A Royal Vision Etched in the Sky
Built in 1884 by Maharana Sajjan Singh, the 72nd ruler of Mewar, the Sajjangarh fort carried the vision of a monarch who looked beyond the ordinary. Originally imagined as a 9-storey observatory to study the monsoon’s celestial rhythm, the dream took a gentler turn after the Maharana’s untimely passing, evolving into a royal retreat and hunting lodge for the Mewar dynasty. Poised atop Bansdara Hill, the palace offered not only breathtaking views of Udaipur’s lakes and valleys but also a strategic vantage point from which the rulers could watch over their realm. Over time, this lofty sanctuary came to mirror Sajjan Singh’s reverence for nature and his progressive spirit—a harmony of science, art, and environmental foresight etched into stone, standing as a testament to his timeless legacy.
An Architectural Ode to Royal Elegance
Cloaked in the splendour of white marble, Sajjangarh Palace stands as a masterpiece where Rajput grandeur meets European elegance. Its walls catch the light in ever-changing shades, glowing gold at sunrise and silver beneath rain-washed skies. Intricate latticework and elegant jharokhas, etched with peacock motifs, lend the palace a rhythm of delicate artistry. Within, expansive halls and regal chambers stretch toward the horizon, thoughtfully designed to frame drifting clouds and sweeping landscapes. Rising proudly with domed towers and open terraces, the palace commands a breathtaking vantage point 944 metres above sea level.
A Sunset Symphony Above Udaipur
As the day draws to a close, Sajjangarh transforms into a painter’s dream—its panoramic sunset views among the most enchanting sights in Udaipur. From its open terraces, the golden light spills across the city, setting the lakes and palaces aglow in hues of amber and rose. During the monsoon months (July to September), when the hills turn lush and the skies dramatic, the palace truly lives up to its title—the Monsoon Palace Sajjangarh. Winter (October to March) brings crisp, clear air, perfect for exploration and photography. Yet, it’s the twilight hours, between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM, that cast the palace in its most magical light—when Udaipur seems to pause beneath a sky ablaze with sunset.
From Royal Heights to Reel Lights
When seen from afar, the Monsoon Palace appears almost otherworldly—like a grand cloud suspended above Udaipur, watching over the city in serene majesty. Its lofty silhouette and ethereal charm have long captured the imagination of visitors and filmmakers alike. In fact, Sajjangarh Fort found a place on the global stage when it featured in the Hollywood James Bond classic ‘Octopussy’ (1983), its regal profile adding to the film’s mystique. Years later, its winding roads and hilltop vistas became part of the lively backdrop for ‘Dhamaal’ (2007), a Bollywood favourite that showcased the palace’s breathtaking scenery and timeless allure.
