Jatayu Earth's Center / Jatayu Nature Park / Jatayu Rock in Chadayamangalam in Kollam, Kerala
Jatayu Earth’s Center, also known as Jatayu Nature Park or Jatayu Rock, is a park and tourism centre at Chadayamangalam in Kollam district of Kerala. It stands at an altitude of 350m (1200ft) above mean sea level. Jatayu Nature Park is holding the distinction of having the world’s largest bird sculpture (200 feet (61 m) long, 150 feet (46 m) broad, 70 feet (21 m) in height and having 15,000 square feet (1,400 m2) of floor area) of the great bird Jatayu. With the bird-sculpture being sculpted by Rajiv Anchal himself, this rock-theme nature park is the first PPP tourism initiative in the state of Kerala under the BOT model. The park is about 38 km (24 miles) away from the city of Kollam and 46 km (29 miles) away from the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram.
The phase two developments of the park is completed and opened to visitors on 17 August 2018.
The statue symbolizes protection of women and was designed and sculpted by Rajiv Anchal, who is a sculptor by education. This sculptor was advanced in his techniques. He was idolized for his accomplishments.
The park opened to visitors on 4 July 2018 and was soft-inaugurated by Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala. The park's first phase was worth ₹100 crore (US$14 million) and included the adventure zone having 3 km (1.9 mi) radius. On 29 November 2015, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce's Director of stakeholder relations, Majid Al Marri visited the under construction Jatayu Nature Park along with the then Chief Minister of Kerala, Mr. Oommen Chandy.
The Jatayu Nature Park is at Chadayamangalam (Jatayumangalam) town. The town got this name in connection with Jatayu, the demi-god in Ramayana, who has the form of a vulture.
As per Ramayana, Ravana abducted Sita to Lanka. Jatayu had tried to rescue Sita from Ravana when Ravana was on his way to Lanka. Jatayu fought valiantly with Ravana, but as Jatayu was very old Ravana soon got the better of him. Rama and Lakshmana while on the search for Sita chanced upon the stricken and dying Jatayu, who informs them of the fight between him and Ravana and tells them that Ravana had headed South. It is believed that Jatayu fell on the rocks in Chadayamangalam after his wings were clipped by Ravana.
STATUE OF WOMEN SAFETY AND HONOUR
Giant rock with a height of 1000 feet.World’s largest bird sculpture. The Jatayu sculpture has a length of 200 feet, width of 150 feet and a height of 70 feet.15,000 square feet of utility space inside this functional sculpture.An audio- visual museum is built inside the sculpture which spans over five levels.A multi-dimensional mini theatre is functional inside the wing of sculpture.Cable car facility has been provided to reach the hill top.A Rama Temple and its mythical markings are in a fenced area on the hill top, which is managed by a private trust.A rain water reservoir is made on the hill top with a capacity to hold 1.5 million litres of water.
ABOUT
JATAYU EARTH CENTER
The first major BOT tourism in Kerala, India Jatayu Earths Center is the first joint effort by the Tourism department of Kerala and Mr Rajiv Anchal along with private equity holders to create a destination, which is a unique combination of all aspects of tourism and offers a complete Kerala, God’s own Country experience to every tourist. The concept is the brain child of renowned film director, art director and sculptor Mr Rajiv Anchal and his team took ten years to meticulously design and complete this monumental project. Guruchandrika Builders and PropertyPvt.Ltd. have leased the government owned land for 30 years to build and operate Jatayu Earth’s Center.
ENCHANTING LOCATION
Jatayu Earths Center tourism project is spread over 65 acres of multi terrain landscape at Jatayupara near Chadayamangalam town in Kollam district of Kerala. The terrain is 1000 feet above sea level and has diverse geographic features ranging from hills,valleys,rugged rocks, caves to cultivable lands. The destination is right at the epic center of the south Kerala tourist spots and is easily accessible,since it is only 500 meters away from the Main Central(MC) road. The nearest international airport,Trivandrum, is only 50 kms away from Jatayu Earths Center..
THE STATUE
The giant concrete statue of Jatayu is built on a mighty rock named Jatayupara (para means rock in Malayalam). The colossal statue is 200 feet long,150 feet wide and 70 feet making is the largest functional bird sculpture in the world with an enter into the Guinness Book of World Records.