Bada Bagh: reviews, price 2026 and practical tips

The golden cenotaphs of Bada Bagh

On a small hill just north of Jaisalmer, a row of sandstone pavilions stands out against the desert sky. These are chhatris, royal cenotaphs built to honor the rulers of the Bhatti dynasty.

Down below, a stone reservoir and dam remind visitors that this spot was originally designed for water management before evolving into a memorial site.

Why visit Bada Bagh

The site dates back to the 16th century following a major engineering effort: ruler Jait Singh II had a dam built to create a reservoir in this arid area. His son Lunkaran then laid out a garden near the water source and raised the first cenotaph on the hill overlooking it.

Additional chhatris were added throughout the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries, each dedicated to a member of the dynasty. The final one, intended for Maharawal Jawahir Singh, remained unfinished following Indian independence.

A hierarchy carved in stone

While all the chhatris share the same domed pavilion shape, their size and ornamentation vary according to the rank of the commemorated ruler. Some feature inscriptions bearing the names of kings and queens, while others display an equestrian statue of the late king.

Wandering among these monuments lets you read, almost literally, the order and importance of each reign in the carved stone.

The reservoir and dam

Near the chhatris sit the Jait Sar reservoir and the Jait Bandh dam, both constructed from massive stone blocks. A mango grove occupies the lower ground below the site, a remnant of that centuries-old desire to bring green life to the desert.

Friendly tip: Aim for the late afternoon near sunset, when the golden light fully brings out the warm tones of the sandstone. Plan for one to two hours on site, and target the months from October to March to avoid the intense daytime heat.