Top Attractions

Bada Bagh Jaisalmer

Bada Bagh is one of the most fascinating heritage attractions in Jaisalmer, known for its beautiful golden sandstone chhatris (royal cenotaphs). Located around 6 km north of Jaisalmer on the Ramgarh Road, Bada Bagh offers a peaceful setting where Rajasthan’s royal history meets the landscape of the Thar Desert.

History of Bada Bagh
The history of Bada Bagh goes back to the 16th century. Maharawal Jait Singh II, a descendant of Jaisalmer's founder Rawal Jaisal, developed a dam and water reservoir in this area. The project helped provide water in the dry desert region and supported greenery and cultivation around the reservoir. After Jait Singh II's death, his son Lunkaran developed a garden near the water reservoir and built a memorial cenotaph. This gradually established the tradition of constructing royal chhatris at Bada Bagh. Over the following centuries, additional cenotaphs were built in memory of the Bhatti rulers and members of the royal family.

The cenotaphs are made mainly from locally available yellow sandstone. Their domes, pillars, arches and carvings show the craftsmanship associated with traditional Rajput architecture. Many memorials also contain inscriptions and symbolic representations of the rulers. Today, the collection of chhatris creates an impressive open-air historical complex. The unfinished royal cenotaph is also a reminder of how the tradition eventually came to an end in the 20th century.

Architecture and Attractions
The main attraction of Bada Bagh is its series of sandstone chhatris arranged across a small hill. The memorials vary in size and design according to the status of the royal family members they commemorate. The golden sandstone looks particularly beautiful when sunlight falls across the domes and carved pillars. From the higher part of the site, visitors can also enjoy views across the surrounding desert landscape. Bada Bagh is especially attractive for photographers because the sandstone structures, open sky and desert surroundings create a dramatic setting. Sunrise and sunset provide some of the best natural light for photographs.

Best Time to Visit Bada Bagh
The best time to visit Bada Bagh is October to March, when the weather in Jaisalmer is generally more comfortable for outdoor sightseeing. Summer can be extremely hot, making it less comfortable to walk around the exposed monument complex.
For the best experience, late afternoon and sunset are highly recommended. The temperature becomes more comfortable and the golden sunlight gives the sandstone cenotaphs a warm appearance.
Early morning is another good option for travellers who prefer quieter surroundings and softer light.
The official Incredible India listing currently gives Bada Bagh visiting hours as approximately 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Visitors should check locally for any changes before travelling.

How to Reach Bada Bagh
By Car or Taxi : Bada Bagh is approximately 6 km from central Jaisalmer and can easily be reached by private car, taxi or local cab. The monument is situated along the road towards Ramgarh and Lodhruva.
Travelling by car and driver is a convenient option because Bada Bagh can easily be combined with other Jaisalmer attractions such as Jaisalmer Fort, Lodhruva, Kuldhara and the Sam Sand Dunes.
By Train : Jaisalmer Railway Station is close to Bada Bagh. After arriving by train, travellers can hire a taxi, auto-rickshaw or private car to reach the monument. Jaisalmer has rail connections with major cities including Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur.
By Air : Jaisalmer has a civil airport with air connectivity to selected Indian cities. From the airport, visitors can hire a taxi or private car for the journey to Bada Bagh. Rajasthan Tourism also lists Jaisalmer's air, road and rail connections for travellers arriving from different parts of India.