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Introduction
Fossil National Park in Madhya Pradesh is one of India’s most celebrated national parks. Located in the Dindori (Mandla) district, Ghughwa Fossil National Park in Dindori houses priceless 65-million-year-old petrified plant fossils from the Gondwana continent era.
Quick Facts
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| State | Madhya Pradesh |
| Districts | Dindori (Mandla) |
| Year of Notification | 1983 |
| Total Area | 0.27 sq km (27 hectares across 7 villages) |
| Landscape | Fossilized tree trunks embedded in basaltic rocks and dry deciduous forest. |
| Major Rivers & Waterbodies | Narmada River basin streams |
| Nearest Airport | Jabalpur Airport (JLR) – 110 km |
| Nearest Railway Station | Umaria Railway Station (UMR) – 65 km / Jabalpur Junction – 110 km |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March |
Location
The national park lies in the Dindori (Mandla) region of Madhya Pradesh. On Shahpura-Niwas road off Jabalpur-Amarakantak highway.
History
Discovered by Dr. Dharmendra Prasad; notified as a National Park in 1983.
Landscape, Geography & Habitat
Covering an expansive area of 0.27 sq km (27 hectares across 7 villages), the park’s terrain features Fossilized tree trunks embedded in basaltic rocks and dry deciduous forest.
Flora
Dominant vegetation and floral species include: Fossilized tree trunks embedded in basaltic rocks and dry deciduous forest.
Fauna
Primary Mammals & Key Species: Petrified Plant Fossils (65-million-year-old petrified palm and gymnosperm tree trunks from the Cretaceous Era!), Golden Jackal, Common Palm Civet, and Monitor Lizard.
Other Wild Animals & Wildlife
Avifauna & Bird Species: Woodland avifauna including Parakeet, Tree Pie, Black Kite, Indian Roller, and Owls.
Rivers & Water Bodies
The lifeline of Fossil National Park is sustained by: Narmada River basin streams.
Other Attractions
Major nearby tourist attractions, historic monuments, and viewpoints include: Ghughwa Fossil Interpretation Center (0 km), Bandhavgarh National Park (85 km), Kanha National Park (110 km).
Weather & Climate
Continental climate (10°C to 42°C).
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Jabalpur Airport (JLR) – 110 km
- Nearest Railway Station: Umaria Railway Station (UMR) – 65 km / Jabalpur Junction – 110 km
- Road Connectivity: On Shahpura-Niwas road off Jabalpur-Amarakantak highway.
Best Time to Visit
The optimal tourism season for wildlife viewing in Fossil National Park is from October to March.
Accommodation
MP Tourism Hotels in Jabalpur & Bandhavgarh.. Advance booking through official State Tourism or Forest Department portals is highly recommended.
Conservation Highlights
Protects rare petrified plant fossils dating back to the Deccan trap volcanic eruption era.
Visitor Tips
Visit the Ghughwa Fossil Museum on site for detailed geological interpretation.
Did You Know?
- Contains petrified plant fossils dating back 65 million years to the Cretaceous period.
- Houses petrified palm tree trunks proving that Central India once had a tropical sea coast.
- Fossils origin traced to the prehistoric supercontinent of Gondwanaland.
Last Updated: August 2026