The “Territory of the Ruling Elites” Rajasthan, is known for its numerous magnificent forts and palaces. Sajjangarh Palace, however, is a truly amazing structure & an example for the same. It was built by the 72nd ruler of the Mewar dynasty, “Maharana Sajjan Singh” at a height of 3100 feet. Sajjangarh is how it came to be known.
Source : japjitravel
Although Udaipur is known as the “City of Lakes” it also has a large number of magnificent castles. And Sajjangarh comes at the first place.
However, you may also know it by the name Monsoon Palace. Nevertheless, very few people are aware of the origins of this title. Let us tell you about the entire instance which led this to happen.
History Behind the Name
A visionary leader, Maharana Sajjan Singh is credited as being the “Builder” of the palace. He carried out numerous developmental projects, such as expanding the infrastructure for roads, water supply, and other civil work. He also instituted civil administration and courts. His reign (1874–1884) lasted just 10 years.
Maharana Sajjan Singh Ji Source: wordpress
But his largest undertaking was the construction of the Sajjan Garh Palace, or the Monsoon Palace. It was planned to serve as the western backdrop to the city of Udaipur.
Initially a nine-storey complex was envisioned by Maharana Sajjan Singh Ji. It was planned to serve as an “astronomical center” and to track monsoon clouds. Moreover to accommodate as a family resort too.
But before he could complete the fort, fate made him meet the untimely death.
Hence Maharana Fateh Singh Ji, successor of the clan, took the pain on his shoulders for the completion of the complex. Nonetheless he succeeded in making the project possible.
Maharana Fateh Singh Ji Source: wikiwand
Moreover Fateh Singh Ji occupied the building for watching monsoon clouds and hence the name – “Monsoon Palace”. The royal family also used it as a hunting lodge.
Source: clevelandart
Some Interesting facts
Monsoon palace is best visited during the monsoon season to see the clouds, endless hills of greenery, and a few light showers. As it is situated at the top to give a wider view & heavenly feeling of being surrounded by clouds.
You can see a beautiful sunset as well, but you must be at the palace when it happens.
You get the view of three beautiful lakes at once, Fateh Sagar, Pichola, and Swaroop Sagar which is breathtaking.
The palace has featured the filming of several Bollywood and Hollywood productions, including Octopussy, Cheetah Girl, Dhamaal and Hum Hai Raahi Pyar Ke. The palace appears as the home of the main antagonist, an exiled Afghan prince by the name of Kamal Khan, in the James Bond film Octopussy (Louise Jourdan).
View From Monsoon Place Source: udaipurbeats
The most loved Monsoon Season is about to end and it would be the best opportunity to visit the palace. Don’t wait, make a plan and step out before it’s too late!
The days left to begin enjoying the soothing monsoon season of Udaipur have ended. And we have planned to make it easier for you to decide where to land as soon as the clouds begin to shower in Udaipur. Although the locals of Udaipur are familiar with most of the places listed below, tourists will find that ‘The Trip to Udaipur’ becomes ‘The Ultimate Trip to Udaipur’ if they include these places in their itinerary during this monsoon season. We have curated a list of places in and around Udaipur, that you can visit during the monsoon season.
Places to Visit In Udaipur
1.) The Sajjangarh or The Monsoon Palace
Credits: UdaipurTourism
This is a wonderful monsoon place in Udaipur, as the name implies. It is best seen during June, July, and August, and was once known as Sajjan Garh Palace. It is a new public attraction that was once owned by the Mewar family and was recently given to the government. It has a view over the city of Udaipur and its lakes, brimming with water and vegetation during the monsoon season.
The only objective of Maharana Sajjan Singh’s construction of the Monsoon Palace, also known as Sajjangarh, was to stare at the monsoon clouds up close and enjoy the magnificent aerial view of the city from 3100 feet above sea level, as the name says.
Note: Due to Forest Department orders, the Monsoon Palace is only open till 7:00 PM for security reasons.
2.) Panna Boat Museum
Credits: Indra Niwas
It is a ship-shaped museum located on the Govardhan Sagar Lake, which is situated on the outskirts of Udaipur but is well-maintained and gets a lot of attention from both residents and visitors. It was inaugurated in 2014 by our Former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. The Panna Boat Museum is dedicated to the great Panna Dai and the sacrifices she made for Mewar; here, you may learn a lot about Panna Dai, as well as hang out in the beautifully constructed ship-shaped museum and enjoy the weather beside the picturesque lake.
3.) Neemach Mata Temple
Credits: Udaipurian
We should express our gratitude for the modest and simple things in life, such as the smell of rain, the flavour of your favourite cuisine, or the tone of a loved one’s voice. And what better time to do it than in the magnificently located NEEMUCH MATA temple in Udaipur, where showers of blessings are raining all around you with a tinge of holiness enveloping you. This memorial honours Neemuch Mata Devi. There’s also a statue of Lord Ganesha, a Hindu God, and three granite lions facing west. The temple is situated on top of a grassy hill in Udaipur and offers a breathtaking aerial view of the city of lakes, Udaipur.
This temple and the stone statue within it, are well-known for their connection to a Neem tree, therefore the name NEEMUCH. Due to the sacred essence of the tree, it is claimed that anyone who visits the temple on a regular basis would never have any skin issues. To go to Neemuch Mata temple, you will have to climb 850 meters and can only do it on foot. You can climb this mountain either by taking the steps off the alley or pathway. The entire route is covered in natural peak forest and thick greenery, which adds to the beauty.
4.) The Karni Mata Ropeway
Credits: Vogue Traveller
Udaipur has not only provided the prettiest sites but has also excelled in terms of offering scenic locations that are as wonderful as paradise during the monsoon and are completely free to visit. The KARNI MATA ROPEWAY in Udaipur is one of these destinations. It swings you across the lush green valley of Udaipur as you enjoy the gorgeous panorama of the surrounding region in a glass-packed cabin. This Ropeway begins from the famous Doodh Talai Musical Fountain Park and swipes you through the lush green gorges overlooking the entire city of Udaipur before dropping you off at the Karni Mata Temple thereby leaving you mesmerized by the greenery of this amazing city. The best part is, that it is incredibly cost-efficient.
5.) Nehru Garden
The City of Lakes, Udaipur, is known for its charming gardens. These gardens are ideal for anyone seeking a relaxing sunny day out. One such piece of art is The Nehru Garden. The beautiful and one-of-a-kind Nehru Park sprawls across 41 acres in the heart of Fateh Sagar Lake, with a lily pond in the centre and a massive towering gigantic fountain. The garden’s most adorable feature is its water trail, which can be crossed by tiny walkable stepping stones.
Anyone who visits Fateh Sagar Lake cannot ignore the beauty of Nehru Park and takes a boat trip from Fateh Sagar to Nehru Park, which enhances the beauty of the lake as well as the city of Udaipur.
Places to Visit Around Udaipur
1.) Tidi Dam
A massive 67-foot-high dam located 34 kilometres from the city centre is an exquisite spot to explore during monsoon season. Hindustan Zinc Ltd. built it in 1976, and it presently serves as Zawar Mines’ primary source of water. It has become one of the most popular and convenient picnic spots for the locals as well as the tourists. A perfect place to go especially during the monsoon season. It has unique natural scenery, where you may appreciate the beauty in its natural state. Although this place doesn’t have any natural waterfall, the water streaming from the dam creates an amazing illusion of an organic waterfall, and you may cherish this place with your friends and family.
2.) Ubeshwar Ji:
Another paradise during the rainy season is Ubeshwar Ji. The Aravali mountain range surrounds Ubeshwar Ji, with water gushing and flowing across it. It is essential to visit this location during the rainy season. Here you will locate Lord Shiva’s temple, where you may relax and enjoy the scenery, making it an ideal picnic site. There is also a pond with little fish where you may relax and enjoy the scenery.
3.) Chandni Village
It is a popular monsoon spot situated around 23 kilometres away from Udaipur. Do you recall learning how to sketch static scenery in elementary school? This is an identical twin of the fantasy environment we have been painting since our childhood, with various mountains on top and a water stream rushing through the mountainous terrain, alongside the village.
4.) Pipliya Ji
About 32 kilometres from Udaipur, one of the city’s best monsoon attractions is Pipliya Ji. The curving single road will take you to a spectacular area where you may appreciate nature’s tranquillity as it cuts through the lush green hills and streams. The route is wrapped in mist and clouds and appears to be floating in space; at times, it is so foggy that nothing can be seen beyond a few meters.
The view from the top of the mountain is spectacular. Pipliya Ji is one of the most visited spots in Udaipur, giving magnificent views amid breathtaking scenery. One might encounter a few villages nestled within its lush greenery, far from the rush and bustle of city life.
5.) The Badi Lake
The residents of Udaipur have already shown great respect and loyalty towards this site; now is the time to include it in the city’s local guides so that visitors may also visit this magnificent Lake, which is stretched across 155 square kilometres area and is located around 12 kilometres from Udaipur. This Lake was built between 1652 and 1680 by Maharaja Raj Singh. It is a famous picnic spot for the locals as well as tourists. The lake is also great for swimming, and there are several kiosks (shamiana) along the embankments where visitors may rest and relax.
Quick Tip: If you want to see the sunset from Badi Lake, go early in the morning and wait for the sun to rise over the picturesque lake. Also, if you have a local acquaintance, request that they take you on a hike around Badi Lake.
