building of the Mughal empire is the Taj Mahal.

 

4. While not tall in comparison to the world's skyscrapers, the Hawa Mahal is actually considered one of the world's tallest buildings...

...without foundations.

Image credit: Lena Serditova | Shutterstock

 

5. The Hawa Mahal's windows were designed to replicate the honeycomb of a beehive, which allows fresh air into the building without anyone inside being visible to the outside world.

 

Find out more about discovering the Hawa Mahal and the best of Jaipur by paying a visit to our North India Tours page or calling our expert sales team on 01489 866985. 

 

Related Articles

 
 

Heritage houses reveal Goa's fascinating past Read more

 

Images from India Read more

 

Day 1: Departing Goa for Delhi our representative will meet you in the arrivals area of the airport. They will assist with your private transfer to your Delhi hotel which will be your base for two nights.

Day 2: This morning, you will depart Delhi railway staion to Agra. Once a small village on the banks of the Yamuna, it was transformed by two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and his grandson Shah Jehan into the second capital of the Mughal Empire, Dar-ul-Khilafat, or ‘seat of the Emperor’ in the 16th and 17th century.

Taj Mahal

When you arrive in Agra you will be met by our representative who will introduce you to your guide who will take you to Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays). On the inner walls, jewel-like stones create beautiful designs in white marble. The Mughals perfected the art of embedding semi-precious stones into marble and the Taj is the finest example of this special process called pietra dura. It begins with a marble plate, varying in size. Then jewels are sliced paper thin and embedded in the marble with such precision that the joints are invisible to the naked eye. Continue for a visit to the Agra Fort, a walled city constructed of red stone which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. Construction of the fort was originally started by Emperor Akbar in 1565, but his son, Jahangir, and grandson, Shah Jahan, later made valuable additions to it.

You will also visit Itmad ud Daula, also known as Baby Taj. This tomb was built in 1622 for Ghiyas Beg, father of Empress Noor-Jahan, the wife of Emperor Jahangir. It is beautifully conceived in white marble, mosaic and lattice and set a precedent as the first Mughal building to be faced with white marble inlaid with contrasting stones.

Later, you will be driven back to Agra Cantt railway station, where you will board your train back to Delhi.

Day 3: After breakfast, proceed for the orientation city tour of Old and New Delhi including a visit of the 17th-century Jama Masjid and enjoy a rickshaw ride through the narrow, winding lanes of colourful and bustling Chandni Chowk. Stop in front of the Mughal Empire’s most opulent fort, the Red Fort for a photo opportunity.

Later proceed to New Delhi where you will be taken for a drive past the Presidential Palace, the one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys, the India Gate, a memorial raised in honour of fallen Indian soldiers and a drive along the Rajpath past the Parliament House and secretarial buildings. You will also visit Qutab Minar, the 12th-century tower of victory built by a slave king and prototype of all minars (towers) in India.

After the tour you will be transferred to Delhi Airport to board your short flight back to Goa.

 

Two-night price from £825 per person

  • Prices are based on two people sharing including internal flights and two nights' accommodation on B&B and include transfers.
  • A choice of superior or deluxe accommodation is available.
  • You will be able to book this excursion either in the UK or on arrival / during your holiday to Goa.
  • Operates any day (subject to availability) except for Friday due to closure of the Taj Mahal.
 
Contact Us

Contact Us

For more information about this excursion, please contact our Goa specialists:

01489 866994 | Email Sales

 

Recent Articles

 

Tastebud-tingling cookery excursions in Goa! Read more

 

New properties for winter 2024/25 Read more

 

Expert's top pick - Hotels in Goa Read more

 

Choosing your perfect hotel in Goa Read more

 

Follow us on Social Media