Jaisalmer Excursion - Bada bagh Jaisalmer

Location: Ramgarh Road, 6 Km off Jaisalmer city

How to reach: Cab or Rickshaw

Highlight: Garden and Cenotaph

Bada Bagh is one of Jaisalmer’s famous tourist attraction, and a site that offers to its visitors a pleasant blend of historical monuments, lush green gardens and ancient remnants- a synthesis the like of which is not found anywhere else in Rajasthan. Located on the Ramgarh road, Bada Bagh stands for 'Big Garden'. Initiated and completed by the duo of father-son rulers, it was commissioned by Maharawal Jait Singh in the early 16th century and after his demise, the work was completed by his son Lunakaran.

Sightseeing wise, the site offers three different things in a garden, a tank and a dam. The Govardhan Stambh (Govardhan pillar) is located nearby serving as a source of curiosity to its visitors. The completion of nearby Dam and tank work led to the decision about building a memorabilia for the accomplishment which led to the erection of Govardhan Tower.

The Dam and Tank are no less interesting and are frequented in large numbers by visitors. It is believed that two men named Jalit Bandh and Jait Sar after whom the dam and tank were named. The Jait Bandh Dam is a huge structure stretching to 1,200 feet in length and 350 feet in width. The architecture is rather unique as it has been built out of solid stone blocks. The water tank Jalit Sar too is composed of the same material.

Apart from the Tower, Dam and tank, the other attraction of Bada bagh are the historical cenotaphs. These cenotaphs were dedicated to various Bhatti rulers and are locally known as ‘Chattris’. The oldest ones dated back to 15th century and were erected in honor of Maharawal Jait Singh ji (1470-1506). Almost four and a half centuries later, the tradition saw its end in 1947 when one of the prince died of a mysterious disease.

Overall Bada Bagh offers a comprehensive sightseeing experience to its visitors, who are treated with ancient monuments, sightseeing opportunities, manmade marvels etc. all at one place for a memorable outing.