More than a park, a treasure trove of enigmatic experiences
Sprawling across 21 hectares, Akal Wood Fossil Park opens the door to a time when giant creatures walked the earth. Yes, we are talking about dinosaurs. The fossils found in this park are in fact from the Jurassic Period. Various pieces of evidence of life activity, footprints, trails, and tracks of dinosaurs have been confirmed here. So much so, the state is all set to start a dedicated Dinosaur Zone to specifically study them.
Currently this Park is home to fossilised remnants that were once part of a lush forest and over time underwent a transformation as it gradually submerged under the sea. These underwater transformations have been confirmed from the existence of fossils of gastropod shells and stems of gymnosperms and fluviatile sediments and deposits. You’ll also spot some shell imprinted rocks which validates it further.
Before you start exploring the main Park, stop at the mud brick huts with thatched roofs that preserve fossils of dinosaur tooth, bones, and a few stone fossils tagged with hand written notes on paper slips. Dive deeper into ancient history as you scan through the few framed posters hanging on walls, illuminated by bulbs. It gives you a glimpse into the formation of the Earth and its transitions.
Befittingly, right at the entrance of the Park, a fossil of an ancient redwood tree trunk welcomes you. This trunk belongs to the Gymnosperm family of trees, which are now extinct. Within the park, you'll encounter petrified logs, exposed tree trunks, and remains of non-flowering trees like Redwood, Deodar, and Chir from an ancient era. As you explore further, you'll witness the fossils of towering trees that thrived in a dramatically different, hot, and humid climate compared to today's arid conditions. A treasure trove of fossils from the early Jurassic Period, including Pterophyllum, Ptilophyllum, Equisetites, and dicotyledonous wood, is also carefully preserved for visitors to marvel at. Here you’ll also find a dozen of fossilised wood logs, varying in size and orientation, with the largest measuring an impressive 13.4 meters in length and 0.9 meters in width. For those curious about the petrification process, the park provides detailed explanation of the same.
Transition from past into present to stumble upon a wide range of flora and fauna that can be seen throughout the park. The serene and beautiful lake in the park attracts many migratory birds during the winter months. Find a spot to relax or have a quiet picnic by the lake surrounded by lush greens.
