Bada Bagh, Jaisalmer

Visitor Information

• Famous for: Serenity, History, Photography
• Entrance fee:50 per person for Indians and Rs.100 per person for foreigners
• Visiting Time: 8 AM to 6 PM (Daily)
• Visiting Duration: 1 hour to 2 hours

The mesmerizing Bada Bagh, which means Big Garden is located just about 5 kilometers away from Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. The Bada Bagh is a conglomerate of a huge dam, a tank and the cenotaphs surrounding it. The majestic dam at this site was constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh Junior during his reign way back in the 16^th century. The main attractions at this site are the cenotaphs which were constructed for the royalty, starting from that for Maharaja Jai Singh. The last of the cenotaphs was constructed for Maharaja Jawahar Singh and remains incomplete. The magnificent cenotaphs, known locally as chhatris are the prime attractions for tourists from all over the country for the beautiful architecture and intricate carvings on it. Watching the sunset as it spreads its golden aura all over the dam and the cenotaphs brings about a mesmerizing feeling of contentment.

Traveler Tips

• Located in the midst of the desert, this place can be scorching hot especially in the afternoons.
• Carry water bottles, caps and apply sufficient sunscreen.
• Wear cotton clothes and convenient footwear for a comfortable trip.

Things to Do

• Walk through the eerie cenotaphs which emanate an air of mysteriousness.
• Look around at the intricate carvings and beautiful architecture.
• Spend the evening watching the marvelous sunset as it engulfs the area in a golden glow.
• Check out the Jait Sar Tank and the Jait Bandh, which is the dam.
• Lay back and unwind at this calm and serene environment.

Availability of Guides

Local guides are available at specific times who can be hired for a small fee. Rs.100 would be the ideal amount to hire them for.

Best Time to Visit

October to March are the perfect months to visit this place to avoid the burning heat of the summers. The cooler winters make the stay and roaming around more pleasant. The relatively cooler evenings are quite the right time to visit this place and enjoy the light winds and beautiful sunsets.

How to Reach

It is located at a distance of about 5 kilometers from Jaisalmer. There are many tuk tuks available to and from the area as it is well visited by tourists. The buses to and from Ramgarh are also a good means to reach the site apart from local auto rickshaws or cabs.

Interesting Facts and Trivia about the Bada Bagh

• The construction of the Bada Bagh was completed by the successor of Maharaja Jai Singh II, Lunkaran.
• The last of the cenotaphs which was built for Jawahar Singh remains incomplete.
• The reason for discontinuing the tradition of building chhatris or cenotaphs was because it was considered to be bad luck after the son of Jawahar Singh died due to a disease during the construction of a cenotaph for his father.
• There are beautiful mango trees lining the area.
• The carvings on each of the cenotaphs reflect the interests and tastes of the respective rulers for which the cenotaphs were built.
• The Jait Bandh is a magnificent structure with dimensions pertaining to a length of 1200 feet and a width of 350 feet.
• The Govardhan Stambh is a pillar which was built to mark the building of the tank and the dam.

Nearby Attractions

• Kuldhara Village
• Desert National Park
• Jain Temples
• Desert Cultural Museum
• Khuri Sand Dunes

Nearby Restaurants

• Savor Restaurant
• Bageecha Restaurant
• Swad Restaurant
• Rasoda Restaurant
• Sarovar Restaurant

The serene and calm locality with its air of antiquity and prevalence of history in each of the structures makes this one of the must visit places for history buffs. The place with its beautiful golden sands and structures makes it perfect for photography. People who are interested in architecture will also be exposed to a lot of intricate carvings and stunning building styles in the cenotaphs. To get away from the city bustle and spend some time in peace, the Bada Bagh is the right place in Jaisalmer.