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If you are a history buff, then Akal Fossil Park is the place that could be of great interest to you. It will take you back in time to the pre-historic Jurassic Age, when the dinosaurs roamed freely on our planet Earth. This is the place where a dense forest stood around 180 million years ago. The area got submerged by the sea, and the trees transformed and got preserved in fossilized form
The fossilized tree trunks of various sizes and shape lie scattered around in the park. The largest amongst them is 13 meters long and 1.5 metres wide. It covers an area of around 10 sq km along the bare hill side. You can find a total of 25 rotten and fossilized tree trunks in the park. The 21 hectare park, declared as a reserved forest areas situated around 17 km from Jaisalmer on the Jaisalmer-Barmer Road.
If you are a Conservationist or a Geologist by profession, this is the right place for you to be at, because it will be of great interest to you. If you wish to explore the area all by yourself, avoiding the hustle and bustle of the tourists who come flocking here, try to get there a bit early. A special permission is required to study the remains up here.
History of Akal Wood Fossil Park
Jaisalmer was supposed to be below the sea level millions of years ago. The discoveries of sea shells in the area prove that point. According to the archeologists, the wood fossils of Akal are the prime example of fossilization over the period of time, and their conversion into stone due to the deposition of sediments over them. The fossils are said to be of non flowering plants, and provide a hint of their age, which has been further confirmed through the process of carbon dating. The deposits at the nearby place known as Kandiala are said to be even older, but their date has not been verified till now by the historians.
Special attractions in and around Akal Wood Fossil Park
The road to the180 million year old Fossil Park lying on the Jaisalmer-Barmer Road, is lined by beautiful forest vistas on both the sides. The entry ticket for foreigners is Rs.20/-, for the Indians it is Rs.5/-. If you want to take a vehicle inside, it will cost you Rs.10/-
The visit to the park itself will be an eye opener for you. It takes you back to the Jurassic age, and you can literally imagine the dinosaurs roaming around you. The fossilized trees are mainly from the gymnosperm family of plants which include Chir, Deodar or Red Wood. This also proves the fact that the area which is a desert now, was once a dense forest, with a very humid climate, which supported the luxuriant forests.
Best Time to Visit Akal Wood Fossil Park
October to February
Timings
8.00 am to 6.00 pm
Location
State: Rajasthan
District: Jaisalmer
Distance of Gadsisar Lake from nearest cities: Jaisalmer located around 17 Kilometers from Akal Wood Fossil Park is the nearest city.
How to reach Akal Wood Fossil Park
Air: The nearest airport is the Jodhpur Airport, which is located, around 285 Kilometers from Akal Wood Fossil Park
Rail: Jaisalmer located around 17 Kilometers from Akal Wood Fossil Park is the nearest railhead.
Road: The area is well connected by road from Jaisalmer.
Tourism Department
Tourist Reception Center
Jaisalmer
Tel-91-2992-252406, Helpline-1364
E-mail:
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Climatic Conditions
The climate of this area is quite hot and dry. Weather is cool and pleasant in the evenings. In summers temperature can reach up to 41.6°C.
Clothing
Light cotton clothes in summers are recommended. It is advisable to keep your head covered with a turban to avoid the sun stroke.
Tourist attractions near Akal Wood Fossil Park
- Bhattiani Sati Rani
- Bada Bagh
This article was contributed by Abhay Tandon
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