Bada Bagh Jaisalmer is a Hindi word which means Big Garden. This garden is located in Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, a state in India. Various royal cenotaphs (Empty Tomb Monument) were built over the years and now more than 100 cenotaphs are present in the Bada Bagh. There used to be a mango groove located in front of the Cenotaphs but over the years and lack of maintenance, only a few remain.
Tourists can also view the sand dunes and the drylands from these cenotaphs. This garden was originally built for Jait Singh III, for his cenotaph, by his son Rawal Jait Singh III. But over the years, cenotaphs of the royal family members were also added to the original cenotaph. The Bada Bagh cenotaphs of the royal family were built with the help of sandstones and the design was carved into it.
According to history, Jait Singh was the Maharaja of the Jaisalmer state and his son built a dam across his cenotaph. Therefore heavy greenery could be seen across the Bada Bagh. Garden and Cenotaphs were later built beside the artificial lake near the Bada Bagh. There is an incomplete Cenotaph present at the Bada Bagh, it was meant for Maharaja Jawahar Singh. Post the Independence of India, the construction of cenotaph stopped and has not been finished till date. The Bada Bagh is located on top of a hill and tourists travelling from Jaisalmer to Ramgarh can view this garden on the way. Therefore, tourists who are visiting Jaisalmer and Ramgarh should definitely visit this garden.
History of Bada Bagh
Bada Bagh might surprise you with its greenery in the arid desert landscape of Jaisalmer. This was in fact the very idea when it was built back in the 16th century – to build a beautiful green oasis in the desert region.
Originally, there were only a dam and a water reservoir, but successive rulers started to build memorials and chhatris in the memory of erstwhile rulers of this region. Today, this garden complex, just 5 km from Jaisalmer is a prominent tourist attraction of Jaisalmer.
The cenotaphs have beautifully carved chhatris, with exquisite chiseled pillars and inscriptions made on yellow sandstone. The landscape garden besides Bada Bagh is soothing to the eyes, and provides a green touch to the entire region. There are many mango trees around too.
Places to visit in Bada Bagh
Wonderfully sculpted cenotaphs and chhatris of former rulers are the special attraction of Bada Bagh. Pay special attention to carved pillars, beautiful sculpted chhatris, inscriptions and architecture of Bada Bagh.
Also watch out for sunsets here, as they are most breathtaking and also visit the Jait Sar Tank, which is a water reservoir, and Jait Bandh, which is a dam.
Bada Bagh is enveloped in serene calm and tranquility. Evenings are best to visit this beautiful site. Take your cameras and camcorders along, as the place is extremely scenic and photogenic, and will give you many photo opportunities.