Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park Jodhpur: Timings, Entry Fee, History & Things to Do
Do you want to see the natural side of Jodhpur apart from forts and palaces? If yes, then you must visit Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park. It is located at the foot of the majestic Mehrangarh Fort. This park is a beautiful example of how nature can be preserved in the harsh desert. It’s a peaceful green oasis located in the middle of rocky land. Here you can see many plants and wildlife. It is one of the popular places in Jodhpur.
History and Creation of Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
The park was created in 2006 by the Mehrangarh Museum Trust. It was built to restore the natural ecology around Mehrangarh Fort. The land was once covered with a fast-growing foreign plant called Baavlia (Prosopis juliflora), which was harming the local desert plants. Today, Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park is spread over more than 70 hectares. Here you can see the true beauty of Rajasthan’s rocky desert landscape.
Flora and Fauna
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park is home to more than 80 native plant species. They grow naturally in the Thar Desert. You can find plants like:
- Dhonk (Anogeissus pendula)
- Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana)
- Khejri (Prosopis cineraria)
- Cactus and succulents
These plants can easily survive in hot, dry conditions.If you love birdwatching, this park is a must-visit. One can see many birds, butterflies, and small animals.
Things to Do in Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
1. Walk the Nature Trails
Many walking trails take you through different parts of the park. Each trail has signboards that tell you about the plants and rocks. The trails are colour-coded. It becomes easy for the visitors to choose according to distance and difficulty.
2. Visit the Visitors’ Centre
The Visitors’ Centre at the entrance is built using eco-friendly materials. It also has a small museum. One can see many maps, information panels, and photos here.
3. Enjoy the View of Mehrangarh Fort
As the park lies right below the fort, you can get some of the best views of Mehrangarh Fort. Sunset and sunrise are the best times for photography.
4. Explore the Desert Ecology
This park is also a great educational stop. It teaches visitors about the Thar Desert ecosystem, native plants, and how conservation can bring life back to barren land.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park is from October to March. The weather is lovely for walking. During summer (April to June), it can get very hot, so early morning visits are better.
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park Jodhpur: Timings and Entry Fee
Timings: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM (October to March)
7:00 AM to 6:30 PM (April to September)
Entry Fee: ₹100 for adults
Guided Walks: ₹200 (optional, includes an expert guide)
How to Reach Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
The park is located next to Mehrangarh Fort. It is just 2 km from the Jodhpur city centre.
- By Auto/Taxi: Easily reachable by auto-rickshaw or cab.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Jodhpur Junction (3 km).
- By Air: Jodhpur Airport is just 7 km away.
You can easily visit the park along with Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada on the same day.
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Conclusion
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park is one of Jodhpur’s most unique attractions. If you want to see Jodhpur’s true desert charm, this park is the place to go!
