Chhattisgarh achieved a remarkable milestone on April 26 with the inauguration of the Gondwana Marine Fossil Park in the Manendragarh Forest Division. Inaugurated by Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, this park is home to marine fossils dating back 290 million years—from the Permian era—making it the largest marine fossil site in Asia.
Spread over a kilometer along the Hasdeo River, the park showcases fossils of ancient marine creatures like bivalves, brachiopods, gastropods, and crinoids. It has also been declared a National Geological Monument, with confirmation of its significance coming from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeontology in 2015.
The park’s transformation from a neglected site into a tourist and research hotspot is credited to the visionary efforts of DFO Manish Kashyap (IFS 2015 batch). Under his leadership, the Forest Department developed the park on the lines of Gujarat and Jharkhand’s dinosaur fossil sites—yet with unique additions.
“Our goal was to preserve this rare geological heritage and present it in a way that educates, inspires, and attracts. Developing Asia’s largest fossil park and Chhattisgarh’s first rock garden is not just about tourism—it’s about connecting people to Earth’s ancient history.”Manish Kashyap, DFO, Manendragarh (IFS 2015)
Among its most striking features is Chhattisgarh’s first Jurassic Rock Garden, where 35 large stone sculptures of prehistoric creatures have been artistically carved out of natural granite rocks, offering visitors a vivid glimpse into life millions of years ago.
An Interpretation Center educates tourists about fossil formation and Earth’s geological history through displays and artwork. Plans are also underway to introduce a cactus garden, bamboo setum, and bamboo rafting in the Hasdeo River. Nature trails offer immersive eco-experiences not yet available in other fossil parks in India.
Previously, the Saraguja region attracted tourists mainly to Mainpat, but with this initiative, the Gondwana Marine Fossil Park is poised to become Chhattisgarh’s flagship tourism destination.
“This park is not just a tourist attraction; it’s a geological heritage site that will put Chhattisgarh on the global fossil tourism map,”Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal at the inauguration.
