The Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park was developed in 2006, with the aim of restoring the natural ecology of a large rocky wasteland area next to the Fort. Neglected for many years, it was overrun by an invasive thorny shrub. After the shrub was eradicated, over 80 native species of rock-loving plants from the Thar desert were grown there. The Park extends across 70 hectares (around 200 acres) of rehabilitated land and has a walking trail. It’s interesting to explore at different times of the year, as its foliage changes with the seasons.
The Visitors Centre
The Gully
Walking Trails
Sandy Plot
Plants grown mostly from seed collected from the desert are grown in our Nursery situated behind the ‘Piao’, on your way down from the Fort. You are welcome to visit. We hope one day to be able to offer plants for sale.
July to October – these are special months because of the rains and the explosion of grasses and desert ephemerals.
October to February – the dry season sets in after October and the Park
has a gaunt, spare beauty through to February as the grasses dry up
and turn golden. This is the best time to walk in the Park because the
weather is pleasant.
April to July – it’s very hot during these months but early mornings are lovely.
Location: At the foot of Mehrangarh Fort. Enter from the Visitors’ Center, 800 meters from the Fort’s main gate.
Entry Cost: 30 rupees for adults, 10 rupees for students.
Opening Hours: April to September – 7am to 7 pm
October to March – 8am to 6pm