The palace was designed to be connected to an underground water storage system capable of holding 195,500 liters.
The structure is built on the ruins of an ancient Rajput fort.
The palace remains unfinished compared to the original design by Maharana Sajjan Singh.
It is locally referred to as 'Sajjan Garh' after the ruler who commissioned it.
The high elevation makes the palace significantly cooler than the city center during summer months.
The white marble used in the construction was imported from local quarries in the Aravalli range.
The Monsoon Palace, also known as Sajjan Garh, sits atop Bansdara Peak in the Aravalli Hills overlooking Udaipur. Commissioned by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1884, it was originally intended to be a nine-story astronomical center. The palace is constructed primarily of white marble and features extensive turrets, guards' quarters, and vaulted ceilings. It served as a hunting lodge and a summer retreat for the Mewar royal family. Its strategic location was chosen to monitor the monsoon clouds gathering over the surrounding landscape. The building complex overlooks the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, which protects local flora and fauna. The exterior walls are decorated with intricate jali work and carved brackets typical of Rajasthani architectural styles. The site provides a panoramic view of Udaipur’s artificial lakes, including Fateh Sagar Lake and Pichola Lake. It gained global recognition as a filming location for the 1983 James Bond movie Octopussy.
The western-facing terrace, which offers an unobstructed view of the sun setting over the distant hills.
Bring a windbreaker or light jacket as the hilltop experiences high winds and cooler temperatures than the city floor.
Rent a private vehicle to reach the gate, as walking the steep, winding road from the base is physically demanding.
Carry binoculars to spot wildlife within the adjacent sanctuary, including chitals and sambar deer.
Attempting to walk the steep incline on foot during peak heat hours; neglecting to bring water, as amenities at the top are limited.
Maintain a quiet volume to avoid disturbing local wildlife; do not feed monkeys found near the entrance.
