Perched high above Udaipur on Bansdara Hill, Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh Palace) is one of the city’s most scenic viewpoints. Originally built as a royal monsoon retreat and intended to serve as an astronomical observatory, the palace today attracts visitors for a very different reason—its panoramic views of Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, the Aravalli Hills, and the City of Lakes spread out below.
If you’re wondering whether Monsoon Palace deserves a place on your Udaipur itinerary, this guide will help you decide. From what to expect during your visit and the best time to go to practical tips and visitor information, here’s everything you need to know before visiting Monsoon Palace.
Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace at a Glance
| Daily Timings | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Location | Bansdara Hill (12 kms from City Palace Udaipur) |
| Best Time to Visit | Late afternoon (around 4 PM onwards) |
| Time Required | Around 1.5–2 hours |
| Best For | Panoramic city views, photography, and sunset experiences |
| Ideal For | Couples, families, photographers, and nature lovers |
| Don’t Miss | Lake views on the eastern side, sunset views on the western side |
| Entry Fee | Indian visitors: ₹120 per person Foreign nationals: ₹500 per person Two-wheeler: ₹55 Four-wheeler: ₹338 Note: Entry fees and timings are subject to change. We recommend confirming the latest information before planning your visit. |
NOTE: Private taxis, Ola and Uber vehicles are not allowed to enter the premises and take you up the palace, but can drop you at the base gate below.
Is Monsoon Palace Worth Visiting?
Yes, Monsoon Palace is worth visiting, provided you know what to expect.
Unlike the City Palace, Monsoon Palace isn’t an attraction for visitors looking for lavish royal interiors or museum-style exhibits. Instead, it draws travellers with its hilltop setting, panoramic views, and one of the most rewarding sunset experiences in Udaipur.
If you’re visiting Udaipur for the first time, we recommend including Monsoon Palace in your itinerary, especially if you enjoy scenic viewpoints, nature, and photography.
Rather than treating it as a palace to explore, think of it as a scenic hilltop viewpoint where you’ll spend a couple of hours soaking in the views, capturing memorable photographs, and watching the city transform as the sun begins to set.
Arrive with the right expectations, and you’ll likely leave with some of the most memorable views of your Udaipur trip.
What to Expect During Your Visit to Monsoon Palace
Your visit to Monsoon Palace begins the moment you drive past the main gate near Sajjangarh Biological Park. As your vehicle climbs higher into the Aravalli Hills, the city gradually disappears behind you, replaced by lush greenery and winding roads.
The final stretch of the journey is marked by a series of sharp hairpin bends that add a touch of adventure before eventually bringing you to the palace parking area.
A short walk from the parking area lets you breathe in the fresh mountain air, take in the beautifully landscaped gardens, and admire the towering palace rising before you.
As you make your way towards the main entrance on the eastern side, panoramic views of Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, and Udaipur’s cityscape instantly unfold before your eyes. Take a few moments to soak in the scenery before stepping inside the palace.
Inside, you’ll find a large central hall that is surprisingly simple, with very few interiors to explore. Visitors with an interest in Rajput architecture, however, will appreciate the elegant arches, ornate pillars, jharokhas, and intricate marble detailing that reflect the craftsmanship of the era.
Continue towards the western side of the palace and the scenery changes once again. Here, the panoramic views open up to the Aravalli Hills stretching towards the horizon, while the cool breeze, circling birds, and changing light create an atmosphere that encourages visitors to simply pause and take it all in.
If you’re visiting in the evening, this is also where you’ll experience one of Udaipur’s most spectacular sunsets. Since the lakes lie on the eastern side of the palace, you’ll need to explore both viewpoints to enjoy the complete experience.
Before heading back, spend a few minutes exploring the gardens surrounding the palace, where you may even spot langurs moving through the trees. Once you’ve soaked in the views and captured a few memorable photographs, it’s time to make your way back down the hill after experiencing one of Udaipur’s most rewarding viewpoints.
What Makes Monsoon Palace Special?
What truly makes Monsoon Palace special is the perspective it offers.
Unlike most attractions in Udaipur that allow you to experience one landmark at a time, Monsoon Palace lets you step back and admire the city as a whole.
From its hilltop setting, you can see Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, the City Palace, the surrounding Aravalli Hills, and much of Udaipur stretching out before you, giving you a much better appreciation of the city’s unique landscape.
While Monsoon Palace is widely known for its sunset views, the panoramic setting is what leaves the biggest impression.
As your eyes wander across the horizon, you’ll naturally begin recognising familiar landmarks that you may have already visited or plan to explore later during your trip. It’s this ever-changing panorama, rather than the palace itself, that makes the experience so memorable.
The palace’s elevated location also creates a welcome contrast to the busy streets below.
The fresh mountain breeze, open surroundings, and uninterrupted views make it an ideal place to pause, slow down, and simply take in the beauty of Udaipur from a completely different perspective. For many visitors, that’s what makes Monsoon Palace one of the city’s most rewarding attractions.
A Brief History of Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace
Built in the late 19th century by Maharana Sajjan Singh atop Bansdara Hill, Monsoon Palace was originally intended to serve as a monsoon retreat, hunting lodge, and astronomical observatory.
However, Maharana’s untimely death meant his vision was never fully realised.
Today, Monsoon Palace is better known for its spectacular hilltop setting than its royal past. Perched high above Udaipur, it has evolved into one of the city’s most popular viewpoints, offering panoramic views of the lakes, the Aravalli Hills, and the surrounding landscape.
Things to Know Before Visiting Monsoon Palace
- Plan your visit in the late afternoon. If you’re visiting primarily for the views and sunset, arriving around 4 PM gives you enough time to explore the palace before sunset.
- Wear comfortable footwear. There’s a short uphill walk from the parking area to the palace entrance, along with a bit of walking inside the grounds.
- Carry water. Especially during the warmer months, as you’ll be spending most of your time outdoors.
- Expect strong winds. The hilltop location can get quite breezy, particularly during the evening and monsoon season.
- Watch for langurs. They are commonly seen around the gardens. Observe them from a distance and avoid feeding them.
- Don’t rush your visit. Spend time on both sides of the palace to enjoy the different viewpoints before heading back.
- Travelling with family? If you’re visiting with children or enjoy wildlife, consider including Sajjangarh Biological Park in your itinerary. Located at the same entrance as Monsoon Palace, it’s easy to visit the park in the morning before heading up to the palace later in the afternoon for the panoramic views and sunset.
Frequently Asked Questions – Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace
Yes, Monsoon Palace is worth visiting if you’re looking for panoramic views of Udaipur, photography opportunities, and a memorable sunset experience. However, if you’re expecting lavish palace interiors or museum-style exhibits, you may find the palace itself relatively simple.
Monsoon Palace is best known for its hilltop location overlooking Udaipur. Visitors come here to enjoy panoramic views of Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, the Aravalli Hills, and one of the city’s most popular sunset viewpoints.
Most visitors spend around 1.5 to 2 hours exploring Monsoon Palace. If you’re visiting for the sunset, arriving around 4 PM gives you enough time to explore the palace, enjoy the views, and watch the changing colours of the sky before heading back.
The entry fee is ₹120 per person for Indian visitors and ₹500 per person for foreign nationals. Additional charges apply for vehicles entering the palace road, including ₹55 for two-wheelers and ₹338 for four-wheelers. As ticket prices may change, it’s always a good idea to check the latest rates before your visit.
Late afternoon is the best time to visit Monsoon Palace, especially if you want to enjoy the panoramic views and stay for the sunset. The weather is generally more pleasant, and the changing light makes the surrounding landscape particularly scenic.
Yes. Monsoon Palace is suitable for families, couples, solo travellers, and photographers. Children usually enjoy the open spaces and scenic viewpoints, although parents should keep an eye on them around the viewpoints and while walking through the grounds.
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Final Thoughts
Monsoon Palace may not be the most elaborate palace in Udaipur, but that’s never been its biggest attraction.
People come here for the panoramic views, the peaceful hilltop setting, and the opportunity to see the City of Lakes from a completely different perspective.
Whether you’re visiting for the sunset, photography, or simply to spend a couple of relaxing hours above the city, Monsoon Palace offers an experience that is difficult to replicate elsewhere in Udaipur.
If you’re planning your first trip to Udaipur, it’s well worth including Monsoon Palace in your itinerary.
Arrive in the late afternoon, take your time exploring the viewpoints, and you’ll leave with some of the city’s most memorable views—and perhaps a new appreciation for why this hilltop palace continues to be one of Udaipur’s most popular attractions.
5 comments
Lovely pics
Thank you, Priya.
Amazing views, Sharukh. I love the pictures of that road heading up there. You guys are such a sweet looking couple. I have to say, it’s always a surprise to see you say that the best time to do something is during the monsoon season. I would expect that that would be the hunker down and stay inside season.
Thank you, Dan, for your kind words. I’m glad that you liked the post and the pictures. To be honest, monsoon is a tough season to travel but it all comes down to planning. In India, it rains from June to mid-October, but not in all locations. So, it requires planning on how you are going to cover what place and when and keep an eye on the weather report. So far, we have been successful with all our monsoon trip planning. A little bit of luck as well.
Hi,
Good One Eye Catching Post!