Visitor Information
- Famous For: History, Architecture, Aesthetic beauty.
- Entrance Fee: 10 for Indians, Rs. 80 for foreigners.
- Visiting time: 8:00 AM-6:00PM (Daily).
- Visit duration: 1 hour.
Sajjan Garh, or Monsoon Palace in Udaipur, Rajasthan is one among a long list of glorious monuments in this region which showcases it’s glittering royal past. It is built in white, with domes at the top for architectural interest, and offers a view of the clouds that is matched by a few other locations far and wide. It is located very opportunely at the top of hills, providing a marvellous vista of miles around. It was used as a residential abode of the past royal dynasties and was named after the famous Indian king Maharana Pratap. There had been talk of turning it to astronomical ventures, and is now regulated by the Forest Authorities. It belongs to the indigenous Mewar Royal Dynasty. It is supreme for photography, especially at sunset.
Traveller Tips
- Udaipur remains hot and humid throughout the year, so wear appropriate clothes that are preferably cotton.
- Carry your camera along, the views are probably the best in all of Udaipur.
- Sunset is the most popular and hence busiest tourist hour of the day, so you can evade it if you want to stay away from a crowd.
- The local food is a must try.
Things to Do
- Get around to exploring the hills that lie below the palace, as they are important from a historical point of view.
- Ask for local history and culture, Chittorgarh spawned a lot of popular folk literature.
- Shop locally for souvenirs.
- Visit the wildlife sanctuary nearby.
Availability of Guides
Guides are sometimes available locally for paid tours, or are included in the budget if you go with tourism companies.
Best Time to Visit
Udaipur, being located in a tropical desert, is excruciatingly hot in summer, and rains in the monsoon hamper tourism, so the ideal time to visit would be in winter, from November to February each year.
How to Reach
There is local transportation available, which can take you to the palace from the station or airport or the main city, like buses and rickshaws, or you can hire taxi cabs. Once you reach the hills, you have to climb them to reach the palace. You can walk or drive your car, and the second option is more preferable because the walk is exhausting and not everyone is suited to it.
Interesting Facts and Trivia About Monsoon Palace
- The whole building is nine stories tall in total.
- The monument has been featured in international media, most popularly in the James Bond film Octopussy as the abode of an Afghan Prince.
- The idea of it as an astronomy culture centre had to be dropped because the progenitor of the idea died before it could actually be carried out.
- The construction started late into the 19th
- The architecture on its body depicts flora and fauna.
- It is decked every night in fairy lights.
Nearby Attractions
- Lake Pichola, which the palace overlooks.
- SajjanGarh Biological Park.
- Fateh Sagar Lake.
- Lake Palace.
Nearby Restaurants
- Restaurant Harigarh.
- Charcoal by Carlsson, which has amazing views.
- Neelam Restaurant.
- Grasswood Cafe, which is very popular.
Udaipur, and indeed the whole of Rajasthan, is known for relics of the past which serve as first class tourist attractions today, and a lot of them are forts, temples and palaces. All of them exhibit opulence, and whisk the tourist away into the golden days of yore. This one is no exception, with views photographers would kill for and quality food and accommodation also near at hand. Check convenient weather conditions, and get packing!
