Himachal Tourism | Suketi Fossil Park

Nahan

Suketi Fossil Park displays life size fiberglass model of pre-historic animals whose fossil, skeletons were unearthed here. The park is first of its kind in Asia to be developed at the actual site where fossils were discovered. At a distance of 21 kms. from Nahan, the Suketi Fossil Park is located on the bank of Markanda river and is approachable by a link road 4 kms. from Kala-Amb from Haryana. Located on upper and middle Shiwaliks, consisting mainly of soft sandstone and clay rocks, the park at present has six sets of life-size models of Stegodonganesa (extinct grand elephant) Sivatherium, Hexaprotodon-Sivalensis (hippopotamus with six incisors), Colosschelys Atlas (giant land tortoise and chelonia), Paramachaerdus (Sabre Toothed tiger) and Crocodilia the animals which once thrived in the region.

The Shiwalik formations contain one of the world's richest collection of mammalian fossils. From a study of these fossils, it has been possible for the palaeontologists to probe into the mysteries of evolution of prehistoric life and the climate and environment of these periods which go back to Jurassic era, nearly 8.5 million years ago. The Shiwalik deposits are unsurpassed in the world for the richness of the fauna they entomb. Around this park, plantation work by Horticulture Department has been done which makes the surroundings quite charming.

The other major attraction is the Museum which contains various fossils, models, charts and paintings relating to the various aspects of plants and animals life of the past and present in Shiwalik range. For refreshment, the HPTDC has a cafeteria a Tourist Information Centre is established there by the Himachal Government.