Now you can add a tour (when it is ready) of the dinosaur fossil geo-park, which the government is planning when visiting the popular destinations of the Narmada River valley, located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Fossil dinosaur eggs are being discovered in the valley, and the latest addition, in the Dhar district of the valley, is the clutch of 92 nesting sites containing a total of 256 fossilised eggs. These belong to titanosaurs, a group of giant, herbivorous dinosaurs. The eggs are in the Lameta Formation, a geological formation located in the valley, considered one of the largest river valleys in India. The valley and Lameta Formation cover several states, including Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
These titanosaur egg clutches provide evidence of dinosaur nesting and parental care, and they help shed light on dinosaurs' biology and behaviour. The eggs are believed to be from the Late Cretaceous period (145 to 66 million years) and are estimated to be about 65 million years old. The discovery of these eggs in India is significant because it expands the geographical range of dinosaur eggs and highlights the importance of preserving geological sites for future research and scientific discovery. The other sites where dinosaur eggs have been found are Jabalpur in the upper Narmada Valley and Balasinor in Gujarat.
The Narmada River valley is a significant tourist destination, attracting visitors with its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and religious significance. There are several popular tourist attractions in the Narmada Valley, including the river, considered one of the seven holiest rivers in Hinduism and a significant tourist attraction for pilgrims and nature lovers. Dhar district is home to the heritage city of Mandu, which has the Jahaz Mahal, Rani Rupmati Mahal, Hindola Mahal, Jami Masjid, and the Hathi Darwaja.
Then there is Amarkantak town, in the district of Anuppur, believed to be the source of the Narmada River, and again an important pilgrimage site for Hindus the handloom sari town of Maheshwar is famous for its handloom saris and is a popular destination for textile tourists. The state's natural beauty is alive at the famed Dhuandhar falls on the Narmada River, and the hill station of Pachmarhi, in the Satpura Range, is well known for its scenic beauty, colonial architecture, and waterfalls. These destinations significantly contribute to the local economy and are under the government's conservation and preservation efforts. These are necessary to maintain the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Getting There: Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore serves as the nearest air travel hub, with regular flights connecting Dhar to major Indian cities. Lacking its own railway station, Indore (60 km) and Ratlam (93 km) provide accessible options, with buses and taxis facilitating the journey. The road network is well-connected, allowing convenient travel for tourists from Maharashtra and Gujarat directly to Dhar.