Uttar Pradesh’s Salkhan Fossils Park in Sonbhadra has earned a spot on the UNESCO Tentative List of World Heritage Sites, highlighting its global geological significance. Home to 1.4-billion-year-old stromatolites, the site is now recognized as one of the oldest known fossil parks in the world.
Located near Salkhan village, just 15 km from Robertsganj, the 25-hectare park showcases ancient microbial rock formations that offer rare insights into the earliest evidence of life on Earth. The site lies between Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary and the Vindhya range, adding scenic charm to its scientific value.
This listing is expected to elevate the park and Uttar Pradesh on the global eco-tourism map. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed the Eco-Tourism Development Board to prepare a detailed dossier for UNESCO’s permanent World Heritage nomination. The report will soon be submitted to the Government of India, with officials optimistic about full UNESCO inscription within two years.
According to Tourism Director Prakhar Mishra, the UNESCO nomination process begins with Tentative List inclusion, followed by a comprehensive dossier and site evaluation. The Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences conducted scientific studies after signing an MoU in June 2024, confirming the site’s rich fossil heritage and paving the way for the nomination.
Comparative studies have positioned Salkhan above other global fossil sites in terms of age. While sites like Yellowstone (500 million years) and Mistaken Point (550 million years) contain ancient fossils, the 1.4-billion-year-old stromatolites at Salkhan stand out for their exceptional age and preservation.
This development comes amid increasing global interest in geo-heritage and ancient ecosystems. Authorities believe the park’s recognition could attract scholars, eco-tourists, and researchers from around the world, making Sonbhadra a cornerstone of India’s natural history tourism.
