Sajjangarh Fort, also known as Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace, is one of the most beautiful places in Udaipur. It is famous for its breathtaking sunset views. The fort is located on a hilltop, offering a stunning view of Udaipur city, lakes, and the Aravalli hills. Many tourists visit Sajjangarh Fort Udaipur to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and capture the magical sunset. If you are looking for the best place to see the sunset in Udaipur, this fort is the perfect spot.
History of Sajjangarh Fort
Sajjangarh Fort was built in 1884 by Maharana Sajjan Singh, the ruler of Mewar. He wanted to make it an astronomical center where he could study the movement of stars and planets. However, he passed away before completing the project, and the fort was later used as a monsoon retreat for the royal family. The palace provided a perfect place to enjoy the monsoon clouds and cool weather. It also served as a hunting lodge for the Mewar kings, where they would come to relax and enjoy hunting trips in the nearby forests.
The strategic location of Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace allowed the rulers to keep an eye on their kingdom and protect it from enemies. The fort was designed in such a way that it offered a clear view of Udaipur and the surrounding Aravalli hills. The strong structure of the palace has helped it withstand the test of time, and today, it stands as a symbol of Udaipur’s royal heritage. Visitors from all over the world come to Sajjangarh Fort Udaipur to learn about its rich history and witness its beauty.
Architecture of Sajjangarh Fort
The fort is built in Rajput-style architecture, featuring high towers, grand halls, and large balconies. The structure is made of white marble, which looks even more beautiful during sunset. The fort has an underground water storage system, designed to collect rainwater during the monsoon season. The design of Sajjangarh Fort Udaipur reflects the intelligence and planning of the Mewar rulers.
Why Sajjangarh Fort is the Best Sunset Spot in Udaipur
- Perfect Hilltop Location: The fort is built on Bansdara Hill, 944 meters above sea level, offering a panoramic view of Udaipur.
- Breathtaking Sunset Views: The sky turns golden and pink, creating a magical scene during the Sajjangarh Fort sunset.
- Scenic Beauty: You can see Fateh Sagar Lake, Pichola Lake, and the city lights from the fort.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Away from the city noise, it is an ideal place to relax and enjoy nature.
Best Time to Visit Sajjangarh Fort for Sunset
The best time to visit Sajjangarh Fort Udaipur is during the winter months, from October to March. The weather is pleasant, and the sky is clear, making it perfect for sunset viewing. It is recommended to reach the fort by 5:30 PM to find a good spot before the sunset, which usually happens around 6:00-6:30 PM.
Entry Fees and Timings of Sajjangarh Fort
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Every day)
- Entry Fees:
- Indian Tourists: ₹10 per person
- Foreign Tourists: ₹80 per person
- Vehicle Entry: ₹65 for two-wheelers, ₹250 for cars
- Camera Charges: ₹20 for still cameras, ₹50 for video cameras
How to Reach Sajjangarh Fort
- By Road: The fort is about 10 km from Udaipur city center. You can take an taxi service in Udaipur by Chouhan Cab Service
- By Trekking: Adventure lovers can hike up the hill to enjoy the natural beauty.
- By Private Vehicle: Visitors can drive up to the fort, but the road is steep and winding.
Things to Do at Sajjangarh Fort
- Explore the Fort: Walk around and admire the beautiful Rajput-style architecture.
- Photography: Capture the stunning views, especially during the Sajjangarh Fort sunset.
- Enjoy the View: Relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of Udaipur’s lakes and hills.
- Visit the Biological Park: Nearby, you can explore the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary.
Places to Visit Near Sajjangarh Palace
- Fateh Sagar Lake (7 km): A peaceful lake with boat rides.
- Lake Pichola (8 km): Famous for its islands and boat tours.
- City Palace Udaipur (9 km): A grand palace showcasing royal history.
- Bagore Ki Haveli (9 km): A cultural museum with evening dance shows.
- Gulab Bagh and Zoo (10 km): A beautiful garden with various animals and birds.
Interesting Facts About Sajjangarh Fort
- It was originally planned as an astronomical observatory.
- The fort is built using eco-friendly rainwater harvesting techniques.
- Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace was featured in the James Bond movie ‘Octopussy’.
- The fort is known as ‘Monsoon Palace’ because it was mainly used to watch the monsoon clouds.
Travel Tips for Visiting Sajjangarh Fort
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: The fort has uneven paths, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
- Carry a Camera: The sunset view is worth capturing.
- Bring Water & Snacks: There are limited food options near the fort.
- Visit Early: The fort closes at 6:00 PM, so arrive early to enjoy your visit.
- Respect the Heritage: Do not litter or damage the fort walls.
Conclusion
Sajjangarh Fort is truly the best place to see the sunset in Udaipur. With its rich history, beautiful architecture, and breathtaking views, it is a must-visit destination for every traveler. If you are in Udaipur, make sure to visit Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace and witness a magical sunset that you will remember forever. Have you visited Sajjangarh Fort? Share your experience in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where to watch sunset in Udaipur?
Udaipur offers many beautiful sunset spots, but the best place to see the sunset is Sajjangarh Fort (Monsoon Palace). Other great places include Ambrai Ghat, Fateh Sagar Lake, Lake Pichola, and Karni Mata Temple.
2. What is the best time to visit Sajjangarh Fort Udaipur?
The best time to visit Sajjangarh Fort Udaipur is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant. For the best sunset view, reach the fort by 5:30 PM as the sunset usually happens around 6:00-6:30 PM.
3. What is the entry fee for Sajjangarh Fort?
- Indian Tourists: ₹10 per person
- Foreign Tourists: ₹80 per person
- Vehicle Entry: ₹65 for two-wheelers, ₹250 for cars
- Camera Charges: ₹20 for still cameras, ₹50 for video cameras
4. Why is Sajjangarh famous?
Sajjangarh Fort, also known as Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace, is famous for its stunning sunset views, royal Rajput architecture, and panoramic views of Udaipur’s lakes and Aravalli Hills. It was built by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1884 and was originally meant to be an astronomical center.
5. Can you cover Udaipur in 1 day?
Yes, you can cover the main attractions of Udaipur in one day, but it will be a busy schedule. You can visit City Palace, Lake Pichola, Jagdish Temple, Fateh Sagar Lake, and Sajjangarh Fort for sunset. However, to fully enjoy Udaipur’s beauty, it is best to spend at least 2-3 days in the city.