Monsoon Palace Udaipur or Sajjangarh Fort is built on the top of Bansadara hill of Aravali in Udaipur. Monsoon Palace Udaipur was a very ambitious project of Maharana Sajjan Singh and this palace is named Sajjangarh Fort after him. Monsoon Palace, built at a height of 944 meters above sea level, is a famous tourist spot of Udaipur. It is a striking example of Rajasthani architecture and historical grandeur.
Its location on the Bansdara Mountain provided a strategic vantage point to monitor the surrounding areas, including the city of Udaipur and the lakes.
मानसून महल उदयपुर सज्जनगढ़ किला | Monsoon Mahal Udaipur Hindi
Sajjangarh Fort or Monsoon Palace , built in 1884, was built to provide relief to the farmers of this area for forecasting rains and to house the royal family during monsoon. Maharana Sajjan Singh intended the palace to be an astronomical center for tracking monsoon clouds, thus aiding in the prediction of weather patterns, especially the arrival of the monsoon. Rana Sajjan Singh wanted to build this fort so high that Chittorgarh Fort could be seen from its topmost terrace.
Unfortunately, Rana Sajjan Singh died at the age of 25 and this project remained incomplete. Later his successor Rana Fateh Singh completed this fort up to 5 floors. After Maharana Sajjan Singh’s untimely death in 1884, the palace’s purpose shifted. It became a royal hunting lodge and a place of leisure for the rulers of Mewar.
History – Monsoon Palace Udaipur
Maharana Sajjan Singh of Udaipur was a significant figure in the history of the Mewar Dynasty, known for his visionary leadership and contributions to the architectural and cultural heritage of Udaipur. Maharana Sajjan Singh was born in 1859.
He served as Maharana of Udaipur for only 10 years. He ascended the throne of Mewar in 1874 and died due to illness in 1884.
Maharana Sajjan Singh is known as a visionary. He got many constructions done to improve the infrastructure of Udaipur city. He also got important work done like cleaning of Lake Pichola and also got the repair work done on old dams. During his reign, he was known for his progressive approach towards the modernization of Udaipur.
Sajjangarh Fort was his most ambitious project. Maharana wanted to build it up to the 9th floor. From this fort, monsoon clouds could be monitored and rain could be predicted. Creating employment for the people of Udaipur was also a big objective.
Known for his benevolence and concern for the welfare of his subjects. He worked towards improving the living conditions and providing better amenities for the people of Udaipur.
After his death, Maharana Fateh Singh built this fort. This fort was also used as a hunting ground for the royal family.
Monsoon Palace Udaipur – Architecture
The Monsoon Palace epitomizes the opulent and intricate style characteristic of Rajasthani architecture, known for its grandeur, symmetry, and ornate detailing. The palace is constructed primarily from white marble, which gives it a striking appearance against the green Aravalli hills, particularly when illuminated by sunlight.
There are a total of 5 floors of the fort. There is a small museum on the first floor in which the flora and fauna found in Sajjangarh Biological Park is shown through models. There are fountains in the middle of this hall which have flowers and leaves on them.
If you look upwards, there is also a seat for the king to sit. There are windows all around the hall from where the city of Udaipur can be seen.
In all the palaces and forts of Mewar, special structures were constructed to collect and use rain water. Similar tanks have been built in Sajjangarh Fort for rain water harvesting.
On going above it, some rooms have been built for the staff/servants and soldiers of the royal family to live. A very beautiful and panoramic view of Udaipur city can be seen from this place. Expansive balconies and verandas are integral to the design, offering unobstructed views of the surrounding landscapes, including Udaipur city, Fateh Sagar Lake, and the Aravalli range.
Monsoon Palace Udaipur – Museum
Sajjangarh Fort has been converted into a small museum. The main hall of the fort is a small museum which displays the birds and animals found in Sajjangarh Park. A statue of Maharana Sajjan Singh has also been installed in this hall. Visitors can also see the portraits of Maharana Sajjan Singh and Maharana Fateh Singh on the walls of the hall.
Today, the Monsoon Palace is a popular tourist destination in Udaipur. Visitors come not only for its historical significance but also for the breathtaking views and natural beauty. The palace’s picturesque setting has made it a popular location for films and documentaries, adding to its allure and fame.
How to reach – Monsoon Palace Udaipur
Monsoon Palace or Sajjangarh Fort is situated at a distance of about 5 kilometers from Udaipur city. You can also reach here by taxi or auto rickshaw. But the individual ticket is Rs 90 and if you want to take your car to the fort then the ticket for that is Rs 275.
The tour of the palace takes about 1 hour and after that you can sit on the upper terrace of the palace and enjoy the clouds and cool breeze. Beautiful views of Udaipur city, Lake Pichola, City Palace and Fateh Sagar Lake can be seen from here.
Other Attractions – Monsoon Palace Udaipur
There are also some other tourist places near Monsoon Palace Udaipur like Sajjangarh Biological Park Safari and Trekking. Trekking and park safari are not done in monsoon but these are very good tourist activities in winter. Bear, leopard, lion, crocodile and hyena can also be seen during the park safari. Sajjangarh Park is especially known for its flora and fauna.
Before the entry gate of Monsoon Mahal, Udaipur, there are many Mewari restaurants where one can enjoy delicious food like Rajasthan’s famous Dal Bati and Mewari Thali. Other major attractions near the Monsoon Palace are :
Fateh Sagar Lake is an artificial lake named after Maharana Fateh Singh, it is known for its serene waters and scenic surroundings. It is known for its serene waters and scenic surroundings.
City Palace Udaipur is a grand palace complex located on the eastern banks of Lake Pichola, it showcases the architectural splendor of the Mewar dynasty.
Lake Pichola is one of the most picturesque lakes in Udaipur, created in 1362 AD. Tourists can do boat rides, visiting Jag Mandir and Lake Palace (Taj Lake Palace), enjoying sunset views.
Jag Mandir is an island palace on Lake Pichola, known for its beautiful architecture and historical significance. Its Marble structures, gardens, and the famous Gul Mahal attracts a big number of visitors every year.
Saheliyon Ki Bari is a historic garden built by Maharana Bhopal Singh for the royal ladies.
Bagore Ki Haveli is a historic haveli located on the waterfront of Lake Pichola at Gangori Ghat.
Few other attractions of Udaipur are Jagdish Temple, Shilpgram, Eklingji Temple and Maharana Pratap Memorial.
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