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Petrified Wood

Jharia, Jharkhand, India
The Petrified Wood at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad is a spectacular geological wonder and one of the oldest fossils in the Indian subcontinent. Petrified wood is essentially a fossil that forms when terrestrial vegetation is buried under sediment and undergoes permineralization, turning organic matter into st one. This specific specimen is estimated to be 25 crore (250 million) years old, belonging to the late Paleozoic or early Mesozoic era. Located within the prestigious campus, it stands as a testament to the earth's ancient history and the prehistoric forests that once covered this region. It is not just a stone but a piece of biological history that has survived tectonic shifts and environmental changes over millions of years, making it a "must-see" for science enthusiasts.

General information

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    Ideal Duration:
    1 to 2 Hours
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    Place Type:
    Geological Site
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    Entry Fees:
    Campus Entry: Generally free, but outsiders may need to show ID or get prior permission at the gate for security reasons.

    Photography Fee: No specific fee for personal mobile photography, but professional gear may require departmental appro...
    Campus Entry: Generally free, but outsiders may need to show ID or get prior permission at the gate for security reasons.

    Photography Fee: No specific fee for personal mobile photography, but professional gear may require departmental approval.
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    Timing:
    Regular Timings: Open 24 Hours for residents; visitors are advised to visit between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

    Ideal Visit Time: 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM is ideal for soft lighting and a peaceful campus environment. ...
    Regular Timings: Open 24 Hours for residents; visitors are advised to visit between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

    Ideal Visit Time: 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM is ideal for soft lighting and a peaceful campus environment.
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    Special Events:
    Institute Foundation Day: During the annual celebrations in December, the area is decorated and special tours are conducted for alumni and guests.

    Science Day: On February 28th, local school students often visit the site for educational exc...
    Institute Foundation Day: During the annual celebrations in December, the area is decorated and special tours are conducted for alumni and guests.

    Science Day: On February 28th, local school students often visit the site for educational excursions and science workshops.
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    Best Photo Spots:
    Direct Close-up: Use a macro lens to capture the unique stone textures and mineral patterns on the surface of the petrified wood.

    The Heritage Frame: Standing back to include the Main Building clock tower creates a perfect historical and ac...
    Direct Close-up: Use a macro lens to capture the unique stone textures and mineral patterns on the surface of the petrified wood.

    The Heritage Frame: Standing back to include the Main Building clock tower creates a perfect historical and academic composition.

    Garden Panoramas: The colorful flower beds surrounding the fossil provide a vibrant foreground for wide-angle shots.

Photo Gallery

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Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

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    Geological Observation: Spend time examining the intricate details of the stone bark that once functioned as a living tree millions of years ago.

    Heritage Walk: Take a walk around the IIT (ISM) campus to see the colonial-style architecture and the prestigious mining department.

    Photography: Capture the fossil with the red-brick heritage building in the background for a classic "academic" aesthetic shot.

    Academic Interaction: If lucky, you might meet geology students or professors who can provide a deeper scientific explanation of the fossilization process.

    Botanical Exploration: The oval garden surrounding the fossil features over 1000 varieties of flowers, making it a delight for botany lovers.

    Med...

Resturants

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Information

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    Why Famous:
    Oldest Fossil in India: It is famous for being among the oldest terrestrial fossils in the country, attracting researchers and geologists from across the globe.

    Educational Icon: Located in IIT (ISM), it serves as a primary educational tool...
    Oldest Fossil in India: It is famous for being among the oldest terrestrial fossils in the country, attracting researchers and geologists from across the globe.

    Educational Icon: Located in IIT (ISM), it serves as a primary educational tool for mining and geology students, representing the rich mineral history of Dhanbad.
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    Architecture:
    Natural Fossil Form: The architecture is a natural column of stone that retains the original structure of tree bark and wood grain.

    Oval Garden Display: It is displayed within a beautifully landscaped oval garden in front of the iconic heri...
    Natural Fossil Form: The architecture is a natural column of stone that retains the original structure of tree bark and wood grain.

    Oval Garden Display: It is displayed within a beautifully landscaped oval garden in front of the iconic heritage building of the institute, measuring approximately 3-4 meters in height.
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    How To Reach:
    By Air: Birsa Munda Airport (Ranchi) is the main gateway, located roughly 150 KM away.

    By Train: Dhanbad Railway Station is very close, only about 4-5 KM from the campus gate.

    By Road: Situated in Sardar Pa...
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    Near Tourist Places:
    Shakti Mandir (3 KM), Birsa Munda Park (6 KM), Bhatinda Falls (18 KM), Panchet Dam (32 KM), Maithon Dam (40 KM), Jharia Raj Bari (12 KM), Topchanchi Lake (35 KM), Bekar Bandh (4 KM), City Center (2 KM), ISM Museum (1 KM).

Tourism Tips

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    Health & Safety: The campus is a high-security zone; follow all traffic and silence rules while walking through the academic area.

    Packing: Carry a valid photo ID (Aadhar or DL) as it is mandatory for entry into the central campus area.

Reviews

Note:-

Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.

All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.

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