Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park

Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park was created in 2006 out of a large, rocky wasteland beside the Mehrangarh Fort. The park was built to restore the natural ecology of this neglected terrain and has become a prime tourist attraction of the city today. The rocky ravines are densely populated with the indigenous flora of the Thar desert, there are over 200 species of plants at this ecopark. The region was established as the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park in 2006 but it was only in 2011 that the public could visit and explore it. It is one of the few places where the real terrain and vegetation of Rajasthan can be witnessed in its natural environment.

The attraction has been one of the famous places for nature lovers and Geologists. Visitors can see the rock formations, the crystal formations, the natural canals, a wide variety of other rocks, plant and animal species which are specific to this region. The Park, partly, was also established for the architectural restoration of the historical monuments in the region. The ecological restoration involved removing the expansive growth of an alien plant called Baavlia and restoring the local, rock-loving, desert vegetation. The park is divided into sections that visitors can explore to learn everything about the Desert Rock Park in Jodhpur.

Best Time to Visit
Although the park is open all through the year, the best time for tourists to visit this attraction is between November and February which is the winter season in Jodhpur. In spite of being dry and arid, the region witnesses a drop in the mercury level which hovers between a maximum of 31ᵒC and a minimum of 9.5ᵒC. So, the days are mostly pleasant to explore Rao Jodha Desert Park. Summers and monsoons bring a spike in the heat with really low levels of rainfall. The summer temperature can easily touch 41ᵒC and the monsoon average remains around 34ᵒC. Thus, the climate is mostly hot, dry and unsuitable for exploring the attraction.

How To Reach Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park is located about 7 kilometres away from Jodhpur. Three routes lead to the park from the city, the NH 62 – Ratanada Road route, the NH 62 route and the Harish Joshi Marg – Khanda Falsa Road route. Rental cabs or self-driven vehicles are best to reach the attraction, but one can also take an auto rickshaw or a city bus ride. Jodhpur Bus Station is located about 6.5 kilometres away, the Jodhpur Railway Station, about 4 kilometres away while the airport is 9.5 kilometres away. One of these options can be chosen by outstation tourists to reach Jodhpur. Travellers reaching the city by state transport buses need to take this route from the Jodhpur Bus Stand - Residency Road - Chopasni road – Khanda Falsa Road – Fort Road. Those disembarking at the railway station would need to take the route via Khanda Falsa Road – Fort Road. And, those taking a flight to reach Jaipur would have to follow the route through Civil Airport Road – SH 61/ NH 62 – Ratanada Road – High Court Road – Stadium Road – Hathiram ka Oda Road – Gulab Sagar Road – Fort Road to reach the attraction.