SOLAN: The district tourism development officer, Padma Choddon, Solan has written a letter to the Director HP Tourism and Civil Aviation dated December 12, 2024 for inclusion of Tethys Fossil Museum and Fossil tree in the Tourist Map of Himachal Pradesh. It is also stated that in the museum details of events of natural evolution from the origin of Universe 13.8 billion years ago depicting various sites of historical and geological significance and showcasing fossils of Tethyan Himalayas.
Renowned geologist and Guinness World Record holder, Dr. Ritesh Arya, addressed the media to highlight the vision behind the Tethys Fossil Museum, which he founded to inspire children and make the wonders of Earth's geological history accessible to all.
Dr. Arya emphasized that the inclusion of the Tethys Fossil Museum in the official Tourism Map of Kasauli would not only boost tourism in the region but also foster education, especially among young minds. The museum’s exhibits, including 2.5-billion-year-old stromatolites, 70-million-year-old dinosaur eggs, and a 20-million-year-old fossilized tree, create a captivating experience for both tourists and geoscientists eager to unearth the secrets of the Himalayas.
Beyond its exhibits, the museum is an eco-friendly marvel, built entirely from 20-million-year-old Kasauli sandstone, demonstrating sustainability while showcasing Earth's geological treasures.
Dr. Arya also proposed expanding geo-tourism in the Kasauli-Jagjit Nagar region, highlighting not only fossils but also sites of geological and historical significance. This initiative aims to merge tourism with education, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore, learn, and appreciate the rich geological heritage of the region.
Having visited the museum personally, Ms. Choddon lauded its detailed presentation of Earth’s natural evolution, starting from the origin of the universe 13.8 billion years ago, and its potential to draw attention to the geological and historical significance of the Himalayas.
The proposal emphasizes how this initiative could elevate Himachal Pradesh as a global destination for geo-tourism, providing a platform for education, research, and sustainable tourism.
The inclusion of the Tethys Fossil Museum is expected to not only enhance tourism in the Kasauli region but also celebrate and preserve the region's unique geoheritage, connecting visitors to Earth’s ancient past. Says Dr Ritesh Arya.