Perched above Udaipur, the Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace guards regal mysteries and echoes of Maharana Sajjan Singh’s untold ambitions. As its weathered stones bear witness, can you unravel the silent enigma within? Venture into its depths, where secrets are etched in every archway.
What is Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace?
Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace, also known as the Sajjangarh Palace, is located in the Indian city of Udaipur, Rajasthan. The Monsoon Palace is about 5km from the city of Udaipur and it sits at about 944m (3100 ft) high. It is situated on the Aravalli Range, overlooking the Fatehsagar Lake.
The palace was comissioned by Maharana Sajjan Singh (1859-1884) of the Mewar Dynasty during the late 19th century.
The primary purpose of the Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace was to serve as an astronomical center and to keep track of the monsoon clouds. The palace offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the lakes of Udaipur.
It was originally intended to be a five-story astronomical observatory. However, due to the premature death of Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1884, the construction was halted. Only the groundwork for the palace was completed.
Despite not serving its original purpose, the palace is a popular tourist attraction today. Visitors come to enjoy the scenic views it offers over the city of Udaipur and the Fatehsagar Lake. Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace is especially captivating during the monsoon season when the surrounding landscape turns lush and green.
How to Get to Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace?
Getting to the Monsoon Palace in Udaipur might be a bit harder than you think. First, you need to take a vehicle, such as a taxi or auto-rickshaw, to the base of the hill.
At the base of the hill you’ll encounter a big gate with a ticket counter. From there, you can either hike or take a vehicle all the way to the top. Alternatively, you can also drive your own car to the top of the hill for an extra fee.
The road to the palace is approximately 3.7 km in length and has an elevation gain of 330 meters. This road is narrow and winding, offering picturesque views of the surrounding landscape. However, we do not recommend hiking it, as it is a narrow and heavily trafficked road, and it’s not pleasant to walk on.
Instead, we recommend hopping on a shared jeep at the base of the hill, which will take you all the way to the top. The shared taxi is paid service, but it is quitre affordable.
Ticket Office Exact Location:
Monsoon Palace Exact Location:
Parking at Monsoon Palace
There is a wide parking area located next to the Monsoon Palace, at the very top of the hill. If you decide to drive your own car all the way to the top, this is where you want to park.
The parking fee is included in the vehicle fee. There are no extra fees you need to pay in order to park your car here.
Monsoon Palace Entrance Fee
Get ready for another messy chapter: here is the entrance fee at the Monsoon Palace in Udaipur unveiled.
First, get yourself a ticket! If you’re Indian, the price is 110 INR ($1.30 USD). If you’re an international visitor instead, the price is 455 INR ($5.50 USD).
Then, unless you’re walking, you need to pay a fee to reach the Palace. Driving your own car all the way up will cost you 305 INR ($3.60 USD) per vehicle, while a motorbike costs 55 INR ($0.66 USD) each. If you don’t have a vehicle and want to take one of the shared taxis from the Forest Department, the price is fixed at 106 INR ($1.30 USD) per person.
Now, here comes the infamous Indian camera fee! As the sign placed at the entrance says, the camera fee refers to “Movie 8mm, 16mm and Video Camera used by amateour photographer”. The price for such fee is 890 INR ($10.70 USD) for Indians and a whopping 1320 INR ($16.00 USD) for International visitors.
Too messy? Below is a recap:
| Indian Citizens | International Visitors | |
| Entrance Fee | 110 Rs ($1.30) | 455 Rs ($5.50) |
| Car Pass | 305 Rs ($3.60) | 305 Rs ($3.60) |
| Motorbike Pass | 55 Rs ($0.66) | 55 Rs ($0.66) |
| Shared Taxi | 106 Rs ($1.30) | 106 Rs ($1.30) |
| Camera Fee | 890 Rs ($10.70) | 1320 Rs ($16.00) |
In total, an international visitor will probably end up spending 561 INR ($6.80 USD) per person, which is quite reasonable. This is the Entrance Fee + a Shared Taxi Fee.
CAMERA FEE TIP: The camera fee at the Monsoon Palace is rather ambiguous, not to mention expensive, and hardly justifiable. Additionally, according to many visitors, it doesn’t seem to apply to standard DSLR or Mirrorless cameras. Your best bet would be to safely stow your camera in your bag without concern. In practice, nobody seems to check or ask for it.
Sajjangarh: a Detailed Guide to the Monsoon Palace
Let’s start from the crowds. The Monsoon Palace tends to get overwhelmingly crowded, especially in the couple of hours leading up to sunset. Unlike other lesser known sunset spots in Udaipur such as Bahubali Hill, everybody in India knows about the Monsoon Palace.
The Entrance
As you get closer to the entrance, you’ll notice quite a crowd gathering, either waiting to purchase tickets or hoping to catch a jeep ride. Arriving a couple of hours ahead of sunset is a smart move to steer clear of the busiest time and enjoy a more relaxed visit.
This is what the entrance at the base of the hill looks like.
The Way to the Palace
We opted for the shared taxi as our tuk-tuk driver recommended. It’s the easiest and cheapest option to reach the top.
The road is a bit narrow, and the journey might be a tad uncomfortable, but the views are absolutely breathtaking! Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll see from the side of the road on the way up.
Arriving at the Monsoon Palace
Once you reach the top, the unassuming silhouette of the Monsoon Palace comes into view. The exterior is unpretentious, probably due to the fact that the construction works of the Monsoon Palace were suddenly halted.
Additionally, the building was originally destined to the study of the Monsoon Clouds. Therefore, Sajjangarh Palace was not filled with the ostentatious displays of wealth one might expect from a royal residence
Wandering through the corridors, you’ll soon discover that there isn’t much to see in terms of lavish displays or ornate rooms. Yet, that is precisely the charm of the Monsoon Palace.
Its allure lies in the simplicity of its design and the unspoken invitation to look beyond the walls and into the sweeping landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see.
The Views over Udaipur
Stepping onto the wide terraces of the Monsoon Palace, you’re greeted by a breathtaking view of Udaipur’s landscape. These spacious platforms offer the perfect backdrop for capturing the city’s beauty in selfies and photos. Feel free to wander to the edges, taking in the picturesque scenery that stretches as far as the eye can see.
These outdoor spaces serve as natural stages for creating memories. Whether you’re enjoying the tranquility of the landscape, snapping selfies, or sharing the awe of a sunset, the terraces provide a simple yet enchanting experience.
Sajjan Garh Biological Park
Nestled within the vast expanse of the Monsoon Palace, you will also find the Sajjan Garh Biological Park. This is basically an outdoor zoo, which can be explored on foot, by bicycle, or through the convenience of a golf cart.
It’s worth noting, however, that the park was temporarily closed when we visited. Additionally, many Google reviews express concerns about the overall experience. Most of them, in fact, suggest that despite its proximity to the esteemed Monsoon Palace, the Biological Park may not live up to expectations.
In addition, we never support tourist attractions that involve animals.
Our Thoughts on Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace
The Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace is a popular tourist attraction in Udaipur. However, our overall experience was tinged with mixed feelings, as certain aspects left us wanting. Here we break them down into details.
What we Liked about the Monsoon Palace
A Vista to Remember: The Monsoon Palace offers great views, providing an unparalleled panorama of Udaipur’s scenic beauty.
Sunset Spectacle: Experience stunning sunsets from the terraces, where the sun paints the sky in warm hues, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
Budget-Friendly Bliss: As an activity, visiting the Monsoon Palace is relatively cheap, making it an accessible option for those seeking a memorable experience without breaking the bank.
What we Didn’t Like about it
The Journey Challenge: Getting to the Monsoon Palace can be kind of hard and time-consuming, involving navigating a challenging route that may not be suitable for those looking for a quick and easy visit.
Limited Beyond the View: Despite its breathtaking views, the Monsoon Palace may leave you wanting more if you’re expecting a variety of indoor attractions or historical exhibits. There isn’t much to see or do at the Palace really.
Crowded Canvas: Beware of the crazy crowds, particularly during peak hours, which can diminish the tranquil experience the palace aims to provide, especially on the popular terraces.
Is it Worth Visiting?
Overall, we enjoyed our visit to the Monsoon Palace, but we wouldn’t list it as a must-do activity in Udaipur. There are better places and better things to do.
The Monsoon Palace is undoubtedly a great viewpoint over the city, but if we had to pick only one sunset spot in Udaipur, we’d probably go for Bahubali Hill.
Monsoon Palace Opening Hours
The Monsoon Palace is open every day from 9AM to 6PM.
Where to Stay in Udaipur
Udaipur’s accommodation scene is a harmonious blend of opulence, heritage, and modern comfort, befitting the city’s royal legacy and picturesque surroundings. The city offers a diverse range of lodging options that cater to various preferences and budgets.
BEST HOSTELS: Dreamyard Udaipur (from $10 USD/night per person) – amazing rooftop and great reviews, recommended for solo travellers. Musafir Hostel Udaipur (from $8 USD/night per person) – great location and awesome common areas. Hostel Mantra (from $12 USD/night per person) – amazing hostel vibes and view!
ON A BUDGET: Nandini Paying Guest House ($10 USD/night for two people), Black Pepper Home Stay (from $10 USD/night for two people).
MID-RANGE: Lassi Guest House (from $25 USD/night for two people), Tamasha Udaipur (from $28 USD/night for two people).
LUXURY: The Experience Resort (from $120 USD/night for two people), Taj Fateh Prakash Palace Udaipur (from $560 USD/night for two people).
BACKPACKERS IN THE WORLD’S RECOMMENDATIONS: When it comes to selecting accommodation in Udaipur, there are some great options! If we were to revisit the City of Lakes with someone, we’d definitely consider Tamasha Udaipur for its excellent value for money. As solo travelers, our top choices for a bunk-bed would be either Hostel Mantra or Dreamyard—they stand out as the best hostels in town. It’s a close call, but Mantra probably wins for its great vibes and stunning views.
