Same Day Lodurva & Bada Bagh Tour from Jaisalmer
The Lost Capital and The Garden of Kings. Journey to the city that fell before the Golden Fort rose, and the hill where royals sleep in gold.
Trip Circuit
Jaisalmer -> Lodurva (15 km) -> Bada Bagh (10 km) -> Jaisalmer.
Drive Time
Approx. 20 Minutes between stops.
Road Condition
Smooth / Single Lane Desert Road.
Total Trip Duration
4 – 5 Hours (Half Day Heritage Trip).
Trip Overview
Before Jaisalmer existed, there was Lodarwa (Lodurva). It was the ancient capital of the Bhatti Rajputs, a city of immense wealth that was destroyed repeatedly by invaders. Today, only the ruins and a magnificent Jain Temple remain, standing like a phoenix in the sand. It is famous for its intricate “Toran” (arched gateway) and the legend of a divine snake that guards the sanctum.
From the ruins of the old capital, you travel to Bada Bagh (The Big Garden). This is the royal cemetery of the Jaisalmer Maharawals. It is not a place of mourning, but of grandeur. Dozens of golden Chhatris (cenotaphs) stand on a hill, glowing in the setting sun, while giant modern windmills turn slowly in the background. It is the most photogenic spot in the Thar.
Trip Highlights
What makes this day trip unforgettable.
✅ Lodarwa Jain Temple: See the architectural masterpiece dedicated to Lord Parshvanath. The Toran (Entrance Arch) is so finely carved it looks like lace, not stone.
✅ The Kalpvriksha: Visit the “Wish-Fulfilling Tree” inside the temple complex. Locals believe offering a coin here makes your wish come true.
✅ The Divine Snake: Keep an eye out! Legend says a live snake appears every evening near the idol to drink milk. Seeing it is considered extremely lucky.
✅ Bada Bagh Cenotaphs: Walk through the maze of royal umbrellas. Each stone dome represents a king or queen. The sheer number of them against the desert sky is breathtaking.
✅ Jait Sar Tank: See the massive water tank built by Maharawal Jait Singh, which gave life to the “garden” in the desert.
Timeline & Itinerary
02:30 PM: The History Drive
Your private chauffeur collects you in Jaisalmer. We drive northwest. You will notice peacocks running across the road—Lodarwa is full of them.
03:00 PM: The Ancient Capital (Lodarwa)
We reach the ruins of Lodurva.
The Arch: Stand before the main temple. The entrance arch is a masterpiece.
The Tree: Inside, find the Kalpvriksha (Divine Tree) sculpture. It is made of copper and covered in silver leaves.
The Ruins: Walk around the temple boundaries. You can see the crumbled walls of the old city that was sacked in the 12th century, forcing the King to move to Jaisalmer Fort.
04:30 PM: The Royal Hill (Bada Bagh)
We drive back towards the city to Bada Bagh.
The View: As you park, you see the golden domes lined up on the hill.
The Walk: Climb the small hill. Wander between the pillars. Read the inscriptions (if you can read Hindi/Sanskrit) that tell the date of the King’s death and how many Queens committed Sati on his pyre.
05:30 PM: The Golden Hour
The Magic Moment. Bada Bagh is famous for its sunset. The yellow sandstone turns a fiery orange. The windmills on the horizon create a surreal contrast between the medieval and the modern. This is where Bollywood movies are filmed.
06:30 PM: The Return
We drive back to the city, leaving the kings to their eternal sleep.
07:00 PM: Doorstep Drop-off
We drop you back at your hotel in Jaisalmer.
Is This Trip Perfect For You?
✅ Photographers: Bada Bagh at sunset is arguably the best photo spot in Jaisalmer.
✅ Couples: The romantic, melancholic vibe of the cenotaphs makes it a popular spot for pre-wedding shoots.
✅ Architecture Lovers: The carving at Lodarwa is finer than what you see in the main fort.
Choose Your Ride (Pricing & Vehicles)
Select the vehicle that fits your group size and comfort level. All vehicles are Air-Conditioned, clean, and driven by experienced chauffeurs.
The Comfort Sedan
Models: Toyota Etios / Maruti Dzire / Honda City
Perfect For: Couples or Solo Travelers (1-3 Pax)
Price: On Request (Total Car Cost)
The Family SUV / MPV
Models: Toyota Innova Crysta / Kia Carens
Perfect For: Families or Small Groups needing extra legroom (4-6 Pax)
Price: On Request (Total Car Cost)
The Group Traveller
Models: Tempo Traveller (Force)
Seating: 9 / 12 / 16 Seater
Perfect For: Large Families or Friends Groups (7-16 Pax)
Price: On Request (Total Car Cost)
The Luxury Urbania
Model: Force Urbania (Premium)
Seating: 9 / 12 / 16 Seater
Perfect For: VIP Groups wanting business-class comfort
Price: On Request (Total Car Cost)
What’s Included / Excluded?
✅ Your Trip Includes
Doorstep Service: Pick-up and Drop-off from any Hotel/Airport in Jaisalmer.
Private Transport: Exclusive use of the AC Vehicle (Not shared with strangers).
All Road Costs: Fuel, State Taxes, Tolls, and Parking fees are paid by us.
- Essentials: Fresh Water Bottles & Tissues in the car.
❌ Your Flexibility (Excluded)
Entry Tickets:
Lodarwa: Nominal fee (Approx ₹20-50).
Bada Bagh: Entry (Approx ₹100-300).
Camera Fee: Warning: Bada Bagh charges a high fee for professional cameras/tripods (sometimes ₹500+). Mobile photography is usually cheaper/free.
Guide: Local Guide.
Meals: Snacks/Tea.
Important Notes:
Fair Surge: Trip costs may increase during peak dates (Diwali, Christmas, New Year).
Currency: All rates are in Indian Rupees (INR).
Peacock Paradise: Lodarwa is famous for its wild peacocks. They are everywhere. Bring a zoom lens if you like birds!
Respect the Dead: Bada Bagh is a cemetery. While it is beautiful, please be respectful. Do not climb on top of the domes or shout loudly.
Combo Trip: This trip is short (4 hours). You can easily combine it with Kuldhara or Amar Sagar if you have a full day.
Ticket Scam: At Bada Bagh, ensure you get a physical ticket receipt for the entry fee you pay.
Send Query for Same Day Lodarwa & Bada Bagh Trip
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the snake at Lodarwa real?
The locals swear by it. They say a cobra comes out from a small hole in the temple floor every evening to drink milk. While sightings are rare for tourists, the legend is very much alive.
Can we do a pre-wedding shoot here?
Yes. Bada Bagh is the #1 spot for photoshoots. However, you will need to pay a commercial camera fee at the gate.
What is the "Garden" in Bada Bagh?
"Bagh" means Garden. Historically, there was a massive mango orchard and garden here watered by the tank. Today, most of the trees are gone, leaving only the stone monuments, but the name remains.
Why are there windmills at Bada Bagh?
Jaisalmer is a wind energy hub. The ridge where Bada Bagh stands is very windy, making it an ideal spot for wind turbines. It creates a unique "Old vs New" landscape.
Is there a guide available?
Guides are available at Lodarwa Temple (usually priests). At Bada Bagh, there are no official guides, but the caretaker can tell you which cenotaph belongs to which King (e.g., the founder Jaisal Singh or the powerful Lunakaran).
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Partially. You can see Bada Bagh from the parking lot, but climbing up to the cenotaphs involves uneven steps and rocky ground. Lodarwa temple has steps at the entrance.
Signature Day Trips from Jaisalmer: Handpicked for You
Jaisalmer is the last bastion of civilization. Step out, and you enter a world of ghost villages, border battlefields, and dunes that sing in the wind.
Shekhawati Art Trail
Shekhawati Day Trip
Ranthambhore Tiger Safari
Ranthambhore Day Trip
Jaipur Art Trail
Sanganer Bagru Day Trip
Haunted Fort & Stepwell
Bhangarh Abhaneri Day Trip
Why Book a Day Trip with Us?
Many travelers hire a simple taxi for day trips and regret it later. A long drive requires more than just a car; it requires comfort, safety, and local knowledge. At Heritage Rajasthan Tours, we treat your day trip as a curated experience. We ensure you have a clean, high-quality vehicle, a driver who knows the roads perfectly, and the flexibility to explore at your own pace. We take the stress out of the journey so you can focus on the destination.
100% Private & Flexible
You are not stuck on a bus schedule. This is your private car. If you want to leave an hour later, stop for photos on the highway, or spend extra time at a temple, you can. It is your trip, your rules.
Curated Pit-Stops
We know the highway better than Google Maps. We know exactly which roadside dhabas serve the best masala chai and which toilets are clean. We ensure your breaks are just as good as the destination.
Verified & Safe Drivers
For long drives like Agra or Salasar, safety is the most important thing. Our drivers are police-verified, experienced on highways, and trained to drive smoothly. They are polite, professional, and put your safety first.
Transparent Pricing
Our day trip quotes include fuel, toll taxes, parking fees, and driver allowance. You will never be asked for extra money for the car during the trip. The price we quote is the price you pay.
About Rajasthan – The Land of Royal Heritage & Timeless Culture
Rajasthan, the “Land of Kings,” is India’s largest state and a living museum of royal heritage, vibrant traditions and timeless landscapes. From majestic forts and palaces to colorful bazaars, desert dunes and charming villages, every part of Rajasthan reflects a glorious past and a rich cultural soul.
Travelers can witness lively festivals, enjoy folk music and dance, savor authentic cuisine, and discover hidden gems beyond the usual tourist trail. With its blend of history, culture and warm hospitality, Rajasthan offers unforgettable journeys for history lovers, cultural explorers, and curious travelers alike.
Step into Rajasthan and experience a royal legacy that continues to inspire.