Varanasi is steeped in human history, but if you want to travel back to the Earth's geological origins, you must visit the Salkhan Fossils Park (also known as Sonbhadra Fossils Park). Located just over 100 km from Varanasi near Robertsganj, this is a mind-bending same-day tour.
The fossils found here are Stromatolites and algae dating back to the Proterozoic era (over 1.4 billion years ago). To put that in perspective, these fossils are significantly older than the dinosaurs! It is one of the most crucial geological sites in the world, yet remains surprisingly offbeat.
The park is spread over a large area covered with large boulder-like formations. These are the fossilized remains of some of the earliest life forms on Earth. The landscape is rocky, rugged, and completely distinct from the Gangetic plains of Varanasi.
The drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours via the SH 5A. We recommend starting early around 7:00 AM. You can spend a couple of hours exploring the park. On the way back, you can also stop at the scenic Churk or combine it with a visit to the nearby waterfalls in the Vindhya range.
Because the park is in a remote area, booking a reliable outstation cab from Big Cab Varanasi is the best way to enjoy this pre-historic journey comfortably.