If you ask me the best place to watch Udaipur melt into golden light during sunset, my answer will always be Sajjangarh Palace, also known as the Monsoon Palace.
Perched high on a hill, this white palace looks like it’s floating in the clouds when seen from the city below. And when you’re actually up there? You get a 360° view of Udaipur, the lakes, and the Aravalli hills stretching endlessly. Honestly, no photo does justice to the feeling.
A Quick Backstory
Sajjangarh was built in the late 1800s by Maharana Sajjan Singh. The idea? A place to watch monsoon clouds roll in and to serve as an astronomical center (though that plan never really took off).
Now, it’s more of a sunset point + photography paradise. The palace itself is pretty simple compared to City Palace — fewer rooms, less grandeur — but the views? Absolutely unbeatable.
What to See & Do
- The Palace Structure – White marble walls, big open terraces, and old corridors. You won’t find intricate carvings here like City Palace, but you’ll love the openness.
- Sunset Views – The main reason everyone comes. As the sun dips behind the Aravallis, the sky turns pink, orange, and purple — and the lakes below sparkle.
- Monsoon Clouds – If you’re lucky during July–Sept, you’ll literally see clouds drifting past you. Feels like you’re standing inside the sky.
- Wildlife Sanctuary Below – Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary surrounds the hill, so if you’re into nature, you can also explore that separately.
Ticket Prices (2025)
Here’s the updated breakdown (don’t get confused at the gate, it’s a two-step fee):
- Entry to Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary
- Indians: ₹40
- Foreigners: ₹300
- Car/Jeep: ₹250
- Bike: ₹40
- Entry to Monsoon Palace
- Indians: ₹110
- Foreigners: ₹300
⏰ Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (but if you’re going for sunset, enter before 5:30 PM, otherwise they won’t let you up).
Insider Tips from Experience
- Go in the evening – Sunset is the real magic. Mornings are nice too, but evenings feel dreamy.
- Carry water & light snacks – There are small stalls near the parking, but not much inside.
- Transport – It’s a steep uphill drive. You’ll need either your own vehicle, a rented bike, or a cab/auto. Ola/Uber works sometimes, but don’t depend on them for the return trip. Better to keep your driver waiting.
- Photography tip – Best shots are from the terrace when the sun dips behind the mountains. If you’re into Instagram, this is your jackpot.
- Crowds – Weekends can get packed with tourists and locals. For a calmer vibe, weekdays are better.
The first time I went, I made the rookie mistake of visiting in the afternoon. It was scorching, the palace looked washed out, and I thought, “That’s it?” But when I came back during monsoon at 5:30 PM, it felt like an entirely different place.
The clouds rolled in, the city started glowing below, and as the sun set behind the Aravallis, the whole palace turned golden. Everyone on the terrace just went quiet for a minute — like we all knew we were watching something special.
Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace isn’t about luxury interiors or fancy halls. It’s about the location and the view. If you’re in Udaipur, don’t miss it. Trust me, you’ll remember that sunset long after your trip ends.
After you’re done, drive down to Fateh Sagar Lake for chai and bhutta (roasted corn). That’s how you wrap up the perfect Udaipur evening. 🌅
