10 Facts About Jatayu Earth's Center

Jatayu Earth's Center  - is a tribute to a very brave and heroic Vulture from epic of Ramayana. Located at Chadayamangalam in Kollam district of Kerala, this project is a special 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. It was inaugurated by Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala on 4th July 2018.

Below are some of the interesting facts about this latest tourist attractions of Kerala.

1. World's Largest Birds Sculpture.

This iconic structure makes Kerala's Jatayupara the largest functional statue of a bird in the world , with an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records it is  (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). It stands at an altitude of 350m (1200ft) above mean sea level.

2. India’s first (BOT) Tourism Project.

The first major BOT (Build, Operate and Transfer) tourism project of 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. Mr Rajiv Anchal and his team took 10 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.

3. An award winning concept.

Approx 10 years before the project was completed Mr. Rajiv participated in an ecotourism competition organized by Kerala Tourism and his Project (Jatayu Earth’s Center) won the first prize. The is a glorious example of sustainable and eco-friendly tourism in India. The hills, valleys, caves and vegetation spread across 65 acres remain almost unaffected even though a crowd-pulling tourist destination is built right there. Moreover Jatayu sculpture stands as a guardian to the hills and rocks by protecting them from mining. Most maximum requirement of water of the park is fulfilled by harvested rain water.One of the reason that it took so much of time is that entire forest was growing around the region by planting thousands of trees.Hence the name Jatayu Earths Center is most appropriate for this project. It is conceptualized and implemented with environmental protection and ecological equilibrium.

4. It created employment for locals.

Mr. Rajiv Achal calls it a Sculpture and not a Statue because its been carved out of concrete by local workers for years on a hill top. The idea was also to generate employment for locals. The name of Rajiv Anchal is now synonymous with the local people here. They are upbeat about the tourism potential that the nature park will attract when it officially opens in March 2018. While some 50 people from nearby areas have got jobs at the adventure centre, more employment opportunities are likely. According to locals more  people will get jobs, Some people have even opened hotels with the name of Jatayu.

 5. The first and only cable car experience for tourists in Kerala.

Mr. Achal introduced Cable Car in Kerala for the first time which can be used to reach at the top. These are best quality cable cars imported from Switzerland.These cars takes you to the top in just few minutes and provides breathtaking views. Currently there are 16 cars, capable of carrying 8 passengers in each car which travels a distance of 750 meters to an altitude of 1000 feet. This may cost you around around INR 500 + taxes including the entrance fees, and there is also an option of a beautiful walkway which takes approx 30 mins one way which will cost around INR 250 + Taxes.

Cable Car & Walkway

 7. Why its called Statue of Women Safety & Honour.

According to legend in the great epic Ramayana, Jatayu is characterized as a noble bird of divine origin. One day he happened to hear the plaintive cry of a lady. It was Sitha lamenting for help while she has being abducted to Lanka by the demon king Ravana. Jatayu rushed to her rescue, stopped Ravana’s chariot named Pushpaka Vimana and engaged in a battle with him. Eventually, Ravana took his powerful sword Chandrahasa, cut off the bird’s left wing and went away with Sitha. It is said that the injured Jatayu and his lost wing landed on top of a rock. In time, the rock got the name Jatayupara. This is where the monumental statue of Jatayu is now built. Remembering his sacrifice martyrdom while fighting for dignity of Sitha, this sculpture was dedicated Women's Safety And Honour.

 

8. Heli Ride.

You can also take the ten-minute helicopter ride which offers an aerial view of the world's largest bird sculpture built inside the park, at a cost of Around INR 2400 + taxes per person.

9. Many more attractions apart from Sculpture.

There are many more attractions other than the statue such as an Adventure Park, Lord Rama Temple, Wellness and Museum and Auditorium inside the sculpture are being constructed. Which will make it a perfect destination for all kinds of Tourists, Families, Nature Lovers, Photo Junkies, Adventure Enthusiasts, History Hoppers, Culture Lovers, Wellness Tourists.

10. Photo and selfie lover's Paradise.

The sculpture changes its colors throughout the day with changing shades of sunlight, which offers very beautiful backdrop photo sessions. Its located at a significant height to which offers breathtaking views of both sunset and sunrise.

Photos 

# Useful visitor's information.

* How to Reach

 

By Train

There are three nearest Railway Stations from where one can reach Chadayamangalam

1.Kottarakara rly station is the nearest and easily accessible which is 22kms and it may take 30mins by road.

2.Quilon (Kollam) rly station is the nearest rly station which is 43kms and it may an hour. To reach.

3.Trivandrum Rly statin – 52kms approx 1 ½ to 2 hours drive.

 

By Air Trivandrum is the nearest airport which is 52kms and may take an hour to reach the place by road.

 

By Road Located approx 200mtrs from Trivandrum – Kochi highway.

 

* Visiting hours: 1000 to 1700 hours

 

* Contact details:
Jatayu Earth's Center,
Chadayamangalam PO,
Kollam, Kerala - 691534
Phone +91 474 2477077
Mob: +91 9072588713, +91 9072044444
E-mail. enquiry@jatayuearthscenter.com

For online booking visit www.jatayuearthscenter.com

* Videos