Balasinor-India’s Jurassic Park
Balasinor-the dinosaur paradise is situated in Gujarat, Western India. It is 15 kilometers away from Ahemdabad and takes half an hour drive to reach this historically significant place. This destination has been in state of obscureness since its exploration from the year 1981. Not many people know about this fossilized site dotted in the village called Raiyoli(Balasinor).
According to various Paleontologists, Raiyoli was once the haven of 7 species of dinosaurs. The scientists giving strong evidence on their revelations have also unveiled 1000 egg fossils of dinosaurs which still are in their raw shapes. This destination is today known amongst the third largest hatchery of dinosaurs in the world where various species of tyrannosaurus Rex family can be identified with the naked eyes. It was given the name ‘Rajasaurus Narmandensis’; meaning reptile from the Narmada.This site was discovered accidentally when the scientists in the region were carrying the mineral survey. Since then the dinosaur mania struck the conscience of scientists and they started visiting this place in legions(great numbers).
For the first few years, Gujarat government promoted this site in the form of Dinosaur Tourism. But few years after the promotion, the Gujarat government’s promotional campaigns vanished slowly. From the years since this fossilized site has been given no heed by the state government. There is one museum made in Raiyoli. This museum displays the fossils of dinosaur which can be touched with the bare hands. One security guard takes care of this museum from the grazing cattle and villagers.
As this dinosaur mine is in the pity condition, the owner of the hotel Grand Palace, Aaliya Sultana Babi offers full day tour to this site. Aaliya Sultana Babi, also known as the dinosaur princess also takes care of this fossilized site. She is the only English guide in the region who has the expertise knowledge of Raiyoli. Belonging to the royal Babi family as well, Aaliya has the in depth information about the location of all fossils, imprints of bones, impressions of charred skin of the dinosaur and can easily recognize the category .The royal Babi family owns the Garden Palace which is the most popular heritage property. There are 8 elegant rooms where gaudy and lavish structures comes out to show case the endemic character of this royal family. Every room is done up in the retro style, shimmering furniture and an open courtyard. Spending a day at this heritage property can be a unique experience, as the royal family brace itself to provide the personalized hospitality.
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