Dinosaur park in Rajgir set to boost tourism

Patna: A dinosaur park is being developed at Rajgir in Nalanda district to showcase life-sized dinosaur models and offer visitors an immersive prehistoric experience.The bidding process for the project has recently been completed. The park will be spread over 4.5 hectares and developed at an estimated cost of Rs22 crore. It is expected to be completed within six months and is likely to emerge as a major tourist attraction in the region. According to officials, the park will feature six themed zones, including a T-Rex zone, relaxation area, play area and a ‘danger’ zone.As per the proposed plan, visitors will be welcomed by a gigantic Jurassic-themed gate. They will then pass through a tunnel designed to resemble a skeletal structure, setting the tone for the prehistoric journey ahead.Nalanda divisional forest officer (DFO) Raj Kumar M said the dinosaurs installed in the park will not be mere static statues. “Using brushless motors and sensor technology, the replicas will move, open their mouths, make sounds, turn their necks and even appear to breathe. The main attraction will be a 15-metre-long and 7-metre-tall Diplodocus. In addition, a 13-metre Spinosaurus and the fearsome T-Rex will enhance the overall ambience. High-density sponge and silicone rubber coating will give the models a realistic skin texture,” he said.He added that the park will recreate not just dinosaurs but the ecosystem of that era. A 6-metre-tall artificial volcano will emit smoke and light to simulate volcanic activity and provide a realistic feel of the prehistoric period. A 4-metre-tall talking tree will interact with children through movements of its eyes and mouth, making the visit engaging and memorable for young tourists.“Keeping children in mind, several special facilities are being developed in the park. A digging site will allow children to search for dinosaur fossils and bones hidden in sand, giving them the experience of playing archaeologists. Besides this, a dino-riding facility will also be available, where children can enjoy riding on the backs of dinosaur replicas,” the DFO said.To cater to modern tourists, multiple selfie points will be created across the park. Attractions such as a dinosaur on a bus, a broken dinosaur cage and designated spots where visitors can pose with their heads inside a dinosaur’s open mouth are expected to become popular social media photo points.Along with entertainment, the park will also have a educational component. A 3D theatre will be set up to showcase the history of dinosaurs, their evolution and the scientific theories surrounding their extinction. The facility is expected to help the younger generation understand Earth’s evolution and biodiversity. For the convenience of visitors, a cafeteria and a souvenir shop will also be set up, allowing tourists to relax and take home memorabilia from their visit.