A Memorable Day Trip: Vadodara to Balasinor Jurassic Fossil Museum & Tuva Timba
- Dheeraj Jain
- Sep 9, 2024
- 3 min read
This past weekend, we embarked on a fantastic journey from Vadodara to the Balasinor Jurassic Fossil Museum & Park, with a refreshing stopover at Tuva Timba. It was a full day of adventure, learning, and family bonding, and we were thrilled to have our friends and kids along for the ride.
Starting the Day: (Hot Springs & Shiv Temple)
Our trip started early at 9 AM as we left Vadodara with friends and kids. Our first stop was Tuva Timba, known for its natural hot water kunds and a serene Shiv temple nestled in the scenic surroundings. The hot springs are a must-experience—taking a dip in the warm, therapeutic water was incredibly refreshing, especially in the cool monsoon weather. The spot is peaceful and offers a brief but calming break before heading to the main attraction.
Balasinor Jurassic Fossil Museum & Park: A Journey into the Past
Next, we arrived at the highlight of our trip—Balasinor Jurassic Fossil Museum. Known as India’s very own ‘Jurassic Park,’ this museum is a treasure trove of prehistoric wonders, especially for kids. The museum offers an immersive journey through the history of dinosaurs, starting with detailed information on fossil studies, the evolution of these massive creatures, and their eventual extinction.
The museum houses a fossil gallery, which showcases incredible finds, including dinosaur bones and eggs, unearthed right from the region. The visual displays and videos offered fascinating insights into how these dinosaurs roamed the earth millions of years ago.
One of the most exciting features for us and the kids was the 5D and VR experience. The 5D section takes you back 65 million years, placing you in the middle of an action-packed dinosaur chase. With the VR gear on, it felt like we were right there with these majestic creatures—a thrilling moment for kids and adults alike!
Lunch at the Museum Canteen
After the museum tour, we grabbed a bite at the local canteen located on-site. The canteen serves ice creams, soft drinks, limited snacks and traditional Gujarati and Punjabi thali at very affordable prices. It’s simple but satisfying. A quick tip—there aren’t any other restaurants nearby, so packing some extra snacks for the kids would be a good idea if you're planning a longer day.
Raiyoli Fossil Site: Touching Dinosaur History
Just a short 1 km from the museum lies the Raiyoli Fossil Excavation Site which is called Dinosaur Fossils Park. It’s an archaeological marvel where you can actually see and touch real dinosaur fossils. The site is considered one of the world’s largest dinosaur hatcheries, with over 1,000 fossilized dinosaur eggs discovered here. Guided by local experts, we even spotted fossilized imprints on rocks, bringing to life the rich prehistoric history of the area. For the kids, it was like walking in the footsteps of giants!
Returning Home: A Day to Remember
We wrapped up the day around 8 PM, heading home after a fulfilling and educational experience. Although it was a rainy day, luck was on our side as the weather stayed clear enough for us to enjoy all the sites without any interruptions. Overall, the trip was perfect for both fun and learning—especially for children fascinated by dinosaurs and history.
Travel Tips:
Time Taken: Approximately 1.5 hours from Vadodara to Tuva Timba, and another hour to the Balasinor Museum.
What to Bring: Pack some food for the trip, as nearby dining options are limited. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring the archaeological sites.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning during cooler months or post-monsoon for the most comfortable weather.
Not only is this journey enjoyable, but it also provides children with the opportunity to explore history, science, and nature all in a single day!
Sounds amazing!
Wow! what an amazing trip.