Monsoon Palace, Hilltop palace in Udaipur, India
Monsoon Palace sits on a summit of the Aravalli Range about 944 meters (3100 feet) above sea level and offers wide views over Udaipur and the surrounding landscape. The pale stone walls frame several courtyards and rooms on different levels.
Maharana Sajjan Singh began building in the 19th century and originally planned a larger complex to observe monsoon clouds. Later rulers completed some parts and used the site as a retreat during the rainy season.
The name Sajjangarh comes from its founder and the structure displays typical Rajput building traditions with high pillars and inner courtyards. Visitors can walk through the different levels and see ornamental work on walls and arches.
A visit works well in late afternoon when the light softens and the heat eases. The road from Udaipur to the summit runs through a wildlife sanctuary and climbs about 8 kilometers (5 miles) uphill.
The original plan called for nine stories that would serve as observation posts for approaching rain clouds. A clever system still collects rainwater today and channels it into underground cisterns.
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