Fossil Parks in India: Majestic Dinosaurs, Mysterious Trees and More!

Abstract ideas can sometimes amaze you as you question their reality! That’s exactly the case with dinosaurs, aliens, extraterrestrial beings and the unexplored narrations of the fascinating world out there. What if you could find evidence of something surreal that once existed? That’s when fossil parks in India transport you to a world where oceans were vast, trees were taller than apartments and massive creatures lived on the planet!

Sure, it sounds interesting! You must be wondering why the abstract ideas are here, on a travel page. Because you can now travel to these places right in India. From the buried tree trunks to the secrets uncovered during excavations, there’s everything in these fossil parks. The world that fascinates you is right in front of you. Go, discover the unknown stories and come home with unforgettable memories.

12 Unexplored fossil parks in India are – 

1. Dinosaur And Fossil Park, Gandhinagar

Are you ready for an exciting journey to one of the best fossil parks in India? Dinosaur and Fossil Park in Gandhinagar is an ideal destination to learn about dinosaurs and their life on the planet. With life-size statues and exhibits, this park provides you with abundant information. You can witness almost every other dinosaur with information about its life, timeline and features.

What’s more? A fossil exhibit is the best part where you can learn about dinosaurs as well as other prehistoric creatures. It is important to note that outside food is not allowed inside the park. Moreover, it also has a small zoo where you might be able to spot peacocks, deer, crocodiles, snakes and Asiatic lions.

Additionally, the park also organises various educational workshops where students and adults can learn about palaeontology. So, if you want to reveal the secrets of these giant creatures, this is surely the place to be!

Timings: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Location: 5JVW+2JF, Nature Park Walk, Indroda, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382421

2. Dinosaur Fossil Park and Museum, Balasinor

If not for the fascinating world of dinosaurs, where would you even want to be? Welcome to one of the most thrilling fossil parks in India. The Dinosaur Fossil Park and Museum in Balasinor attracts many enthusiasts. Here, you can learn everything about dinosaurs and their existence.

Many fossils help you track down the early lives of creatures and ecosystems like never before! What’s so interesting? Excavations here even found that Rajasaurus Narmandensis, a thick dinosaur, belongs to the Tyrannosaurus Rex family.

There are approximately 10 galleries in the museum to keep you entertained with fresh information and pictures. Travelling with kids? It also has a fun dino play area to enjoy a hassle-free time.

Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Location: Jetholi,raiyoli, Balasinor, Gujarat 388265

3. Akal Wood Fossil Park, Rajasthan 

Akal Wood Fossil Park stands out in India for offering much more than just dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures, showcasing a diverse range of fossils. It takes you back to the natural world, where tall trees and unique species existed.

Yes, this fossil park has wood fossils, which are expected to be 180 million years old. It is particularly for those who love exploring anything and everything about nature. You will only be astonished to know how huge trees once existed in the same place.

There are fossils showcasing tree logs and tree rings. It is even assumed that this place might have even had a wonderful rainforest years ago. Discovered in the 1960s, Akal was sure a place to acquire knowledge about biodiversity back then.

Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Location: Barmer Road, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 345001

4. Ghughwa Fossil Park, Madhya Pradesh 

Planning a trip to Madhya Pradesh? One of the best fossil parks in India has to be on your list, then! Ghughwa Fossil Park is an amazing destination to discover the history of Earth. You can learn about the formation of fossils, climate and biodiversity of the prehistoric era, as well as life on Earth. 

What’s more? This fossil park is dedicated to different tree fossils ranging from 80 to 150 million years ago. From tree logs, stems and petrified rings to branches, a lot can be found here.

What makes it fascinating is the presence of well-maintained information charts that take you to the unknown world. Surrounded by a lush green forest area, it also has a few huge dinosaur statues perfect for photography.

Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Location: Highway 11, Ghughwa, Madhya Pradesh 481880

5. Salkhan Fossils Park, Uttar Pradesh 

Massive tree trunks would make you go gaga over their size and creation. Get ready to be awestruck, as Salkhan Fossils Park is on the list. Located in the heart of Uttar Pradesh, it is one of the most important fossil parks in India. It was back then that researchers discovered fossils in Sonebhadra. That’s when two important places, including this one, gained global attention.

If you observe closely, you can witness the magnificent trees that once existed. Being a prominent site for research and discovery, it is best to not litter here. You can see fossils of algae and cyanobacteria here. Apart from that, most of them are stromatolites (ring-shaped). So, get ready to explore an expansive area filled with tree fossils.

Timings: Open 24 Hours

Location: H2QR+98Q, SH 5A, Salkhan, Atarwans, Uttar Pradesh 231209

6. The Thiruvakkarai National Fossil Wood Park, Tamil Nadu

Spanning over 247 acres of land, Thiruvakkarai National Fossil Wood Park is a destination of beauty and intrigue. It is best known for petrified wood fossils. Being one of the top-rated fossil parks in India, it is maintained by the Geological Survey of India.

You can spot the mystical fossils, which are expected to be around 20 million years old.  It is important to note that there are nine enclaves; however, only a small part of the land is open to tourists and locals.

Nearly 200 fossilized trees can be found in this park. It is also assumed that the formation of fossils was due to a flood. Witnessing the tree rings and pit structures is surely a great thing to do in Tamil Nadu!

Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm 

Location: Petrified Wood Park Rd, Thiruvakkarai, Tamil Nadu 605501

7. Ilambazar Wood Fossil Park, West Bengal 

Have you ever wondered where the big trees disappeared from the prehistoric era? It obviously takes a whole lot of knowledge and understanding to discover wood fossils. That’s when you must visit Ilambazar Wood Fossil Park. It is one of the best fossil parks in India to uncover the secretive world.

While this place does not have any guides, the guard here is famous for his knowledge. You can learn about tree fossils and watch them too! From logs to trunks and remains of the massive elements of nature, the Wood Fossil Park is a place of absolute beauty. Moreover, the lush green area around it elevates the park.

Timings: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Location: JHFQ+8H9, Lakshmipur, West Bengal 731236

8. Kutch Fossil Park, Kutch

You have not discovered fossil parks in India if this one isn’t on your list. Kutch Fossil Park is a popular destination for enthusiasts as well as tourists. You must have visited various fossil parks; however, this one was built by a single person who loved the subject matter.

Mr Mohan Sinh Sodha, a geology enthusiast, created this space by collecting many different fossils. You can witness a range of tree fossils, including petrified rings. There are also many sequences of sandstone, shale and limestone belonging to the Jurassic age.

Fossils of different gems, animals and reptiles can also be spotted here. What’s more? The place is completely free of charge and a caretaker guides you throughout. Mr Sodha also discovered a fossil of a sea cow hence, this place keeps upgrading everything to visit.

Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Location: Vi. Godhiyar, Nakhatrana, Haripar, Gujarat 370665

Do not miss out details about Kutch Rann Utsav after discovering the fossils!

9. The Sathanur National Fossil Wood Park, Tamil Nadu 

Sathanur is a vital place every time you think about fossil parks in India. Geologically, the sea was 8 to 10 km from Sathanur in the prehistoric era. That’s exactly why this place can have many buried marine animals, other creatures and trees.

The trees buried by floods can now be spotted here. Additionally, they simply amaze you with their massive size and structure. The Sathanur National Fossil Wood Park has a museum dedicated to wood fossils. You can also find information about each one of them!

Moreover, it also has fossils of dinosaur eggs and snails, making it an interesting journey. The roads to the park have rough terrain, so plan your visit accordingly.

Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Location: 5X6G+FH2, Sathanur, Tamil Nadu 621106

10. Mandro Fossils Park, Jharkhand

It is more like a treasure being transported to Jharkhand all the way from Rajmahal Hills. These hills are home to many fossils of trees and creatures. The Forest Department decided to relocate them where they’re accessible to the general public. That’s how Mandro Fossil Park came into existence. This beautiful destination is home to lush green gardens, huge statues and information on fossils.

A small museum attracts locals and tourists to watch the fossils of the prehistoric era. Well-manicured lanes and different photography backdrops make it a happening place. Being one of the recently developed fossil parks in India, you can see tree trunks and petrified rings too. What’s more? There are many entertaining options for kids, including posters, painted walls and a few slides.

Timings: 4:00 am to 7:00 pm

Location: 4GQ2+7M4, Fossil Park, Mandro, Jharkhand

11. The Wadadham Fossil Park, Maharashtra

Did you know about one of the underrated fossil parks in India? That’s the Wadadham Fossil Park in Maharashtra. It is known that it is the only site to have fossils of flora and fauna belonging to the prehistoric era. Here, you can witness huge statues of dinosaurs. The Dinosaur family in different colours elevates your time here.

The park is primarily dedicated to wood fossils. Nearly six distinctive fossils of trees can be spotted here. If you are an archaeology enthusiast, it is sure to intrigue you. Additionally, a skeleton of a full-fledged dinosaur was found in 1959 near the basin of the Godavari River on the border of Telangana. What’s extra? The dose of greenery all around the place!

Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Location: P3RF+MC6, Gadchiroli, Maharashtra 442504

12. Shivalik Fossil Park, Himachal Pradesh 

As the name suggests, this fossil park is located near the Shivalik Range in the state. Being one of the lesser-known fossil parks in India, it is an excellent place to discover the history of the state. Here, you can find fossils of hippopotamus and elephants. Moreover, it also has a plethora of plant fossils from the Pleistocene period.

Fossilised tree trunks will surely intrigue you with their existence and formation. You can also find information about the creatures and plants of the Shivalik Range, making it a heritage destination. The place is especially recommended for little ones, as they get an opportunity to dive into the subject matter with clear evidence.

Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Location: G63V+P7P, Suketi Rd, Nagal Saketi, Himachal Pradesh 173001

Fossil parks in India remain underrated due to a lack of knowledge and information about them. However, they are true archaeological gems of the country. They stand as a pillar of continuous discovery and uncovering the mysteries of life. 

That’s exactly why there is so much left to know and learn about the world. So, take this super amazing opportunity to witness something extraordinary, from trees and dinosaurs to a lot more!