Walking through time: How Bhagsunag is leading state’s geotourism revolution

In an age when travellers seek more than just pretty backdrops — where learning, sustainability, and authenticity matter — Bhagsunag, a much-loved corner of Dharamsala, is poised to lead a new tourism movement in Himachal Pradesh: Geotourism.

Most visitors to Bhagsunag come for the peaceful temple, the scenic waterfall and the easy access to MacLeodganj. But beneath their feet lies a silent, powerful story — one not of gods or waterfalls, but of geology. The rocks underfoot are millions of years old, and they carry within them a dramatic saga of tectonic shifts, ancient oceans and the rise of the Himalayas. This long-hidden story is now being brought to the surface through Himachal’s first Geodiversity Park, set to be developed between Bhagsunag temple and the waterfall. The project has been greenlit by both the Tourism and Forest Departments.

But what exactly is geodiversity and why should it matter?

While most people are familiar with biodiversity —the variety of plants and animals — geodiversity refers to the natural variety of rocks, fossils, landforms, and soils that shape the environment. It is geodiversity that determines the land we farm, the water we drink, and even the myths we grow up with. Yet, it often goes unnoticed.

The Bhagsunag Geodiversity Park aims to change that. It will be a living, open-air geological museum, where students, researchers and curious travellers can explore fold structures, shale beds from the Cambrian period, and rare fossils like stromatolites — evidence of some of the earliest life forms on Earth. Even the Main Central Thrust, a geological fault zone that defines the Himalayas’ continued rise, is visible here.

This park will add a new dimension to Bhagsunag. Already revered for its spiritual significance, it will now also serve as a centre of science, education, and cultural pride. Locals can expect educational tourism to increase—bringing in schools, universities, and research groups. This kind of tourism, rooted in knowledge, tends to be more respectful, sustainable, and long-lasting in its benefits.

Importantly, Bhagsunag is just the beginning. Himachal Pradesh is a goldmine of untapped geological wonders: Trilokpur (Kangra): Limestone caves with dazzling stalactites and stalagmites; Manikaran, Vashisht, Kheer Ganga & Tattapani: Hot springs with medicinal and mythological value; Saketi (Kala Amb): Fossil beds that revealed prehistoric bones; Solan: Marine fossils preserved in limestone; Garsha Valley (Kullu): Home to ancient copper-cobalt mines; and Jawalamukhi (Kangra): The eternal flame revered for centuries, and now also a geoscientific wonder.

Each of these destinations has the potential to evolve into hubs of geotourism—offering both economic uplift and a deeper sense of connection to the land.

As global travel shifts toward experiences with meaning, Himachal stands ready to lead the way. The Bhagsunag Geodiversity Park is not just a tourist attraction — it is an investment in education, conservation, and community-based livelihood.

So, next time you hike the Bhagsunag trail, pause and look beneath your feet. That ordinary rock? It might be a 500-million-year-old page from Earth’s diary. Thanks to this initiative, our mountains are no longer just being seen—they’re finally being heard.

The writer is former Director, Geological Survey of India

Himachal Tribune