The Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park is spread over 72 hectares near Jodhpur’s iconic Mehrangarh Fort. This park is home to some of the ecologically restored desert and arid land vegetation. Ever since 2006, this park has been in the forefront of restoring the natural ecology of this region. The region is home to some unique rock and sandstone formations. This park also has a visitors centre and interpretation gallery worth visiting to know more about its premises.
There are 4 trails worth exploring to satisfy the cravings for an adventure too. Apart from this, tourists can also learn more about the park and the rock formations through the trained guides and naturalists in the park. Before the inception, the premises were infested with thorny plants that, originated in America almost a century ago. After its eradication, the premises have been transformed into a park. Be sure to include a visit to this park in your Jodhpur trip to experience the natural beauty and learn about the local geology.
Highlights
• Climb up the fort located near the Jodha Desert Rock Park and admire the views of Jodhpur from the top.
• Explore the trails located in the rock park and discover all that it has to offer, like unique rock formations.
• Visit the Jaswant Thada and get a glimpse of the different types of migratory birds that flock to the lake.
• Shop for unique plants native to this region from the nursery, that you can take home as souvenirs.
• Take a guided tour led by experts to check out the best spots in the park to spot migratory birds.
How To Reach
By Car: The Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park is 14 km from the city centre, it will take 27 min via the NH 62 route.
Best Time To Visit
The Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park is open throughout the year, so you can plan your visit to the park at any time of the year.The best season will be the winter season from November to February as this is the time when the climate is favourable, the best day in the week will be the weekdays due to the high possibility of experiencing less crowds when you visit and the best time of the day will be morning as the weather will not be too intense and is a great time to explore the premises.
Other Essential Information
- The park has rocky terrain, so make sure you choose a comfortable pair of footwear to explore the park.
- There are guided tours available for the park but make sure you book them well in advance.
- Jodhpur receives a lot of sunshine, so make sure you carry sunscreen for a smooth time at the park.
- There is an entry fee for this park, but students can enter for free upon producing a valid student ID.
- The park roughly functions between 7 am to 6 pm, so plan your visit to the park accordingly.
- You can enter the park from the visitors center, or any of the several entry points from the fort.
Explore the Trails
The Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park has 4 walking trails waiting to be explored. If you are craving for an adventure and want to explore the premises of the park, these trials have got you covered. Each train is at least 1000 meters long and has a rocky and uneven path. So in case you are planning to explore the park, make sure you wear a comfortable pair of shoes. The park can get pretty hot on some days, so it is better to carry enough sunscreen.
Visit the Jaswant Thada
Some of the best places worth exploring in the park include Jaswant Thada, a marble memorial. The Thada comes with a lake that attracts a lot of birds, especially those that migrate in winter. Even when it is not migration season, you can also stroll around and check out the rock formations of the lake. The park is 26 hectares large, and this park occupies an important part of the park.
Visit the Nursery
The nursery of this rock park is where plants native to this region are cultivated. This is located close to the foothills of the fort and can be visited once you check out the fort. The best part is that the plants in this nursery are up for sale, so do buy one and take a unique plant home. The nursery comes with experts who will help you choose the apt plant for your home.
