Jatayu Earth's Center Nature Park
Jatayu Earth Center, also known as Jatayu Nature Park , is a park and tourism centre at Chadayamangalam in Kollam district of Kerala, India. It stands at an altitude of 350m (1200ft) above the mean sea level. Jatayu Nature Park holds the distinction of having the world’s largest bird sculpture, which is of Jatayu.
The sculpture measures 200 feet long, 150 feet wide, 70 feet in height and occupies 15,000 square feet of floor area. It was sculpted by Rajiv Anchal. This rock-theme nature park was the first Public–private partnership tourism initiative in the state of Kerala under the BOT model. The park is about 38 km away from the city of Kollam and 46 km away from the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram.
The park located near the town of Chadayamangalam (Jatayumangalam), which was named for Jatayu. Jatayu was a demi-god in Ramayana who had the form of a vulture.
According to the Hindu Epic, Ravana was attempting to abduct Sita to Lanka when Jatayu tried to rescue her. Jatayu fought valiantly with Ravana, but as Jatayu was very old Ravana soon defeated him, clipping his wings, and Jatayu fell onto the rocks in Chadayamangalam. Rama and Lakshmana while on the search for Sita, chanced upon the stricken and dying Jatayu, who informed them of the battle with Ravana and told them that Ravana had headed South.
Things To Do At Jatayu Earth’s Centre
Jatayu Earths Center offers many activities for visitors of all ages. Each offers different functions. Check the detailed information below.
The Jatayu sculpture
The sculpture is a representation of a legend - Ramayana -, and symbolizes the protection of women, and their honour and safety. It was designed and sculpted by Rajiv Anchal. The rock in Malayalam, English and Hindi languages. Decorated Malayalam poet ONV Kurup’s touching verses on Jatayu is also inscribed on the rock.
Kokkarani
Kokkarani is situated behind Jatayu statue. It is a holy water tank but visitors cannot go near it due to barricades. It should be noted that even in summer the reservoir does not dry up. The legend behind this reservoir is also related to Jatayu. According to legend, the injured bird, when it was thirsty, struck its beak on a rock and water gushed out. It is said that the holy reservoir is shaped like a spot where a bird's beak has been scraped, hence the name 'Kokkarani'. Another story that has been circulating for a long time is that the water in Kokarani is red because Jatayu's blood flowed into the pond.
Jatayu Kodandarama Temple
The Rama temple was built three or four years ago and its main deity is Lord Rama who gave salvation to Jatayu. Other idols in the temple are idols of Sita, Lakshmana, Ganapati, Dakshinamurthy, Sun God, Jatayu and Hanuman. The Jatayu Ram Temple, rededicated by Swami Satyananda Saraswati, is currently under the Jatayupara Kodandarama Temple Trust. Daily pujas are performed in the temple and the main offering is 'vanarayut' (feeding the monkeys). Rice is served every evening to the hundreds of monkeys found in the temple premises.
Adventure Park
The Park, on Adventure rock hill, opened on 5 December 2017. Jatayu's bravery is reflected in every nook and cranny of the property; We also have a lot to offer the brave among you. Take advantage of the adventure activities at Adventure Rock Hill inside Jatayu Earths Center and be the daredevil you were born to be. With world-class facilities and best-in-class safety standards, you have all the facilities to embark on this adventure blast.
Cave Resort
Jatayu is said to have taken refuge in a cave after his battle with Ravana. An Ayurvedic and Siddha cave resort is under construction and will offer ayurvedic healing paired with tales of Jatayu . These naturally developed caves have been converted into cozy cottages for you to relax and rejuvenate with Siddha Rejuvenation Therapy – a seven-day healing package designed in strict adherence to the finest Ayurvedic traditions.
The best time to visit this tourist place is during the winter months from October to March. Avoiding the monsoon season is advisable to fully enjoy outdoor activities and attractions.
Location: Jatayu Nature Park Rd, Jatayu Junction, Chadayamangalam, Kerala 691534, India
Visiting Hours: Monday to Friday: 10 AM to 5:30 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Jatayu Earth Centre Entry Fee: – The ticket price for Jatayu Earth's Center is Rs. 400 which includes Jatayu Earth Centre cable car price of Rs. 250 and Rs. 150 for admission.Jatayu Adventure Park Activities (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) – Rs.1000/-Jatayu Earth Centre Helicopter Fee - Rs. 2500/- per person
Jatayu Earth Center online Booking:
Book your tickets through the official website, Jatayuearthscenter.in
How to Reach
The park is located on a hilltop in Kollam district in Kerala. No special transportation is required to get into the park.
By Train: The nearest railway stations to Jatayu Earths Center are Kollam Junction and Thiruvananthapuram Central at a distance of 36.1 km and 50.1 km respectively.
By Air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is the nearest airport to the attraction at a distance of 52 km. You can easily get a cab from the airport and railway station.
By Road: This attraction is well connected by road to all over Kerala, especially major cities. It is located about 200 meters from Thiruvananthapuram-Kochi highway. If you are wondering how to reach Jatayu Earths Center from Thiruvananthapuram, hiring a private cab or taxi is the best option.
When you show your tickets, you will receive a wristband to enter the Jatayu Earths Center. From this point, you have three ways to reach the rock:
Cable Car Ride
The world's largest bird sculpture is taken up and down by a series of Swiss-made cable cars of a quality not seen anywhere else in Kerala. Hover over Jatayu Earth Center - bird's eye view of the area. Opting for a cable car ride is a great option to save time and avoid fatigue. Post a quick security check, a cable car will take you to the hilltop within minutes. Choosing a cable car ride is a great option to save time and avoid fatigue. Post a quick safety check and a cable car will whisk you to the top of the hill within minutes.
Walkway
Visitors who want to indulge in some adventure can opt for a walking trail. Climb 826 steps to reach the colossal sculpture while admiring the natural surroundings. The pavement is built with around 60,000 people, which is perfect for making your short journey hassle-free.
Helicopter Ride
A heli-taxi ride is another option if you want to avoid the pavement or indulge in an unusual experience. By availing the heli taxi services, you can see the grandeur of the sculpture and the picturesque surroundings with an aerial view.
An additional paid ticket is required for cable car route. There is a security screening process on the way to the top. Cameras and bags are allowed. Food is not allowed. Water is allowed, but not in a plastic bottle. Free filtered water is available at the top. There are multiple cafes present throughout the route