Did you know that a small town called Balasinor in Gujarat is home to the one of the largest dinosaur fossils sites in the world? No, you don’t.

At Balasinor, there’s a fossilised dinosaur nesting ground and a prehistoric burial ground. But, no one knows because no one talks about it. Moreover, no one thought that this could be developed as a tourist site or say a UNESCO Geo park.

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Paleontologists believe that nearly seven species of dinosaurs lived here. In fact, researchers have uncovered fossils of about 10,000 dinosaur eggs, making Raiyoli village in Balasinor the third largest hatchery in the world.

Previously in 2003, they also discovered a new species here, which belonged to the Tyrannosaurus Rex family. It was named Rajasaurus narmandensis which means a princely reptile from the Narmada.

This site was discovered accidentally in 1981, when geologists were conducting a mineral survey of the area. Since then, this place has attracted scientists and tourists from around the world.

Thankfully there’s one person who sees potential in this place. Aaliya Sultana Babi, the former princess of Balasinor who is considered the promoter and protector of the dinosaur legacy.

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In fact, she’s often called the Dinosaur Princess as she conducts tours to the site. She’s the only English speaking guide who knows about these fossils.

At Balasinor, you can spot a part of a limb embedded in a rock, alleged fossil remains of skin and other bones and egg rings.

In fact, you can even see a real dinosaur egg fossil here.

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What makes this place unique?

This is the only site in the world where tourists can both touch the dinosaurs remains, and hold a 65 million year old egg fossil in their hands.

Unfortunately, this site hasn’t been developed as a tourist attraction. It took over five years to build a museum next to it. This place seems pretty much abandoned. It is sad that the fossils were discovered three decades ago, yet they have not received due attention. Sadly, most of us don’t even know of the existence of the site.

How to get to Balasinor?

Balasinor is about one and a half hours drive from Ahmedabad. One can travel to Ahemdabad on flights or by train. There’s Garden Palace, a heritage hotel property run by the former rulers of Balasinor, the Babi family, where you can stay.