Monsoon Palace, also called Sajjangarh Palace, is a historic hilltop palace built by Maharana Sajjan Singh in the 19th century. Located on the Bansdara Hills, it offers stunning panoramic views of Udaipur, its lakes, and the Aravalli Hills. It is especially popular for its beautiful setting, photography, and spectacular sunset views.

This guide covers timings, ticket prices, what to see, and why the climb up is worth your time.

What Is Monsoon Palace, and Why Is It Famous?

Monsoon Palace, also known as Sajjangarh Palace, was started by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1884. He originally planned to build a nine-story astronomical observatory on the hill to study and track the monsoon clouds over the Aravalli Hills. However, he died before the project was completed, and the palace was later completed as a monsoon retreat and hunting lodge for the Mewar royal family. Incredible India

Today, the palace is most famous for its hilltop location and spectacular panoramic views. From here, visitors can see Fateh Sagar Lake, Lake Pichola, Udaipur’s old city, and the Aravalli Hills. Its elegant white architecture and appearance in the James Bond film Octopussy have made it even more popular among tourists. Rajasthan Tourism

Monsoon Palace Timings

Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh Fort) is generally open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. However, the last entry is usually between 5:00 PM and 5:30 PM, depending on the season and sunset timing.

As it is on the hills and passes through the Jungle area post the ticket counter. So counter is closed around an hour before the usual closure of the monument.

Important: Arriving after the last-entry time may mean you cannot go up to the palace, even though the palace itself remains open until 6:00 PM for visitors who have already entered. So, don’t leave your visit until the last minute.

Monsoon Palace Entry Fees and How to Get Tickets

Visiting Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh Palace) involves two main costs: the palace entry fee and, in many cases, a separate vehicle or transport charge because the palace is located inside the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

🎟️ Entry Fee

The commonly listed palace entry prices are:

Indian visitors: ₹120 per person
Foreign visitors: ₹500 per person

These prices can change, so it is always a good idea to confirm the current fee at the ticket counter before paying.

🚗 Vehicle and Transport Charges

If you are travelling by your own vehicle, additional charges may apply:

Two-wheeler: Around ₹55
Car: Around ₹338

Because the palace is located on a hill inside the sanctuary area, visitors cannot simply drive up without the required access permission.

If you don’t have a suitable vehicle, you can use the shared shuttle/jeep or battery-operated vehicle service available from the base area. This can be a convenient option if your taxi or cab does not want to drive up the steep road.

🎟️ Where Can You Get the Ticket?

The main and simplest way to get your ticket is at the ticket counter at the base of the hill, before the road leading up to Monsoon Palace.

At this counter, you can generally arrange:

Palace entry ticket
Vehicle/access ticket, if you are taking your own vehicle
Shuttle/transport ticket, if you are using the available shared transport

Standalone online tickets are not as commonly available as physical tickets at the entrance. Some travel companies sell Monsoon Palace as part of sightseeing packages or tours, but for a normal independent visit, buying your ticket at the entrance is usually the easiest option.

⏰ Timing Tip

The palace is generally open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with last entry around 5:30 PM. If you want to experience the famous sunset, try to reach the ticket counter by around 4:30 PM. This gives you enough time to buy your tickets, arrange transportation, travel up the hill, and find a good viewpoint before sunset.

In short: For an independent visit, arrive at the base ticket counter, purchase your palace and required transport/access tickets there, and allow plenty of time if sunset is your main goal.

What to See Inside Monsoon Palace

Although Monsoon Palace is relatively compact, there are several interesting features to explore. The palace is especially worth visiting for its architecture and spectacular hilltop views.

White-Marble Architecture: The palace features elegant turrets, balconies, carved pillars, courtyards, and decorative floral patterns in its marble work.
Panoramic Views: The biggest attraction is the breathtaking view from the hilltop. You can see Fateh Sagar Lake, Lake Pichola, Udaipur city, and the Aravalli Hills from above.
Palace Museum: A small museum displays artefacts and information connected with the Maharanas of Mewar, giving visitors a glimpse into the palace’s royal history.
Rainwater Harvesting System: The palace has an impressive traditional water-management system. Its underground tanks were designed to store around 195,500 litres of rainwater, showing the practical engineering used in the 19th century. Incredible India
Sunset Viewpoint: Sunset is one of the most memorable experiences here. As the sun sets, the lakes, hills, and city below glow in golden and orange shades, creating excellent opportunities for photography.

Panoramic sunset view of Udaipur city from Monsoon Palace Sajjangarh

Why Should You Visit Monsoon Palace?

Monsoon Palace offers a different experience from Udaipur’s City Palace. While City Palace is mainly about royal rooms, courtyards, and history, Monsoon Palace is all about its hilltop setting, peaceful atmosphere, and spectacular views.

It is a great place to visit if you enjoy:

📸 Photography and scenic views of Udaipur and its lakes
🌅 Sunset watching from high above the city
🏛️ Rajput architecture and Mewar history
⛰️ Beautiful views of the Aravalli Hills
🌆 Seeing Udaipur spread out below you from the hilltop

The journey up the hill by car or shared jeep is also part of the experience. Once you reach the top, the atmosphere feels quieter and more peaceful than the busy city below, making Monsoon Palace an ideal place to slow down and enjoy Udaipur from a different perspective.

Best Time to Visit and How to Plan Your Monsoon Palace Visit

The best time to visit Monsoon Palace is in the late afternoon, especially if you want to enjoy its famous sunset views. Try to reach the palace at least one hour before sunset. During the busy tourist season, the road to the hilltop can become crowded, and last entry may be strictly followed, so arriving early gives you enough time to travel up and explore without rushing.

October to March is generally a great period for photography because the weather is cooler and the skies are often clearer. The monsoon season offers a different experience—the surrounding Aravalli Hills become lush and green, creating a beautiful backdrop and adding to the palace’s connection with the monsoon.

For a full day of sightseeing, you can visit Bagore Ki Haveli and Saheliyon Ki Bari earlier in the day, then keep Monsoon Palace for the evening. This works particularly well because the palace is at its most beautiful during the golden hour and sunset.

Quick tips before you go

Book a cab or shared jeep in advance during peak season, since private vehicle access can be restricted partway up.
Carry a light jacket. It gets windy at the top, even when the city below feels warm.
Wear comfortable shoes for the short uphill walk from the parking or jeep drop-off point.
Arrive with buffer time. Entry queues can build up fast near sunset.
Check our places to visit in Udaipur guide to fit Monsoon Palace into a full-day plan.

If you’d rather not plan the logistics yourself, you can browse our Rajasthan trip itineraries and get transport, timing, and entry sorted as part of your Udaipur stay.