Bada Bagh Jaisalmer: History, Entry Fee & Timings (2026 Guide)

When you think of Jaisalmer, you probably picture the massive Golden Fort or the vast Sam Sand Dunes. But there is another hidden gem that offers peace, beauty, and a deep connection to history. That place is Bada Bagh Jaisalmer.

Imagine standing in a quiet desert open space, surrounded by beautiful yellow sandstone structures that glow like gold when the sun sets. It feels royal, calm, and incredibly photogenic. If you are planning a trip to the “Golden City,” Bada Bagh (which means “Big Garden”) is a must-visit. It is not just a tourist spot; it is a place where you can see the royal history of Jaisalmer carved in stone.

In this guide, I will share everything you need to know – from the best time to visit to how to get there – so you can plan a perfect trip without any hassle.

Why You Should Visit Bada Bagh Jaisalmer?

You might be wondering, “Why should I visit a place full of old monuments?”

Here is the simple answer: Bada Bagh Jaisalmer is one of the most peaceful and visually stunning locations in Rajasthan. Unlike the crowded fort, this place is open, airy, and quiet.

Top Reasons to Visit:

The Golden Sunset: This is arguably the best sunset point in Jaisalmer. The yellow stones turn into a deep golden color as the sun goes down.
Architectural Beauty: The carvings on the pillars and domes are intricate and mesmerizing.
Peace of Mind: It is far away from the city noise. You can sit here, feel the desert breeze, and relax.
Perfect Photos: If you love taking photos for Instagram or your memories, the symmetry of these structures creates the perfect frame.

Bada Bagh History: A Royal Tribute

To enjoy the place, it helps to know a little bit about its story. Don’t worry, I won’t bore you with complex dates!

Bada Bagh history is all about love and respect for ancestors. In the 16th century, Maharaja Jai Singh II wanted to make the desert green. He built a dam here to collect water. This made the land fertile, and a garden was grown—hence the name “Bada Bagh” (Big Garden).

After the Maharaja passed away, his son built a beautiful stone memorial (called a Chhatri or Cenotaph) on a small hill to honour him.

The Tradition Continued:

After that first memorial, it became a tradition.
Whenever a ruler of Jaisalmer passed away, a new Chhatri was built here in his memory.
Over centuries, this hill became a collection of royal memorials, each representing a different king.

Today, while the garden is not as green as it used to be, the monuments stand tall, telling the stories of the kings who once ruled this land.

Architecture: What to Look For

When you walk through Jaisalmer Bada Bagh, you will notice that not all structures look the same.

The architecture is a mix of Rajput and Mughal styles. The local craftsmen used yellow sandstone, which is famous in Jaisalmer, to build these masterpieces.

Key Features to Notice:

The Domes: Some domes are round, while others are square or pyramid-shaped. The shape often tells you about the era it was built in.
The Carvings: Look closely at the pillars. You will see carvings of horses and warriors.
The Tablets: Inside each Chhatri, there is a stone tablet. It usually has a carving of the ruler. If the ruler died in battle, he is shown on a horse.

It is amazing to see how these stones have survived the harsh desert winds for hundreds of years and still look so beautiful.

Bada Bagh Entry Fee and Timings (2026)

Planning your budget and schedule is important. Here is the latest information for 2026.

Ticket Prices

The bada bagh entry fee is very affordable.

Indian Tourists: ₹100 – ₹150 per person (Approx).
Foreign Tourists: ₹200 – ₹300 per person (Approx).
Camera Charges: If you have a big professional camera (DSLR), you might have to pay extra (around ₹100). Mobile photography is usually free.

Opening Hours

Open: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Days: Open all 7 days of the week.

My Recommendation: Do not go at 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM. The sun will be right on top, and the stones get very hot. The best time to enter is around 4:30 PM.

Best Time to Visit Bada Bagh Rajasthan

Since Jaisalmer is in the Thar Desert, the weather plays a huge role in your experience.

Winter (October to March) – This is the perfect season. The days are sunny but cool, and the evenings are pleasant. You can walk around the complex comfortably wearing a light jacket.
Monsoon (July to September) – It rarely rains heavily here, but when it does, the sky gets dramatic clouds. The contrast of grey clouds and yellow stones looks amazing in Bada Bagh photos.
Summer (April to June) – Avoid if possible, temperatures can touch 45°C+ during the day. If you must visit in summer, go strictly in the early morning (8:00 AM) or just before sunset.

How to Reach Bada Bagh

Bada Bagh is located about 6 to 7 km away from the main Jaisalmer city (near the Fort area). Since it is on the outskirts, you need to plan your transport.

Here are the best ways to reach:

Option 1: Rent a Car (Highly Recommended)

If you want freedom and comfort, driving yourself is the best choice. The road to Bada Bagh is scenic and open. You can stop wherever you want for photos. You can easily book a Self drive car in jaisalmer. This gives you the flexibility to visit Bada Bagh, stay for the sunset, and then drive back to the city or head to the dunes without waiting for a taxi.

Option 2: Hire a Taxi or Auto

You can take an auto-rickshaw from the city centre.

Important Tip: Ask the driver to wait for you. Since Bada Bagh is a bit isolated, finding a return auto is very difficult. Negotiate a round-trip fare before you start.

Option 3: Travel in a Group

Are you traveling with your whole family or a big group of friends? Taking 3-4 separate cars can be expensive and chaotic. The best solution is to hire a luxury van. An Urbania Tempo Traveller is perfect for groups. It has AC, comfortable push-back seats, and plenty of space. You can all travel together, play music, and enjoy the journey to Bada Bagh comfortably.

Simple Tips for Great Photos

You don’t need to be a professional photographer to get great shots here. The location does the work for you!

Golden Hour: Reach 45 minutes before sunset. The light is soft and golden.
Frame It: Stand between two pillars and take a photo. It looks very artistic.
Wear Bright Colours: Since the background is all yellow/brown, wearing bright colours like Red, Blue, White, or Pink makes you pop in the photos.
Wide Angle: If your phone has a 0.5x or wide-angle mode, use it here to capture the grandeur of the domes.

What Else to See Nearby?

You can easily explore Bada Bagh Jaisalmer in 1 hour. So, what should you do with the rest of your day? Here is a mini-itinerary:

Kuldhara Village (20 mins away): Visit the famous abandoned village of Kuldhara. It is an interesting place to see how people lived centuries ago and why they left overnight.
Amar Sagar Jain Temple: Located very close to Bada Bagh, this is a beautiful temple with intricate carvings and a peaceful lake.
Khuri Sam Sand Dunes (Evening Plan): After watching the sunset at Bada Bagh (or before), most tourists head towards the Khuri Sam Sand Dunes for the night experience. This is where you enjoy camel safaris, jeep bashing, and cultural folk dance.

Pro Tip: The desert camps get fully booked very fast in winter. It is smart to complete your Jaisalmer desert camp booking online before you arrive to get the best Swiss tents and food packages.

Practical Tips for a Comfortable Visit

I want your trip to be perfect, so here are a few honest tips:

Wear Walking Shoes: The ground is rocky and uneven. Heels or slippery sandals are a bad idea. Wear sneakers or comfortable flats.
Carry Water: There are no cafes inside the monument complex. It gets thirsty work walking in the open sun. Carry a bottle of water.
Restrooms: There are basic washrooms near the parking, but they might not be very luxurious. It is better to use the facilities in the city before you leave.
Respect the Site: Remember, these are memorials for real people. Please do not climb on the domes or scratch names on the walls. Let’s keep our heritage clean.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best time to visit Bada Bagh?

The best time to visit is during sunset (5:00 PM to 6:30 PM), when the yellow sandstone cenotaphs glow beautifully in golden light.

How far is Bada Bagh from Jaisalmer city?

Bada Bagh is located about 6–7 km from Jaisalmer Fort and can be reached in around 15–20 minutes by auto-rickshaw or taxi.

Is Bada Bagh open at night?

No, entry is usually restricted after sunset (around 6:00–6:30 PM) as there is no proper lighting inside the complex.

4. Can we do a pre-wedding shoot at Bada Bagh?

Yes, it is a popular location for pre-wedding and professional photography shoots. Extra camera charges may apply at the ticket counter.

5. What is the entry fee for Bada Bagh?

The entry fee is approximately ₹100–₹150 for Indian tourists and ₹200–₹300 for foreign visitors.