While often listed as a lake in Sirmour, Suketi (or Saketi) is primarily renowned for its Shivalik Fossil Park, not a significant natural lake body in the traditional sense. The “lake” aspect might be a misnomer or refer to the presence of the Markanda River and its surrounding aquatic environment within the fossil park area.
Location of Suketi Lake
Suketi Fossil Park is located in the Sirmaur district, about 21-22 kilometres from Nahan, the district headquarters. It lies on the left bank of the Markanda River, nestled within the picturesque Shivalik Hills.
Fossil Park
This is the defining feature of Suketi. It’s Asia’s first fossil park to be established at the actual site where fossils were unearthed.
Geological Significance
The park is situated in the upper and middle Siwaliks geological formations, primarily consisting of soft sandstone and clay rocks. These formations are rich in vertebrate fossils dating back 2.5 million years (Pliocene-Pleistocene era).
Exhibits
The park boasts an open-air exhibition featuring life-sized fibreglass models of six extinct mammals whose fossil skeletons were discovered here. These include creatures like Stegodon Ganesha (an extinct elephant relative), Sivatherium (a large giraffe-like animal), Hexaprotodon sivalensis (an extinct hippopotamus), Colossochelys atlas (a giant tortoise), Paramachairodus (a sabre-toothed cat), and Crocodilia.
Museum
There’s also a museum displaying a diverse collection of fossil finds, including plant and animal fossils, and even some early human fossils. Significant findings include the fossilised remains of a giant crocodile, a rhinoceros, a horse, and various fish species. The museum also houses antiquities and fossils of extinct primates like Sivapithecus and Ramapithecus.
Research and Awareness
Suketi Fossil Park serves as an important site for geological and paleontological research, attracting scholars worldwide. It also plays a crucial role in raising public awareness about the region’s geological history and the evolution of species.
Natural Environment
The park is extensively forested and covers an area of around 2.5 hectares. The Markanda River, a perennial river fed by rain and snow, flows through the basin. While not a large, distinct lake, the river and its immediate surroundings provide a natural aquatic habitat within the park.
To Sum Up
In essence, while you might encounter “Suketi Lake” in some lists, the prominent feature and attraction at Suketi is the remarkable Fossil Park, which offers a unique glimpse into prehistoric life, with the Markanda River being the primary water body in the vicinity.