Monsoon Palace Udaipur: Timings, Tickets and Sunset Guide
Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh) in Udaipur: opening hours, ticket fees, the sanctuary drive, when to go for sunset and how long to stay.
The Monsoon Palace, also called Sajjangarh, stands on a hilltop above Udaipur and is one of the best viewpoints in the city. It is not a place for rooms and furniture. It is a place for the view, and for the sunset in particular.
This guide covers timings, tickets and how to time the visit.
The Monsoon Palace by day.
At a glance | |
|---|---|
Where | Sajjangarh hill, about 5 to 6 km west of Udaipur |
What | A hilltop palace built in the 1880s, with views over the city and lakes |
Entry | Ticket for the palace and a separate charge for vehicles |
Time needed | 1 to 1.5 hours |
Best time | The hour before sunset, in the cooler months |
Note | Opening hours and fees change, so check on the day |
What it is
Maharana Sajjan Singh began the palace in the 1880s as an astronomical observatory and a place to watch the monsoon clouds. It was never completed as planned and is now a mostly empty shell, but its terraces give a very wide view across Udaipur and its lakes.
It is run by the forest department, because the hill is part of the Sajjangarh wildlife sanctuary. You pay an entry fee, and for vehicles there is an additional charge at the gate.
Timings and tickets
The palace usually opens in the morning and closes close to sunset, so the last entry may be well before dark. Because sunset time shifts with the season, check the day's closing time before you plan a sunset visit.
Entry: a ticket per person, with different rates for Indian and foreign visitors and for children.
Vehicles: a separate fee for a car at the gate.
Camera: a camera fee may apply.
Prices change often, so use these as a guide and confirm at the gate.
When to go
Late afternoon, October to March: the best light and the coolest air.
Morning: quiet, with clear views.
Monsoon: the hills turn green and the views are dramatic, though the sky can be cloudy.
Summer: hot and dry. Go late.
The sunset crowd is the biggest. Arrive about an hour before so you have time to walk the terraces.
The drive up
A winding road climbs through the sanctuary, and you may see peacocks, langurs and birds. Drive slowly and do not feed the animals. Auto-rickshaws and cabs both go up.
Sajjangarh at dusk.
What else to combine
The palace fits well with a lakeside evening. A common plan is the Monsoon Palace at sunset, then dinner by the water. See our Udaipur in three days guide and the City Palace guide.
Is it worth it?
Yes, for the view. If you dislike climbing and crowds, go at a quieter hour, and keep your expectations to the setting and not the building.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Monsoon Palace timings?
Usually from the morning until about sunset. Check the closing time on the day.
How much is the ticket?
A per-person ticket plus a vehicle fee. Rates change, so confirm at the gate.
How far is it from Udaipur?
About 5 to 6 km, a drive of 20 to 30 minutes.
Is it good for sunset?
Yes, it is the most popular reason to go.
Can you go inside the palace?
You can walk through the terraces and halls. It is mostly empty.
Plan your Udaipur days with us
We time the palace for the best light and add a lakeside dinner. Explore the Rajasthan destination page or talk to a trip designer.
Photo credits
Monsoon Palace by day: Imatoz, CC BY-SA 4.0. Sajjangarh at dusk: UnpetitproleX, CC BY-SA 4.0. Both via Wikimedia Commons.
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