Nestled in the golden sands near Jaisalmer, Akal Wood Fossil Park is a surreal reminder that Rajasthan’s desert once teemed with life, not just in the era of kings and empires, but millions of years ago during the Jurassic period. This unique site offers a rare chance to walk through a prehistoric forest frozen in time, where tree trunks turned to stone tell a story written in the language of geology.
Where Time Stands Still
Located just 17 km west of Jaisalmer, along the road to Barmer, Akal Wood Fossil Park covers 21 hectares of preserved land. But its real significance lies underground—and what has been carefully unearthed and displayed—fossilised remnants from around 180 million years ago.
That’s right—long before humans walked the Earth, this region was not a desert but a lush, tropical forest, supported by a warm and humid climate. Over time, tectonic shifts submerged this land under the sea, and the trees that once flourished here were slowly petrified into stone, preserved by the mineral-rich sediments that enveloped them.
A Glimpse into Prehistoric Rajasthan
The fossil park showcases a wide array of ancient marvels:
- Over 25 fossilised tree trunks, some up to 13 meters long, representing species from the non-flowering coniferous group.
- The trees belong to extinct families such as Pterophyllum, Ptilophyllum, and Dictyozamites, which are key indicators of Jurassic flora.
- A large fossilised trunk of a Redwood tree, placed near the entrance, invites visitors to literally touch a piece of Earth’s deep past.
- Most fossils are displayed under corrugated iron sheds, allowing for both preservation and viewing.
The meticulous arrangement helps you imagine how these trees might have once stood tall in a forest, swaying in a breeze that hasn’t blown in over 180 million years.
A Geological Treasure
The fossil park doesn’t just preserve history—it redefines Rajasthan’s ancient climate story:
- It proves that western Rajasthan, now part of the arid Thar Desert, once had tropical, forested landscapes.
- The fossilised wood provides insight into the Lower Jurassic Age (around 180–200 million years ago), making the park a crucial site for paleobotanical studies.
- The presence of these gigantic fossilised coniferous trees contradicts the modern climate and shows a clear shift from a wet, tropical past to the arid present.
Things to Do and See
- Touch Prehistoric Trunks: Begin your tour by running your hands over the polished surface of the fossilised redwood tree at the entrance.
- Observe Fossils Up Close: Stroll through sheltered enclosures showcasing fossilised logs of varying sizes—some whole, others broken but beautifully preserved.
- Learn from the Panels: Informative signs and display boards explain the fossilisation process, the types of trees, and the Jurassic climate in simple language.
- Photography: Capture the fossil textures, desert scenery, and interpretive elements for a one-of-a-kind photo story.
- Sunset Stop: Being close to the Desert National Park, it makes for a great pit-stop before or after a desert safari. The play of golden light on petrified wood is a photographer’s dream.
Timings & Entry
- Open: All days of the week
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Approx. ₹5 for Indian nationals | ₹20 for foreigners (subject to change)
How to Reach Akal Wood Fossil Park
- Location: Akal Village, approx. 17 km from Jaisalmer on the Barmer Road
- By Road: Easily accessible via taxis or private vehicles from Jaisalmer
- By Bus: Buses from Jaisalmer heading west often stop nearby
- Nearest Airport: Jaisalmer (seasonal), Jodhpur (275 km)
Best Time to Visit
October to March is ideal, when the desert weather is cooler and more pleasant for walking and exploring.
Why It Matters
The Akal Wood Fossil Park is more than a tourist spot—it is an open-air natural museum, a place where geology and paleontology meet heritage tourism. It’s one of the few places in India where you can experience the Earth’s history firsthand, feel the passage of time beneath your fingertips, and marvel at nature’s ability to preserve the past in stone.
Final Word
In a land known for forts, palaces, and legends, the Akal Wood Fossil Park tells a deeper, quieter story—of forests long lost, of life petrified in stone, and of Rajasthan’s incredible journey from Jurassic jungles to desert dunes.
Next time you’re in Jaisalmer, take a detour to Akal and walk through a world that once was.