I visited the Salkhan fossil park, which represents the stromatolite fossils of cyanobacteria, which was formed around 1.5 billion years ago. Though it was my second visit to the park but was delighted to see and understand the fossils better than previous visit because of the work done by the government to protect and educate the people. My journey from Varanasi, nearest city, was smooth due to the better road conditions.
When we talk about fossils, it creates a curiosity amongst us. Seeing fossils takes you to an era which is older than civilization. The fossils are repository of the past from which we learn about the past climate, life on the planet and evolution.
Being a naturalist, I am always curious about the things which help me to understand the complex character of the nature. Though I have been working in this field for the last 21 years but still I have the same energy and excitement for anything related to nature, be it a mammal, bird, plant, small organisms or a fossil. I keep exploring places which are lesser known but give you a chance to learn more.
Where is Salkhan Fossil Park situated?
This fossil park which is known as Salkhan fossil park is located around 100 kms. from Varanasi and if you are flying from somewhere, you can spend a night or two in Varanasi which has decent hotels of all categories. Varanasi is a major travel destination for both Indians as well as for the visitors from around the world.
I have my paternal house in Varanasi so every year I go to meet my parents twice and then it’s easier to visit nearby areas. I personally went to see the fossil park, long time back in 2004, but at that time the condition of it was not so good. This time when I was at Varanasi, my friends suggested going there again as the government has done a lot to protect this heritage site.
The importance of Salkhan Fossil Park
Salkhan fossil park is the oldest fossil site in India. It is a remarkable geological site. Recently it was included in the tentative list of the UNESCO world heritage site. The park is located inside the verdant expanse of Kaimoor wildlife sanctuary. The park around 100 kms. from the major tourist center, Varanasi. It spans around 25 hectares in the Vindhyan landscape.
Vindhyan mountain range is characterized by rugged terrain, steep escarpment and flat-topped hills. Unlike other fossil parks this park does not have the fossils of any dinosaur or any other animals, but the park has fossils of blue green algae or cyanobacteria which date back to 1.4 billion years, making it one of the oldest and well-preserved fossil parks in the world.
Stromatolites, the park’s major fossil assemblage is formed by the communities of cyanobacteria or blue green algae. They are the indicators of ancient environmental conditions and microbial life. Dominant among them are Eoentophysalis, a genus of fossilized colonial cyanobacteria. The stromatolites formations are either ring type or ripple type or oval stony formations scattered on the limestone rock surface. These stromatolites formations are of various shapes and sizes giving crucial information about the early life forms on earth during Proterozoic eon.
Our journey to the park
So, our journey started early in the morning from Varanasi. It was a journey moving from one landscape to another. We started from Gangetic plain to central Indian highlands. The park is situated in the highlands of central India, and it is interesting to see how the scene changes at the confluence of both the landscapes. Once transition starts you get to see small hillocks and many broken hills, once you enter the proper hilly region you get to see beautiful landscape of Vindhyan hills. These sandstone hills are one of the oldest formations in India.
They have a great place in the history of mankind also as at many places the tools used by prehistoric man was found in the caves. Ecologically this region was very rich before independence when the area was covered with lush green monsoon and deciduous forests. Still there are patches of past vegetation in this landscape and wild animals are also occasionally found here but not many. In the past British naturalists Colonel R. G. Burton has said that this region is having more tigers than anywhere else in India.
Also, British administrator and a close friend of famous naturalist Jim Corbett, Mr. Percy Wyndham also praised this area for its wonderful wildlife. Around 10 years back one of the famous young ecologists and naturalist of India Mr. Debadityo Sinha has conducted a camera trap in this region, and his finding was very exciting as he found many sloth bears and other wildlife too which includes few leopards and a tiger also.
After crossing several hilly sections, beautiful waterfalls and hairpin loops, we are now on plateau which is not forested and there are small remote tribal villages and agriculture fields on the way. We stopped at one of the good clean restaurants where we had breakfast. The food was good and their washrooms were clean. We told the manager to keep preparing a light lunch for us as well so when we go back to Varanasi we will stop for lunch break here.
After passing through the human settlements, we are now close to Kaimoor wildlife sanctuary which is famous for Blackbucks and for rock paintings. It is believed that the area has more rock paintings than Bhimbetka (A world heritage site in Madhya Pradesh).
We were on the highway and then a beautiful landscape opened in front of our eyes. There is a ghat from where we have to go downhill. A beautiful spiral hilly road with forest on both sides, what a beautiful journey. After few kilometers of driving we took a right turn and then few minutes more and the fossil park is here. After parking our vehicle outside we have to walk now.
The park is now well maintained, and the fossilized rocks are kept safe from visitors. You can see the rocks, but you can’t touch them. We were so mesmerized to see this rock as the evidence of evolution of early life on earth was in front of our eyes. We were watching something as old as 1.4 billion and it was here before these continents formed, before plate tectonics when this area was under the Tethys Sea. After spending some time with those fossils, we left the park for our backward journey to Varanasi.
What was my experience in Salkhan Fossil Park?
Salkhan fossil park is a strong contender for world heritage site recognition. I believe it should get it soon so that more protection of the park and more people visit, including the researchers, will open new secrets of the evolution of life on planet earth.
This was my second visit to this site, and I can say that the facilities and protection are much better than my previous visit 22 years ago. Roads are good, which helps us to cover this journey one way in three hours.
After this visit we all were delighted and proud to have a place which belongs to the earliest life on earth. In my opinion when we get chance we should visit the places like that.
If you like my blog, also give a read to Madhav Tiger Reserve: An Introduction and How was tiger sightings from October 2025 to March 2026 – By Naren Malik
Mr. Vibhav Srivastava is a seasoned wildlife biologist and ecotourism professional with over 20 years of experience across wildlife research, forest management, conservation education, and sustainable tourism in India.
Currently at Nature Safari India, he curates immersive wildlife experiences, leads conservation communication, and designs educational outreach programs. His expertise spans both in-situ and ex-situ conservation, with extensive field work in all major wildlife landscapes of Central, Northern, Eastern, and Southern India. Notable contributions include all-India tiger monitoring with the Wildlife Institute of India, community-based conservation initiatives, and training forest staff and nature guides.
He has held key roles with RARE India, National Zoological Park (New Delhi), Le Passage to India, Tiger Protection Group, and served as Chief Naturalist at Kanha National Park, deepening his expertise in biodiversity conservation and human-wildlife interactions.
An accomplished educator and communicator, Mr. Srivastava has delivered over 30 lectures at prestigious institutions including Delhi University, BHU, Amity University, and IITTM. He is a published author and researcher, with co-authored books, scientific publications, and paper presentations at national seminars. His work consistently bridges conservation science, community engagement, and responsible tourism.
He holds a Master’s degree in Botany, has received professional training from the Wildlife Institute of India, and was nominated among the top five naturalists in India for the TOFT Best Naturalist Award.
