Bada Bagh
Jaisalmer Travel Packages
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Jaisalmer Tour Experience
Jaisalmer(2N)
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Jaisalmer Group Tour with Tanot Longewala
Jaisalmer (2N)
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Royal Rajasthan Tour 5N/6D Udaipur-Jodhpur-Jaisalmer
Udaipur(2N) → Jodhpur(1N) → Jaisalmer(1N) → Jaisalmer(1N)
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Royal Rajasthan Tour 5N/6D Udaipur-Jodhpur-Jaisalmer
Udaipur(2N) → Jodhpur(1N) → Jaisalmer(1N) → Jaisalmer(1N)
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Royal Rajasthan Tour 5N/6D Jaipur-Jodhpur-Jaisalmer
Jaipur(2N) → Jodhpur(1N) → Jaisalmer(1N) → Jaisalmer(1N)
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Dhanvi Tours(4.7
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Royal Rajasthan Tour 5N/6D Jaipur-Jodhpur-Jaisalmer
Jaipur(2N) → Jodhpur(1N) → Jaisalmer(1N) → Jaisalmer(1N)
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Tags : Garden & Park
Timings : 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Time Required : 1-2 hrs
Entry Fee : Indians: INR 20 - 50,
Foreign Tourists: INR 50 - 100,
Still Camera: INR 20 - 100,
Video Camera: INR 50 - 150
Barabagh, Big Garden
Bada Bagh, Jaisalmer Overview
Bada Bagh sits on the way to Ramgarh, its hillside lined with the chhatris of the Maharawals who once ruled Jaisalmer state, each cenotaph marking a different ruler across several centuries. A cluster of wind turbines now stands on the ridge behind the cenotaphs, an odd but photogenic contrast between old and new. Sunset is the best time to visit, when the golden stone and the silhouettes of the chhatris stand out clearly against the sky.
Bada Bagh is actually located on a small hillock and the entrance to the cenotaphs is set at the bottom of the hill. The setting of Bada Bagh is dramatically stunning. The chhatris are the same colour as the landscape around them, a dull brown of the sand, and hence, appear like a mirage in the desert. The towering windmills in the distance only add up to the beauty this site has to offer. The bases of the various chhatris at Bada Bagh are square or hexagonal. The domes, however, can be found in a variety of shapes, ranging from a simple circular, to squarish to a slight pyramid shape. These are free from any kind of artwork, and only depict some information about the Raja they depict in particular.
Read More on Bada Bagh
History of Bada Bagh
When he passed away on September 21, 1743, his son Lunkaran built a 'chattri' in his memory next to the lake. This marked the beginning of a new tradition for the rulers of the Bhatti Dynasty, and a new cenotaph was added to this garden to commemorate the memory of each king of this dynasty. However, in 1947 when one of the princes passed away due to a mysterious disease in the first year of his succession, the tradition was discontinued because it was believed to be a bad omen.
Cenotaphs at Bada Bagh
The cenotaph for Maharaja Jawahar Singh was in progress when the sudden death of the new ruler created doubt in the minds of the royal family. Hence, when they decided to discontinue the tradition of building these cenotaphs for the rulers that had passed away, they did not wait till the construction of the one for Maharaja Jawahar Singh was completed; and it stands unfinished till date. This is the cenotaph that greets you to Bada Bagh.
Each structure is designed with marvellous architecture and intricate carvings. What is amazing is that none of the stones on any cenotaph, even the tiniest carvings, have changed colour. They are all uniformly coloured and bring a sense of rhythm in the garden. Maharaja Jawahar Singh's structure has a portrait of him, placed on a pedestal, above which hangs an earthen pot. This signifies an attempt to quench his thirsty soul, to give peace to his soul.
Each erection has an inscription of the ruler's name at the entrance, and texts inscribed on them in stone. The roofs are designed to resemble shrines, representing the holiness and divinity of the structure. Even though a few of these cenotaphs are crumbling, it does not compromise their majesty in the least.
The first few rows of cenotaphs have a structure of a man on a horse inscribed in marble, sitting in the middle of the structure, representing the ruler. These were mainly for the more powerful and consequential rulers of their dynasty. There are smaller structures scattered between the larger cenotaphs, which were possibly built for the younger princes, princesses and queens.
Tips For Visiting Bada Bagh
2. Wear light weight and cotton clothes to freely enjoy your time here. Make sure your shoes are equipped to help climbing a little rocky terrain; the cenotaphs are scattered all over the hillside.
3. Use lots of sunscreen because you will be in unencumbered contact with the sun's heat.
4. Tourist guides are available, but you will have to invest time in finding them. There is no fixed rate of charge, so negotiating the best deal the appropriate option.
5. Don't forget your camera! The scenic and architectural beauty of this attraction acts as a perfect backdrop for your memories.
