Akal Wood Fossil Park

About Akal Wood Fossil Park

The city of Jaisalmer, situated in the Thar Desert, doesn't fail to amaze you with its richness and enlightening historical heritage. Surrounded with historical monuments and structures, royal palaces, the place takes you to an era gone by.

The Akal Wood Fossil Park is one such destination where people of all ages would love to go and explore our prehistoric era. Once you reach the park, you will notice the area is covered with large fossilised tree trunks of various sizes and sea shells. The largest of them is about 13 m long and 1.5 m wide. There are around 25 numb trees, and some of the oldest fossils are about 200 years old. Since the climate here is hot and humid, it helps in preserving these fossils.

The park is open on all seven days as well as on public holidays from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm. The entry fee to the park is very nominal. It is INR 5 per person for Indians and INR 20 for foreigners. You can spend up to 1 to 2 hours in the park and enjoy every moment of it. If you happen to be an archeologist or have an interest in history, then this place is a must visit.

History

The Golden city is not only famous for its rich and royal heritage, but also for a charm unlike any other. The city takes you on a journey tracing back 180 million years.

A forest then, it later immersed into the sea and the tree trunks were preserved as fossils. The whole area spreads over 21 hectares of land, and you come across tree trunks of myriad sizes which are now fossilized. The park is also believed to have fossils lying deep within, and you will perhaps come across a few excavations in the process.

The park is preserved for its natural beauty and because of its archeological presence.

Location

The Akal Wood Fossil Park is located 17 km away from the main city of Jaisalmer on Barmer Road.

The nearest railway station is around 7 km away from the fossil park, so if you have a train to catch, you don't have to travel too far.

How to reach

Jaisalmer is situated in the center of Rajasthan and has an advantage of being conveniently located. The city is also connected to all the major cities in and around India.

Though being a prime tourist spot, the city is not connected with any airline, but has an airport which is very well connected to all major airlines, be it private or government-owned. From the airport you have the option of hiring a cab or boarding a train to your nearest destination.

Just because the city doesn't has an airport of its own, it does not lag behind in tourist rush at all as it is well connected with broad gauge and meter gauge railway tracks. Direct trains are available from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur and Delhi. For a luxurious experience, 'Palace on Wheels' also runs through the city, and you can enjoy a truly royal experience.

The city of Jaisalmer boasts of well-maintained roads since it lies close to the Indo-Pak border. Special care is given to the maintenance of these roads to provide a comfortable and carefree journey to the travellers. The State runs deluxe and semi-deluxe buses, and there are many private companies that provide the same service.

If you are a nature lover, you can drive down to this scenic city, though it is advisable to break your journey in Jaipur or Ajmer as the drive is too long and exhausting.

Local transport in Jaisalmer is convenient with a number of options including auto rickshaws, tongas, bicycles and interstate buses.

Best time to visit

Jaisalmer, the 'Golden City' as it is popularly known as, is situated in the laps of the Thar Desert. Being a desert area, the city has a typical warm climate. The days are very warm and the nights are pleasant.

The city experiences a very hot and warm summer season. The months from April till September bear the brunt of piercing sun. The day temperature can rise up to 48 degrees, making it unbearable to step out and take an adventurous tour of the city. The nights are still bearable and one can go out and enjoy a pleasant evening. The city does not enjoy enough rainfall, so a generous monsoon is like a cherry on the cake.

The best time to visit Jaisalmer is during the winter season starting from November till March, when the temperature is at its best and you can enjoy every bit of this amazing city. The pleasant breeze and warm sunlight allow you to be out all day and indulge in the mystical land of art, culture and beauty.