The short answer
Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary: what visitors should know first
Visit it as the way up to the Monsoon Palace, and look at the forest and birds as you go. It is close, small and easy, but gate fees and hours are quoted differently in different places, so check locally. Late afternoon gives the best light and views.
History and context
The story behind Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary was established in 1987 on Bansdara Hill and covers about 5.19 sq km. It occupies land that the Maharanas of Udaipur used as hunting grounds around the Monsoon Palace in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
It is managed by the Rajasthan State Forest Department. In 2017 an additional ring of about 28.7 sq km around its boundary was declared an eco-sensitive zone.
Useful facts
Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary facts at a glance
- Location
- Bansdara Hill, Girwa tehsil, about 5 km from Udaipur
- Experience type
- Hill drive, birdwatching and sunset views
- Known for
- Smallest sanctuary in Rajasthan; Monsoon Palace setting
- Established
- 1987; about 5.19 sq km
- Birds
- 129 species recorded, including threatened vultures
- Access
- Gate fee and hours vary by source; confirm locally
Why it matters
Why Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary is worth your time
Sajjangarh is the smallest of Rajasthan's wildlife sanctuaries, set up in 1987 on land that was the hunting ground of the Maharanas of Udaipur around the Monsoon Palace. It shows that a protected forest can sit within sight of a city of several lakes and old streets.
The sanctuary also holds a surprising amount of birdlife. Its records list 129 species, including the white-naped tit, an arid-zone bird endemic to India, and several threatened vultures. A few quiet minutes on the slope can show more than the palace crowds do.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Birds on the hillside
Resident and winter birds, raptors and peafowl are the easiest wildlife to see here, especially early or late in the day.
- 02
The view of Udaipur
From the top you see lakes, palaces and hills laid out below. Sunset is the favourite time.
- 03
Monsoon Palace approach
The sanctuary road is the way up to the Monsoon Palace, so you pass the forest on the way.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Drive or take a taxi from Udaipur towards Sajjangarh, about 5 km away. Many visitors go in the late afternoon so they can see sunset from the hilltop. You pay at the sanctuary gate, and the final stretch to the Monsoon Palace may need a taxi or shared jeep, depending on current rules.
While you are there, look at the hillside itself, not just the palace. The sanctuary covers about 5 sq km of dry Aravalli forest, and 129 bird species are recorded, including resident birds and winter visitors. Vultures are among the threatened species listed. Peafowl and raptors are the most visible, and the Sajjangarh Biological Park lies at the foot of the hill.
Keep to the road and viewpoints. The palace itself is described as closed to the public in other guides, so the experience is the setting and the view back across Udaipur's lakes.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Check the day of closure and current fees before you set out
- Go in the late afternoon for the light, and come down before dark
- Carry water and sun protection; little shade at the top
- Keep to roads and viewpoints and do not disturb wildlife
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Bansdara Hill, Girwa tehsil, about 5 km from central Udaipur
- Time needed
- 1.5–3 hours including the palace
- Best time
- October to March; late afternoon for light over the lakes
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- You can go by car or taxi most of the way up, so walking is limited. Surfaces at the top are uneven and exposed, with little shade or seating, so take water and a hat.
- Tickets and access
- A gate fee is charged and vehicle rules apply, but published amounts and hours differ between sources, and the day closed each week is quoted as Tuesday in some listings. Confirm current fees, hours and whether private cars may go up with the forest office or at the gate.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
You can go by car or taxi most of the way up, so walking is limited. Surfaces at the top are uneven and exposed, with little shade or seating, so take water and a hat.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary the same as Monsoon Palace?
Not quite. The palace stands on the hill inside the sanctuary, which is the protected forest around it.
How big is it?
About 5.19 sq km, making it the smallest wildlife sanctuary in Rajasthan.
What wildlife can I see?
Birds are the main draw, with 129 species recorded. Larger mammals are present in the hills but rarely seen.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
