Rao Jodha Park is still a very young refuge for wild plants and it will be some years before you can expect to see mature trees, grasses and shrubs. The rocks that everyone knows in Jodhpur as Mehrangarh is Vindhyan sandstone.

But in the meantime, do pay special attention to the wonderful ephemerals that spring up in the rains. They provide the colour and the verve - the raunaq - in our Park." - Pradip Krishen

Ranisar and Padamsar, both lakes are designed to capture the scarce rainwater. Restored and maintained by Maharaja H.H Gaj Singh II for the people of Jodhpur, Marwar.

Rock is even more unforgiving than sand and that is why scientists use a special term - 'lithophyte' - to describe plants that are able to eke out a living in rocky habitats.

Desert rock is a harsh, difficult environment and most plants that are able to survive here, have to be specially equipped in some way to deal with extremely low levels of moisture.

Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park has one plot of salty sand and some wet areas, so it's not exclusively about rock-adapted plants, but in most respects, it is a park featuring lithophytes from the Thar Desert. There is clearly a 'best time' to visit the Park and a 'less good' time. Late July to October is when the ephemerals are at their best. Some of the hardier ones could still be in flower in December, but by this time most will have made no-nonsense preparations for dropping their seeds and shipping out.

The rest of the year is by no means devoid of interest. Thhor and Rohido flower extravagantly in February or March. A number of perennials like Kumativo burst into flower as soon as the rains arrive. There is usually something or the other going on at all times of the year.

Remember to come back in 10 years' time!