Monsoon Palace – Sunset over the City of Lakes

Perched atop the Bansdara Hills, the Monsoon Palace—formerly known as Sajjangarh Palace—rises like a sentinel over Udaipur, offering one of the most breathtaking vantage points in all of Rajasthan. Originally built by Maharana Sajjan Singh in the 19th century to monitor the arrival of monsoon clouds, the palace today stands as a poetic remnant of royal ambition and architectural elegance. As you ascend the winding road to the palace, the landscape gradually transforms—lakes glisten below, the city shrinks into a tapestry of rooftops, and the Aravalli ranges stretch endlessly into the horizon. A private guide shares stories of the Maharanas who once watched the rain clouds roll in from these very terraces, and the scientific vision behind this monsoon observatory. The palace itself, with its scalloped arches, wide balconies, and romantic decay, evokes a haunting grandeur. You may choose to explore its airy halls and rooftop pavilions in solitude or with the company of a conservation expert who can explain the ongoing restoration efforts. Time your visit for sunset, when the entire city is bathed in golden light and the lakes mirror the sky in hues of coral and lavender. A curated setup—complete with chai or champagne, classical music on a wireless speaker, and light refreshments—can transform this into an unforgettable moment of stillness and splendor. At Monsoon Palace, you do not merely watch the sunset—you feel it unfold across sky, stone, and soul.