Hawa Mahal, Jaipur, Rajasthan

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Where the wind whispers. Hawa Mahal, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Think windows, wind and a whole lot of wow—that's Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Rising five storeys high, this architectural gem resembles a beehive from afar, with its lattice of tiny windows and ornate jharokhas. Step closer, and you'll discover a design that is brilliantly functional. Thanks to over 900 openings, the air flows freely, creating a constant, cooling breeze. Hence, the name translates to 'Palace of the Winds.' In 1799, Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the grandson of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, commissioned the creation of this remarkable structure. The architect behind its design was Lal Chand Ustad.

This palace was built with royal women in mind, offering them the freedom to witness life on the vibrant Johari Bazaar streets below. What truly sets this monument apart, though, is its bold engineering. It is the tallest building of its kind in the world without a foundation—without solid base, yet it's stood firm for centuries. With its pyramid-like silhouette and an 87-degree tilt, this structure leans just enough to make you wonder how it's still standing—and admire that it does.