Balasinor is a unique travel destination in Gujarat famously known as Jurassic Park of India. Thousands of tourists travel Balasinor for the see hundreds of fossils of Dinosaurs.
It was in 1981 when geological survey of India searching for mineral rich area accidentally discovered dinosaur fossils in Balasinor. Since then Dinosaur tourism became very popular in Balasinor as thousands of tourists interested in seeing the fossils of dinosaurs started to travel Balasinor.
So far Paleontologists has uncovered about 10,000 fossils of dinosaur eggs, bones and skeleton in Raiyoli near Balasinor. In total over 13 species of dinosaur existed in the Balasinor for more than 100 million years before their extinction around 65 million years ago. This discovery has made Balasinor third largest dinosaur eggs hatchery in the world. This is exactly the reason why Dinosaur tourism has grown over the years in Balasinor. Tourists who travel Ahmedabad should take a trip to Balasinor.
The discovery of dinosaur fossils and being dubbed as the Jurassic Park has increased Dinosaur tourism in Balasinor. The soft soil of Balasinor has actually preserved the fossils pretty well.
At the site in Balasinor, tourists can see the skin and other bones of the dinasaurs. Tourists can also see real dinosaur eggs at the site in Balasinor. But what makes Balasinor must travel destination is the fact that it is the only place in world where tourists can actually hold a 65 million years ago dinosaur eggs in their hand. This is exactly why thousands of tourists travel Balasinor every year.
ATTRACTIONS IN BALASINOR
Balasinor Fossil Park - This is the exact site where tourists can see fossils of dinosaurs. The site is in the village of Raiyoli and also called Raiyoli Dinosaur Fossil Excavation Site. Gujarat Tourism is developing the area as a Jurassic Park with life size realistic models of Dinosaurs.
Apart from the Jurassic Park, tourists should also travel Ambaji Temple in Balasinor. It is an old temple in Balasinor worth the visit. There are several other temples in Balasinor to travel.
Wanakbori Dam - The dam is built on the river mahi. It is ideal place for picnics. If you are traveling Balasinor with family than you should travel to the Wanakbori Dam.
Timba Tuva - Timba Tuva is a natural hot water sulphur springs with a intersting history. It is believed that the Timba Tuva has cure diseases like arthritis and rheumatism. According to the Hindu Mythology, this was the place where one of the Pandav, Bhim from Mahabharat married Hadimba. There is a wedding manddap and foot prints of Bhim at Timba Tuva.
Galteshwar - Galteshwar is a picnic site in the region famous for ancient temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva.
Champaner - You may have heard the name of the place in the Oscar nominated movie Lagaan. Champaner is a famous city 50km away from the Balasinor. Champaner is famous for well preserved thousands years old Hindu and Jain temples. Champaner became the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 and tourists should travel the city to see old palace, fort and several mosques.
Tourists traveling Balasinor should know that there is only one hotel in Balasinor, Garden Palace, which is a hertiage property. There are only eight rooms in the Garden Palace. However tourists can also stay at the Camp Dinasaur tents at the site. This hotel is only 20 minutes away from the Jurassic Park in Raiyoli.
HOW TO REACH BALASINOR
The best way to reach Jurassic Park of India, Balasinor is by hiring car from Ahmedabed. Balasinor is 73Km away from Ahmedabad, about 90 minutes drive from car. Tourists can also reach Balasinor from another travel destination, Anand in Gujarat. Nearest Railway Station from Balasinor is in Anand, 33.4Km.
