Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace Udaipur: Guide and Timings

Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace is one of the most magical sights in Udaipur, a graceful 19th-century palace crowning a hill high above the city, from where the whole of the lake city, the Aravalli Hills and the shining lakes spread out below in one of the finest panoramas in all of Rajasthan. This guide from Delhi Agra Tour Packages covers Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace in full, its history, the famous views and sunsets, the timings, the entry fees and how to reach it, a wonderful addition to any Udaipur itinerary and to a wider Golden Triangle tour extended into Rajasthan.

I was born in Delhi and in more than 11 years planning trips across the region for Experience My India I have sent many travellers up to Sajjangarh for the sunset and it never fails to delight. Here is the clear, practical guide to visiting.

Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace at a glance

About Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace

Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace, often simply called the Monsoon Palace, is a beautiful hilltop palace standing on Bansdara Peak, one of the high points of the Aravalli range, overlooking the city of Udaipur. Built of pale stone that gleams on its hilltop, it is one of the most romantic and photographed sights in the lake city and its elevated position gives it a commanding presence over the whole landscape.

What makes the Monsoon Palace so special is above all its setting and its views. From its terraces and balconies, you look out over the sprawling city of Udaipur, the rolling Aravalli Hills and the shimmering lakes, including Fateh Sagar Lake and the famous Lake Pichola, laid out far below. It is one of the great viewpoints of Rajasthan and it is especially beloved for its sunsets, when the whole scene glows in golden light. Together with its intriguing history and its brush with movie fame, this makes Sajjangarh a highlight of any visit to Udaipur and a fine companion to the city's great palaces and gardens, as our things to do in Udaipur guide covers the full range of the city's attractions.

The history of Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace

The story of Sajjangarh is a fascinating one, bound up with the ambitions of a far-sighted ruler. Construction of the palace was begun in 1884 by Maharana Sajjan Singh, of the great Mewar dynasty that ruled Udaipur and the palace takes its name from him.

The Maharana's original vision for the palace was remarkably scientific for its time. He intended it to be a grand nine-storey astronomical observatory and also a monsoon-tracking centre, a place from whose great height the court could watch the rain clouds gathering over the surrounding hills and follow the progress of the monsoon, which gives the palace its enduring nickname of the Monsoon Palace. Sadly, the Maharana died prematurely and the grand original scheme was left unfinished. The palace was later completed by his successor, Maharana Fateh Singh and in the years that followed it served the royal family as a cool summer retreat, a monsoon palace from which to enjoy the rains and a hunting lodge, set as it was amid the wooded hills that are now a wildlife sanctuary. This rich history, of science, royalty and the rhythm of the seasons, adds greatly to the pleasure of a visit today.

Octopussy and the Monsoon Palace on film

Beyond its royal history, Sajjangarh enjoys a touch of international fame. The palace was featured in the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy, much of which was shot in and around Udaipur and the Monsoon Palace appeared on screen as a memorable location.

For many visitors, especially film lovers, this cinematic connection adds an extra thrill to the visit and the Octopussy link is still celebrated around Udaipur, where the film is fondly remembered. Standing on the palace terraces, with the dramatic hilltop setting all around, it is easy to see why the location caught the eye of the film-makers and the Bond connection is a fun piece of trivia to share as you take in the views.

The views from Sajjangarh and the famous sunset

If there is one thing above all that draws visitors up to Sajjangarh, it is the view. Perched on its high peak, the Monsoon Palace commands a truly panoramic outlook over Udaipur and its surroundings and this is the heart of the experience.

From the palace you can see the whole city of Udaipur spread out below, the ridges of the Aravalli Hills rolling away into the distance and the great lakes glinting in the sunlight, with Fateh Sagar Lake close by and Lake Pichola beyond. It is one of the finest viewpoints in Rajasthan, taking in lakes, hills, city and sky in a single sweep. Above all, Sajjangarh is famous for its sunsets. As the sun sinks over the Aravallis, the whole landscape and the pale stone of the palace itself are bathed in warm golden light and the lakes below catch the glow, a sight that draws many visitors up the hill in the late afternoon. Timing a visit for the sunset is one of the most rewarding things to do in all of Udaipur and it pairs beautifully with a visit to the city's great lakeside palace, as our City Palace Udaipur guide and timings covers that magnificent palace by the water.

Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace timings

The Monsoon Palace is open to visitors every day of the week. The usual opening hours are from around 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though some sources note the palace staying open a little later, up to around 6:00 PM, with last-entry rules applying earlier than closing time.

Because timings can vary a little and last-entry rules apply, it is sensible to check the current hours before you set out, especially if you are planning to go up for the sunset, so that you reach the hill in good time. For the famous sunset view, aim to arrive well before the sun goes down, which gives you time to make your way up, settle in and enjoy the changing light. The late afternoon is by far the most popular and rewarding time to visit, so plan your day around it.

Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace entry fees

There are entry fees for the Monsoon Palace and because it sits within a wildlife sanctuary, there are also charges for taking a vehicle up the hill. The figures below are a guide at the time of writing and as official rates can change and vary by counter, it is wise to reconfirm the current fees before you visit.

At the time of writing, entry for Indian citizens is in the region of 50 to 120 rupees per person, depending on the official counter update, while foreign nationals pay around 300 to 500 rupees per person. There are separate charges for vehicles making the climb up the hill, with two-wheelers around 55 rupees and cars and other four-wheelers in the region of 300 to 338 rupees and a small charge, around 20 rupees, for a video camera. Do note that separate fees or transport and jeep charges may also apply at the base of the hill for moving up inside the sanctuary, as private vehicle access is sometimes restricted. Because of this layered fee structure, it is especially worth checking the latest arrangements before your visit.

Location and how to reach Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace

The Monsoon Palace stands on Bansdara Peak, within the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, in the Kodiyat area, a little way to the west of the main city. It sits roughly 10 kilometres west of central Udaipur, so reaching it is a short and scenic journey.

From the Udaipur City Railway Station or the city centre, it is roughly a 20-minute drive, a distance of about 8 to 10 kilometres, to reach the palace area. The simplest way to get there is to hire a local taxi, take an auto-rickshaw or drive your own vehicle to the base of the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary and from the base gate you proceed up the winding hilltop road to the palace, sometimes by a sanctuary vehicle where private access is limited. For the more energetic, there is also the option of a trek, a moderate walk up the hill from the foothills that takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, rewarding you with the views as you climb. The palace sits right beside the Sajjangarh Biological Park, which makes a natural pairing for a half-day out in this green corner of Udaipur.

The wildlife sanctuary and biological park

Part of what makes a trip to Sajjangarh so pleasant is its green, wooded setting. The palace lies within the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area of hills and forest that surrounds Bansdara Peak and the drive or trek up to the palace passes through this leafy landscape, a refreshing contrast to the busy city below.

Right beside the sanctuary is the Sajjangarh Biological Park, a well-regarded wildlife park that makes an easy and enjoyable addition to the trip, especially for families. Together, the palace, the sanctuary and the biological park make this a lovely area to spend a half-day, combining the grand views and history of the Monsoon Palace with the greenery and wildlife of its surroundings. It is a different side of Udaipur from the lakes and palaces of the centre and a welcome one, pairing well with the city's beautiful gardens, as our Saheliyon Ki Bari Udaipur guide covers that lovely garden of the maidens.

The best time to visit Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace

Sajjangarh can be visited year round, but the most comfortable and beautiful season to explore Udaipur and its surroundings is the cooler period from about October to March, when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing and the views are often clear, as our best time to visit Rajasthan guide covers the seasons across the state. The monsoon months also have a special charm here, true to the palace's name, when the hills turn green and the clouds roll in, though views can be misty.

Within the day, as the palace's fame suggests, the late afternoon and sunset are the magical times to visit, when the light is golden over the lakes and hills. Aim to arrive in good time before sunset, allowing for the journey up the hill and you will be rewarded with one of the finest evening views in Rajasthan.

How to plan your visit

A trip up to Sajjangarh takes a couple of hours and because it is at its best at sunset, it makes a wonderful way to end a day of sightseeing in Udaipur, after exploring the lakes, palaces and gardens of the city earlier in the day. By private car with a driver, the journey up and the timing for sunset are simple to arrange and the visit can be combined easily with the nearby biological park.

Udaipur is one of the jewels of Rajasthan and fits beautifully into a wider trip through the region and the Golden Triangle, as our one week North India itinerary guide maps out a route taking in the great cities and sights.

Want your Udaipur days planned, with the Monsoon Palace sunset, the lakes, the palaces and the gardens all sorted around you? Message us on WhatsApp and Experience My India will build it for you.

Tips for visiting Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace

• Go in the late afternoon and stay for the sunset, which is the highlight of a visit to the Monsoon Palace.

• Arrive in good time before sunset to allow for the journey up the winding hill road and to find a good spot.

• Check the current timings and last-entry rules before you set out, as these can vary.

• Reconfirm the latest entry fees and vehicle or jeep charges, as the fee structure has several parts and rates can change.

• Be prepared for sanctuary transport arrangements at the base, as private vehicle access up the hill is sometimes restricted.

• Combine the palace with the adjacent Sajjangarh Biological Park for a fuller half-day, especially with family.

• Carry water and wear comfortable shoes, particularly if you plan to trek up rather than drive.

What to expect

A visit to Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace is above all a feast for the eyes. You can expect a graceful hilltop palace in a commanding setting, a fascinating history as a would-be observatory and royal monsoon retreat, a fun cinematic connection to the world of James Bond and, crowning it all, one of the most breathtaking panoramas in Rajasthan, taking in the city, the Aravalli Hills and the lakes, at its most magical in the glow of sunset.

As one of the great viewpoints of Udaipur, set in a green wildlife sanctuary beside a biological park and steeped in royal history, Sajjangarh is a wonderful and memorable addition to any Udaipur itinerary. With a short journey from the city and the reward of that sweeping view, it is well worth timing your day to end up here as the sun goes down.

Plan your trip with us

A visit to the Monsoon Palace, as part of a wider Udaipur and Rajasthan trip, is easiest and most enjoyable when the travel, the stays, the guide and the sightseeing are all arranged for you. That is what we do, a comfortable private car and an experienced driver, a knowledgeable guide to bring the palaces and their history to life, well-chosen stays and the whole trip planned around you, with the sunset timed just right.

Tell us your dates and group size and we will price it honestly around your standard rather than a fixed figure. You can combine Udaipur with the classic circuit on our Golden Triangle tours and we can build it all within our wider Delhi Agra Tour Packages.

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