Sajjangarh, the Monsoon Palace, sits on Bansdara hill about 5 km west of the city. Entry is ₹120 for Indian adults plus a vehicle fee (about ₹55 for a two-wheeler, ₹340 for a car), and the last entry is around 5:30 pm. Go for sunset: the view over Udaipur's lakes and the Aravallis is the best in the city.
Key facts
- Built in 1884 by Maharana Sajjan Singh
- Stands on Bansdara hill, part of the Aravalli range
- Inside the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary
- Last entry around 5:30 pm
On a clear evening, every hotel rooftop in Udaipur can see a small white palace on the highest hill to the west. That’s Sajjangarh, and the view back from it is even better.
The story
Maharana Sajjan Singh began the palace in 1884, high on Bansdara hill, so the royal family could watch the monsoon clouds gather over their kingdom. It was also meant as an observatory. He died young, and the palace was finished later by his successor. Today the palace is fairly bare inside; people come for the view.
Tickets and fees
- Entry: ₹120 for Indian adults.
- Vehicle entry: about ₹55 for a two-wheeler, about ₹340 for a car.
- Shared jeeps run up from the sanctuary gate if you don’t want to drive.
Fees checked October 2026.
When to go
Sunset. The sun drops behind the Aravalli hills, and below you Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar and the city turn gold, then blue. The last entry is around 5:30 pm, so in winter leave the city by 4:30.
In the monsoon, from July to September, the palace often sits in the clouds and the hills around it turn green. It finally lives up to its name. See Udaipur in the monsoon.
The sanctuary and biological park
The road climbs through the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary. At the bottom, the Sajjangarh Biological Park has enclosures for tigers, leopards, deer and other animals, with its own ticket. It’s a good stop for families on the way up.
Tips
- Bring a jacket in winter; the top is windy.
- Find a spot on the western terrace early; it fills up before sunset.
- The drive down after dark is slow; leave a little time.
- Combine with Fateh Sagar and Shilpgram on the same afternoon.
For more sunset spots, see 12 best sunset points in Udaipur. Need a car for the evening? Book one here.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Sajjangarh called the Monsoon Palace?
Maharana Sajjan Singh built it on a hilltop to watch the monsoon clouds roll in over Mewar. In the rains it often sits inside the clouds.
Can I walk up to Sajjangarh?
Walking isn't practical; it's a long, steep road through the sanctuary. Drive, take a taxi, or use the shared jeeps from the sanctuary gate.
What time should I reach Sajjangarh for sunset?
Leave the city by 4:30 pm in winter. The last entry at the gate is around 5:30 pm, and you'll want time at the top before the sun goes down.
