Salkhan Fossils Park

Salkhan Fossils Park is a 25-hectare protected fossil site located in Salkhan village near Robertsganj in Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh, within the Kaimur Range of the Vindhya hills. Notable for well-preserved stromatolite and algae fossils estimated to be around 1.4 billion years old, it is considered one of the oldest fossil parks in the world. The park features fossil-bearing rocks, interpretation displays and nature trails for visitors.

Visitors can expect an open-air fossil park spread across rocky terrain in the Kaimur hills with exposed fossil-bearing rocks and boulders containing ring-like stromatolite patterns. The site has marked nature trails, signage and an interpretation centre explaining the geology and age of the fossils. The surroundings are dry deciduous forest and Vindhyan sandstone landscape. Visitors can walk along designated paths, view fossils in situ, take photographs and join guided educational tours.

Salkhan Fossils Park preserves fossils of the Vindhyan Supergroup estimated to be about 1.4 billion years old, dating to the Proterozoic Eon. The fossils are primarily stromatolites formed by ancient cyanobacteria and algae, providing evidence of early life on Earth. The site was identified by geologists and developed as a protected fossil park by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department to conserve the internationally significant paleontological heritage.

The park holds scientific and educational significance as one of the world's oldest fossil sites, attracting students, researchers and nature enthusiasts. It is promoted as an eco-tourism and geo-heritage destination by Uttar Pradesh Tourism, highlighting the natural heritage of the Sonbhadra region.