Monsoon Palace (Entry Fee, Timings, Best time to visit)

History

The history of the palace mirrors the history of the Mewar kingdom. Maharana Sajjan Singh, born on July 18, 1859, and passing away on December 23, 1884, was the seventy-second ruler of the Mewar dynasty, reigning from 1874 to 1884. His tenure was brief, spanning only 10 years until his untimely demise. Ascending the throne at the age of 15, Sajjan Singh faced challenges to his rule, particularly from his uncle Sohan Singh, who contested his right to the crown. Sohan Singh even conspired with astrologers to delay Sajjan Singh's coronation, but intervention from the British agent, who supported Sajjan Singh, ensured a favorable date for the ceremony two years later. Despite ongoing challenges from his uncle, Sajjan Singh eventually ascended to the throne, leading to the confiscation of his uncle's property and his eventual imprisonment.

After his investiture as Maharana in 1876, Sajjan Singh was regarded as an enlightened ruler and a "man of vision." He initiated a comprehensive program of developmental activities in his kingdom, focusing on expanding infrastructure such as roads, water supply, and civil works. Additionally, he introduced civil administration and courts, significantly improving the overall environment of Udaipur through afforestation and lake improvements. Notably, he oversaw the desilting of Lake Pichola and the reconstruction of the masonry dam to enhance storage capacity, all while prioritizing the preservation of historical heritage due to his personal interest in arts and culture. His most ambitious project was the construction of Sajjan Garh Palace, also known as the Monsoon Palace, serving as a picturesque western backdrop to Udaipur city.

During Sajjan Singh's reign, Udaipur earned the distinction of becoming the second Municipality in India, following Bombay. In acknowledgment of his remarkable efforts in preserving and developing the Mewar kingdom, and to signify his princely status under the British Raj, he was bestowed with the title of "Grand Commander of the Star of India" by Lord Ripon in November 1881, coinciding with Queen Victoria's coronation as the Empress of India.

Structure

The palace, constructed from white marble, sits atop Bansdara peak of the Aravalli hill range, standing at an elevation of 944 meters (3100 feet) above mean sea level. Positioned to overlook Lake Pichola from the west, the palace sits approximately 340 meters (1100 feet) above the lake. Originally planned by Maharana Sajjan Singh, the intention behind the nine-storey complex was to create an astronomical center for tracking the movement of monsoon clouds, providing employment opportunities, and serving as a royal resort. However, Sajjan Singh's premature death at the age of 26 led to the postponement of his plans. Partially constructed during his reign, the palace was completed by his successor, Maharana Fateh Singh, who utilized it to observe monsoon clouds and as a hunting lodge for the royal family

The palace features high turrets and guards stationed at each tower, surrounding a grand central court with a staircase and numerous rooms and quarters. Supported by marble pillars adorned with intricate leaf and flower motifs, the walls are plastered with lime mortar. Illuminated at night, the palace exudes a fairy tale-like beauty with its Rajasthani architecture, complete with domes, fountains, and jharokas.

Other attractions

Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary:- Established in 1987, the sanctuary surrounding the palace spans an area of 5.19 square kilometers (2.00 sq mi) and is meticulously protected by the Kishan Pol concrete wall. Once a royal shooting preserve, the hillside is densely forested and historically served as an ordnance dump during the Scindia attack on Udaipur in 1764, with some cannons still remaining. Overlooking the sanctuary, the palace is surrounded by a reserve teeming with reptiles, tigers, nilgai, sambhar deer, wild boars, hyenas, panthers, jackals, and a diverse array of bird species, making it a popular destination for bird watching. Adventure enthusiasts can embark on a trek starting from Gorilla Point to Jiyan Sagar or Bari Lake, offering panoramic views of the Aravalli hills and the wildlife inhabiting the reserve forest.

Sajjan Garh Biological Park:- Sajjangarh Biological Park is located near the majestic Sajjangarh Palace in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. It is a popular tourist attraction known for its diverse collection of flora and fauna. The park is spread across a vast area and provides a natural habitat for various species of animals, birds, and plants. Visitors to Sajjangarh Biological Park can enjoy guided safaris, walking trails, and educational programs to learn more about the wildlife and conservation efforts in the region. The park aims to promote awareness about biodiversity and the importance of preserving natural habitats. Some of the animals you might encounter at Sajjangarh Biological Park include leopards, tigers, lions, deer, bears, and numerous bird species. It's a great place for nature enthusiasts and families alike to immerse themselves in the beauty of Rajasthan's wildlife.