Weather: 11 - 24°C
Label: Top Attraction
Tags: Forts & Palaces
Time Required: 3-4 hours
Overview
Perched on a hilltop just outside Udaipur, Sajjangarh Palace, also known as the Monsoon Palace, offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding landscape. Built in 1884 by Maharana Sajjan Singh of the Mewar dynasty, this palace was originally designed as a nine-story astronomical observatory to track monsoon clouds. Its strategic location atop Bansdara Peak in the Aravalli Hills made it an ideal vantage point to study weather patterns. Though the original plan never came to fruition due to Maharana Sajjan Singh's untimely death, his successor, Maharana Fateh Singh, transformed it into a royal hunting lodge and recreational retreat.
The palace is a stunning example of Rajput architecture, with high towers, turrets, balconies, and pillars, offering a glimpse into the regal lifestyle of the Mewar kings. It also features unique rainwater harvesting techniques, highlighting the scientific ingenuity of the time.
Best Time to Visit
The palace offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and lakes, making it a must-visit during the cooler months, from October to March.