GARDENS

Bada Bagh

Only three kms  north of Jaisalmer, Bada Bagh is a fertile oasis, with a huge old dam on the banks of an artificial lake. The enchantingly scenic backdrop of a dainty lake and the dam in the middle of the plateau, add to the beauty of the place. Much of the city’s fruit and vegetables are grown here and carried into the town each day by colourfully attired women. Above the gardens, surrounded by dense trees, are royal cenotaphs with beautifully carved ceiling and equestrian statues of former rulers.

The royal cremation grounds are set between the desert and a rain fed lake, built by Maharaja Jai Singh II. A wheat crop is planted as the lake dries up each year.

In the murky dusk, this is a popular place to watch the setting sun, turn Jaisalmer into a beautiful golden brown land. Situated off the Ramgarh Road, the park is accessible any time.

Sahelion – ki – bari

Sahelion-ki-Bari or the 'Garden of the Maids of Honour', so called because the royal ladies came here for a stroll, is a well laid out garden, with extensive lawns and shady walks. With flowerbeds lined along the picturesque park, this small garden is located on the lakeside of the second major lake of Udaipur, Fateh Sagar Lake.

The garden was constructed for forty-eight young ladies-in-waiting sent to the royal house, as part of the dowry. The garden has many fountains in its four delightful pools, sculpted kiosks and marble elephants. Its manicured lawns display a marvellous range of bougan villea and five fountains release showers in tune with their titles namely, 'Welcome'; 'Raining Cats and Dogs'; 'Rains in Midnight', 'Rains without Clouds'; and  'Gentle Shower in Mid Day'.

Sisodia Rani Ka bagh 

The terraced Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh (the Garden of Sisodia Queen) is situated on the Jaipur-Agra road at a distance of 10 km from Jaipur. The garden is one of the many summer retreats built in 17th and 18th century by the royals of Jaipur. The garden was created by the queen of Jai Singh II, Sisodia Rani, as an escape from the court intrigues. It is a beautiful escape with landscaped gardens and murals of the life of Lord Krishna, decorating its interiors. Not far from here on the way to Galta are natural springs and temples of Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and Lord Hanuman. It consists of tiered multi-level gardens with fountains, watercourses and painted pavilions. Amongst others, the best-preserved one is Vidyadhar ka Bagh, constructed by the builder of the city, Vidyadhar, with shady trees, flowing water, an open pavilion and suites of living rooms.

Mandore Garden

Situated 9 kms to the north of Jodhpur, Mandore was the capital of Marwar prior to the foundation of Jodhpur standing on a plateau overlooking the present Mandore Gardens. The extensive gardens with high rock terraces make it a popular local attraction and a picnic spot.

The gardens contain the cenotaphs of Jodhpur rulers, and the largest and the finest of them all, the soaring memorial to Maharaja Ajit Singh. Here, one may find a captivating collection of cremation-site memorials, mostly 17th-18th century set amidst surprisingly green, clean and hassle-free gardens.

The highlight of the Mandore Gardens include the graphic Hall of Heroes, a rock wall with high relief, brightly painted depictions of local heroes such as Pabuji and Chamunda. The highpoint of the garden is life like sculptures of Gods and Goddess and heroes of Folklore housed in cenotaphs

Mandore Gardens provide the perfect venue for The Marwar festival, held in memory of the heroes of Rajasthan. The festival is celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashwin (Sept.-Oct.) in Jodhpur.