Udaipur Sajjangarh a huge palace on a one of the highest peaks around, Bansdara Mountain, 5 km. west of the city towards Rampura. Overlooking Pichola Lake, it is 335 m. from the city level and 944 m. above sea level. Beginning in 1883, Maharana Sajjan Singh (1874-1884) commissioned Sajjangarh, for two reasons. First, it was to be used as a resort by the Maharanas of Mewar, a summer retreat for watching the progress of the monsoon clouds over the surrounding areas (which led to its nickname of the Monsoon Palace). Second, it provided work for those without means. Maharana Sajjan Singh did not complete this palace during his lifetime and Maharana Fateh Singh completed it later.
From the palace's lofty vantage point, the view of the Aravalli Hills, lakes, forests and rivers beyond the dazzling whitewashed town is breathtaking. During the monsoons, the fort's distant silhouette is shrouded in a haze of clouds and rain. Allegedly, Sajjan Singh had planned a nine-storey observatory here, but his plans were cut short with his death at the age of 25.
The magnificent white marbled palace has high turrets with a guard on each. These turrets overlook the nearby jungle infested with wild tigers and venomous snakes.
The palace on the hilltop looks like a bejeweled tiara on the hill. The objective of building this fort was to keep a constant check on the progress of monsoon clouds in the adjoining areas. Folklore says that the Maharana had actually intended to construct a nine storied observatory at this point. But his untimely demise did not let him fulfill his wish.
Regarded as one of the best attributes of Sightseeing in Udaipur the palace is a favorite with the tourists for its excellent architecture. Visitors love to keep standing in the little turrets for hours and admire the scenic beauty around.
Although it remains a popular tourist destination (though the narrow, winding road to the top of the high hill can be daunting), Sajjangarh is no longer under the jurisdiction of the Mewar family.
History of Sajjangarh Fort
The construction of the Monsoon Palace/ Sajjangarh Fort & Palace began under the command of Maharana Sajjan Singh. Maharana Sajjan Singh was an influential thinker, developer and a short-lived ruler of Mewar dynasty. Even though he ruled for ten years only (from 1874-1884), he made an extraordinary contribution in preserving and establishing the glory and culture of the Udaipur City. His civil works included construction of dams and roads, water supply and infrastructural developments.
Under the reign of Maharana Sajjan Singh, in the 19th century, Udaipur has been crowned with the second municipality of India. In November 1881 on the occasion of Queen Victoria’s crowning, the Maharana was awarded the title “Grand Commander of the Star of India” by Lord Ripon.
Architecture of Sajjangarh Fort
Located on a Bansdara peak of Aravalli hill (3100 ft above sea level), Sajjangarh Palace is built with stunning white marble. As per the plan laid out by Maharana Sajjan Singh, the Palace was supposed to be nine stories, but due to the premature death of the King, the planned was shelved. However, it was later completed by Maharana Fateh Singh, his successor. The Royal family used the Sajjangarh Palace as a hunting lodge as well as to watch the monsoon clouds which brought the name of Monsoon Palace to the Sajjangarh Palace.
The foundation of the Fort is laid on marble pillars which have exclusive motifs of flowers and leaves carved all over it. The palace walls are plastered with lime mortar. There is a vast central court with a stunning staircase and several quarters and rooms. The Fort has high turrets and guards monitoring each of the towers. The domes, fountains, and jharokhas all around the palaces are the exquisite marvels of Rajasthani architecture.
