Jatayu Earth's Center Nature Park: Difference between revisions

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{{short description|Park in Kerala, India}}
{{short description|National Park in Kerala, India}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Infobox park
{{Infobox park
| name = Jatayu Nature Park, Kollam
| name = Jatayu Nature Park
| alt_name = '''Jatayu Park'''
| alt_name = '''Jatayu Park'''
| image   = Jatayu Earth Centre.jpg
| image = Jatayu Earth Centre.jpg
| photo_width =  
| photo_width =  
| photo_alt =  
| photo_alt =  
Line 17: Line 17:
| coords = {{coord|8.865888|N|76.867306|E|region:India|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| coords = {{coord|8.865888|N|76.867306|E|region:India|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| area = {{convert|65|acre|2}}
| area = {{convert|65|acre|2}}
| opening = Phase-I<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.voyagersworld.in/article/kerala%E2%80%99s-first-bot-model-ecotourism-project-now-open-public |title=Kerala’s First BOT Model Ecotourism Project, is Now Open for Public |publisher=Voyagers World |access-date=6 December 2017}}</ref><br />'''{{Start date|df=yes|2017|12|05}}'''<br />Phase-II<ref name= quint>{{cite web|url=https://www.thequint.com/hotwire-text/kerala-tourism-to-unveil-world-s-largest-bird-sculpture |title=Kerala tourism to unveil world's largest bird sculpture |publisher=The Quint |date=23 May 2018 |access-date=25 May 2018}}</ref><br />'''{{start date|df=yes|2018|08|17}}'''
| opening = Phase-I<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.voyagersworld.in/article/kerala%E2%80%99s-first-bot-model-ecotourism-project-now-open-public |title=Kerala's First BOT Model Ecotourism Project, is Now Open for Public |publisher=Voyagers World |access-date=6 December 2017 }}{{Dead link|date=March 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><br />'''{{Start date|df=yes|2017|12|05}}'''<br />Phase-II<ref name= quint>{{cite web|url=https://www.thequint.com/hotwire-text/kerala-tourism-to-unveil-world-s-largest-bird-sculpture |title=Kerala tourism to unveil world's largest bird sculpture |publisher=The Quint |date=23 May 2018 |access-date=25 May 2018}}</ref><br />'''{{start date|df=yes|2018|08|17}}'''
| designer = [[Rajiv Anchal]]
| designer = [[Rajiv Anchal]]
| operator = Jatayupara Tourism Pvt Limited
| operator = Jatayupara Tourism Pvt Limited
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| open =  
| open =  
| status = Open all year
| status = Open all year
| publictransit = [[Chadayamangalam|C'mangalam]] {{rint|bus}}  - 1.5&nbsp;km,<br />[[Kottarakkara]] {{rint|bus}}  - 21.8&nbsp;km,<br />{{rws|Paravur}} {{rint|rail}} - 27 &nbsp;km,<br />{{rws|Kottarakara}} {{rint|rail}} - 20.5&nbsp;km, <br />[[Kollam Port|Kollam]] {{rint|ferry}} - 36&nbsp;km, <br />[[Trivandrum International Airport|Trivandrum]] {{rint|air}} - 52.3&nbsp;km
| publictransit = [[Chadayamangalam|C'mangalam]] {{rint|bus}}  - 1.5&nbsp;km,<br />[[Kottarakkara]] {{rint|bus}}  - 21.8&nbsp;km,<br />{{rws|Kottarakara}} {{rint|rail}} - 20.5&nbsp;km, <br />
[[Varkala]] {{rint|rail}} - 26 &nbsp;km,<br />
{{rws|Paravur}} {{rint|rail}} - 27 &nbsp;km,<br />[[Kollam Port|Kollam]] {{rint|ferry}} - 36&nbsp;km, <br />[[Trivandrum International Airport|Trivandrum]] {{rint|air}} - 52.3&nbsp;km
| free_label =  
| free_label =  
| free_data =  
| free_data =  
| website = {{URL|http://www.jatayuearthscenter.in/|Jatayu Earth’s Center}}
| website = {{URL|https://jatayuearthscenter.in}}
}}
}}
<onlyinclude>
<onlyinclude>
'''Jatayu Earth 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 the mean sea level.  
'''Jatayu Earth's Center''', ({{IPA|ml|dʒɐʈaːju|IPA}}) also known as '''Jatayu Nature Park''' is a [[national park]] and tourism centre at [[Chadayamangalam]] in [[Kollam district]] of [[Kerala]], [[India]]. It stands at an altitude of {{cvt|350|m}} above mean sea level. To get to the top, there is a cable car, and it is the only cable car in [[Kerala]]. The honor of being the largest bird sculpture in the world belongs to [[Jatayu]].<ref name= quint>{{cite web|url=https://www.thequint.com/hotwire-text/kerala-tourism-to-unveil-world-s-largest-bird-sculpture |title=Kerala tourism to unveil world's largest bird sculpture |publisher=The Quint |date=23 May 2018 |access-date=25 May 2018}}</ref>


Jatayu Nature Park holds the distinction of having the world’s largest bird sculpture, which is of [[Jatayu]].<ref name= quint/>
The sculpture measures {{convert|200|ft}} long, {{convert|150|ft}} wide, {{convert|70|ft}} in height and occupies {{convert|15000|sqft}} of floor area). It was sculpted by [[Rajiv Anchal]].<ref name="auto1">{{cite web|url=https://jatayuearthscenter.in/ |title=Jatayu Earth's Center Website |access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/international/india/kerala-park-to-welcome-visitors-in-jan |title=Kerala park to welcome visitors in Jan - Khaleej Times |access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref> [[File:Jatayu sculpture.jpg|thumb|Sculpture of Jatayu]]
 
The sulpture measures ({{convert|200|ft}} long, {{convert|150|ft}} wide, {{convert|70|ft}} in height and occupies {{convert|15000|sqft}} of floor area). It was sculpted by [[Rajiv Anchal]]. <ref name="auto1">{{cite web|url=http://jatayuearthscenter.in/ |title=Jatayu Earth's Center Website |access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://www.khaleejtimes.com/international/india/kerala-park-to-welcome-visitors-in-jan |title=Kerala park to welcome visitors in Jan - Khaleej Times |access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref>


This rock-theme nature park was the first [[Public–private partnership]] tourism initiative in the state of [[Kerala]] under the [[Build–operate–transfer|BOT model]]. The park is about {{convert|38|km|abbr=on}} away from the city of [[Kollam]] and {{convert|46|km|abbr=on}} away from the state capital, [[Thiruvananthapuram]].
This rock-theme nature park was the first [[Public–private partnership]] tourism initiative in the state of [[Kerala]] under the [[Build–operate–transfer|BOT model]]. The park is about {{convert|38|km|abbr=on}} away from the city of [[Kollam]] and {{convert|46|km|abbr=on}} away from the state capital, [[Thiruvananthapuram]].


After completion, it opened to visitors on 17 August 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/adventure-rock-hill-open-for-visitors/articleshow/61937068.cms |title=Adventure Rock Hill open for visitors |work=The Times of India|access-date=6 December 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/outlooktraveller/destinations/kerala-adventure-rock-hill/ |title=Enjoy a day of adventure at Jatayu Earth's Center |publisher=Outlook Traveller |access-date=7 December 2017}}</ref></onlyinclude>
After completion, it became accessible to visitors on 17 August 2018.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/adventure-rock-hill-open-for-visitors/articleshow/61937068.cms |title=Adventure Rock Hill open for visitors |work=The Times of India|date=6 December 2017 |access-date=6 December 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/outlooktraveller/destinations/kerala-adventure-rock-hill/ |title=Enjoy a day of adventure at Jatayu Earth's Center |publisher=Outlook Traveller |access-date=7 December 2017}}</ref></onlyinclude>


==Origins==
==Origins==
[[File:Ravi Varma-Ravana Sita Jathayu.jpg|thumb|150px|Ravana cuts Jatayu's wings, by [[Raja Ravi Varma]]|alt=]]The park located near the town of [[Chadayamangalam]] (Jatayumangalam), which was named for [[Jatayu]].  Jatayu was a  demi-god in [[Ramayana]] (a Hindu epic) who had the form of a vulture.  
[[File:Ravi Varma-Ravana Sita Jathayu.jpg|thumb|150px|Ravana cuts Jatayu's wings, by [[Raja Ravi Varma]]|alt=]]The park located near the town of [[Chadayamangalam]] (Jatayumangalam), which was named for [[Jatayu]].  Jatayu was a  demi-god in [[Ramayana]] (a Hindu epic) who had the form of a vulture.  


According to the 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 Jayatu 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/jatayupara-chadayamangalam/262 |title=Jatayuara at Chadayamangalam - Kerala Tourism |access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.lepakshitemple.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52&Itemid=27 |title=Lepakshi Temple - Lepakshi :: The Treasure House of Art and Sculpture |access-date=1 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328103155/http://www.lepakshitemple.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52&Itemid=27 |archive-date=28 March 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
According to the 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/jatayupara-chadayamangalam/262 |title=Jatayuara at Chadayamangalam - Kerala Tourism |access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.lepakshitemple.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52&Itemid=27 |title=Lepakshi Temple - Lepakshi :: The Treasure House of Art and Sculpture |access-date=1 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328103155/http://www.lepakshitemple.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52&Itemid=27 |archive-date=28 March 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


==The park==
==The park==
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=== The Statue ===
=== The Statue ===


The statue is a representation of a legend, and symbolizes the protection of women, and their honour and safety.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.jatayuearthscenter.com/jadayu.html|title=Welcome to Jatayu Earth's Center|website=www.jatayuearthscenter.com}}</ref> It was designed and sculpted by [[Rajiv Anchal]], <ref name="auto1"/><ref name="auto"/>  
The statue is a representation of a legend - Ramayana -, and symbolizes the protection of women, and their honour and safety.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jatayuearthscenter.com/jadayu.html|title=Welcome to Jatayu Earth's Center|website=www.jatayuearthscenter.com|access-date=10 March 2019|archive-date=7 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307040029/http://jatayuearthscenter.com/jadayu.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was designed and sculpted by [[Rajiv Anchal]].<ref name="auto1"/><ref name="auto"/>


===Dimensions===
===Dimensions===
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|+
|+
!Feature
!Feature
!Measure (metric)
|-
|-
|Height
|Height
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|46 m
|46 m
|-
|-
|Number of feathers
|Number of wing and tail feathers
|52
|52 m
|-2000
|-
 
|Head thickness from ear to ear
|Head thickness from ear to ear
|
|Unknown
|-
|-
|Height of head
|Height of head
|
|Unknown
|-
|-
|Distance from eye to eye
|Distance from eye to eye
|
|Unknown
|-
|-
|Total weight of statue
|Total weight of statue
|
|Unknown
|-
|-
|Length of each talon
|Length of each talon
|
|Unknown
|-
|-
|Length of beak
|Length of beak
|
|Unknown
|-
|-
|Height of beak
|Height of beak
|
|Unknown
|-
|-
|Width of beak
|Width of beak
|
|Unknown
|-
|-
|Height of eye
|Height of eye
|
|Unknown
|}
|}


===Jatayu Museum===
===Jatayu Museum===
The statue houses the construction of the Jatayu museum.
It houses a five-story grand sculpture, a museum, and a multi-dimensional theater that shows an animated film depicting the epic battle between Jatayu and Ravana. In addition to all this, the Jatayu Earth's Center also has a cultural center that showcases traditional art forms, exhibitions, and folk performances.


=== Adventure Park ===
=== Adventure Park ===
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===Cave Resort===
===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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/jatayu-park-to-be-opened-for-public-in-january/article7932005.ece|title=Jatayu park to be opened for public in January - The Hindu|access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/Phase-I-of-States-First-PPP-Tourism-Project-to-be-Thrown-Open-in-Jan/2015/11/29/article3151922.ece|title=Phase I of State's First PPP Tourism Project to be Thrown Open in Jan - TNIE|access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/jatayu-nature-park-a-new-tourist-destination-of-kerala/1/548568.html|title=Jatayu nature park: A new tourist destination of Kerala|access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/jatayu-park-to-be-opened-for-public-in-january/article7932005.ece|title=Jatayu park to be opened for public in January - The Hindu|newspaper=The Hindu |date=29 November 2015 |access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/Phase-I-of-States-First-PPP-Tourism-Project-to-be-Thrown-Open-in-Jan/2015/11/29/article3151922.ece|title=Phase I of State's First PPP Tourism Project to be Thrown Open in Jan - TNIE|access-date=1 December 2015|archive-date=8 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208081226/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/Phase-I-of-States-First-PPP-Tourism-Project-to-be-Thrown-Open-in-Jan/2015/11/29/article3151922.ece|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/travel/travel-buzz/story/jatayu-nature-park-a-new-tourist-destination-of-kerala-277524-2015-12-16|title=Jatayu nature park: A new tourist destination of Kerala|access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref>


=== Dedication ===
=== Dedication ===
The park opened to visitors on 4 July 2018 and was soft-inaugurated by [[Pinarayi Vijayan]], [[Chief Minister of Kerala]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/rock-theme-park-tobe-opened-on-july-4/article23963484.ece|title=Rock theme park to be opened on 4 July|date=23 May 2018|work=The Hindu|access-date=25 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/230518/jatayu-centre-to-open-on-july-4.html|title=Jatayu Centre to open on 4 July|date=23 May 2018|work=Deccan Chronicle|access-date=25 May 2018}}</ref> The park's first phase was worth {{INRConvert|100|c}} and included the adventure zone having {{convert|3|km|abbr=on}} radius.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/adventure-zone-at-jatayu-park/article7931967.ece|title=Adventure zone at Jatayu park - The Hindu|access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/keralas-rocktheme-jatayu-park-getting-ready-to-woo-visitors/article7930125.ece|title=Kerala’s rock-theme Jatayu Park getting ready to woo visitors|access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref> 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 [[List of chief ministers of Kerala|Chief Minister of Kerala]], Mr. [[Oommen Chandy]].
The park opened to visitors on 4 July 2018 and was soft-inaugurated by [[Pinarayi Vijayan]], [[Chief Minister of Kerala]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/rock-theme-park-tobe-opened-on-july-4/article23963484.ece|title=Rock theme park to be opened on 4 July|date=23 May 2018|work=The Hindu|access-date=25 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/230518/jatayu-centre-to-open-on-july-4.html|title=Jatayu Centre to open on 4 July|date=23 May 2018|work=Deccan Chronicle|access-date=25 May 2018}}</ref> The park's first phase was worth {{INRConvert|100|c}} and included the adventure zone having {{convert|3|km|abbr=on}} radius.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/adventure-zone-at-jatayu-park/article7931967.ece|title=Adventure zone at Jatayu park - The Hindu|newspaper=The Hindu |date=29 November 2015 |access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/keralas-rocktheme-jatayu-park-getting-ready-to-woo-visitors/article7930125.ece|title=Kerala's rock-theme Jatayu Park getting ready to woo visitors|date=29 November 2015 |access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref> 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 [[List of chief ministers of Kerala|Chief Minister of Kerala]], Mr. [[Oommen Chandy]].


== Access and attributes ==
== Access and attributes ==


=== Location and access ===
=== Location and access ===
The park is located on a hill-top in [[Kollam district]] in [[Kerala]]. No special transportation is required to get in to the park, however visitors required to use a cable car to reach the top of the park. Visitors intending to enter the park must obtain a paid ticket. Tourists may only bring cameras, and no bags are allowed. Lockers are provided for other items and there will be a security screening process before entering the top.
The park is located on a hilltop in [[Kollam district]] in [[Kerala]]. No special transportation is required to get into the park.
 
To reach the top, where Jatayu's sculpture is present, visitors can either take the 826 steps walkway up the hill, or take the cable car.
 
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.


=== Inscriptions and plaques ===
=== Inscriptions and plaques ===
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==Gallery==
==Gallery==
{{wide image|Jatayu Para, Kerala, Dec 2013.jpg|1000px|Panoramic view of Jatayu Nature Park under construction at [[Chadayamangalam]] in [[Kollam district]]}}
<gallery>
File:Jatayu Para, Kerala, Dec 2013.jpg|Jatayu Nature Park under construction at [[Chadayamangalam]] in [[Kollam district]]
File:Jatayu statue.jpg
File:Jatayu (1) 05.jpg
File:Jatayu Earth’s Center from distance 02.jpg|view from distance
</gallery>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


== External links ==
[https://jatayuearthscenter.in Official website]
{{Commons category|Jatayu Earth’s Center}}
{{Tourism in Kerala}}
{{Tourism in Kerala}}
{{Kollam}}
{{Kollam}}
 
{{Portal|India}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Jatayu Earth's Center}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Jatayu Earth's Center}}
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Kollam district]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Kollam district]]
[[Category:Adventure parks]]
[[Category:Adventure parks]]
[[Category:Jatayu]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Kollam]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Kollam]]
[[Category:2018 sculptures]]
[[Category:2018 sculptures]]
[[Category:2018 establishments in Kerala]]
[[Category:2018 establishments in Kerala]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures completed in 2018]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures completed in 2018]]
[[Category:Architecture of India]]
[[Category:Architecture in India]]
[[Category:Museums in Kerala]]
[[Category:Museums in Kerala]]
[[Category:Outdoor sculptures in India]]
[[Category:Outdoor sculptures in India]]
[[Category:Places in the Ramayana]]
[[Category:Sculptures of birds]]
[[Category:Animal sculptures in India]]
[[Category:Vultures in art]]

Latest revision as of 11:49, 25 November 2025


Jatayu Nature Park
Jatayu Park
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Location of Jatayu Nature Park
TypeAdventure Park
LocationChadayamangalam, Kollam, India
Nearest cityKollam(Quilon)
38 km (24 mi)
Coordinates8°51′57″N 76°52′02″E / 8.865888°N 76.867306°E / 8.865888; 76.867306
Area65 acres (26.30 ha)
OpeningPhase-I[1]
5 December 2017 (2017-12-05)
Phase-II[2]
17 August 2018 (2018-08-17)
DesignerRajiv Anchal
Operated byJatayupara Tourism Pvt Limited
StatusOpen all year
Budget₹100 crore (US$14 million)
Public transit accessC'mangalam Bus interchange - 1.5 km,
Kottarakkara Bus interchange - 21.8 km,
Kottarakara Error creating thumbnail: File missing - 20.5 km,

Varkala Error creating thumbnail: File missing - 26  km,

Paravur Error creating thumbnail: File missing - 27  km,
Kollam ferry/water interchange - 36 km,
Trivandrum Airport interchange - 52.3 km
Websitejatayuearthscenter.in

Jatayu Earth's Center, (ml) also known as Jatayu Nature Park is a national park and tourism centre at Chadayamangalam in Kollam district of Kerala, India. It stands at an altitude of 350 m (1,150 ft) above mean sea level. To get to the top, there is a cable car, and it is the only cable car in Kerala. The honor of being the largest bird sculpture in the world belongs to Jatayu.[2]

The sculpture measures 200 feet (61 m) long, 150 feet (46 m) wide, 70 feet (21 m) in height and occupies 15,000 square feet (1,400 m2) of floor area). It was sculpted by Rajiv Anchal.[3][4]

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Sculpture of Jatayu

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 (24 mi) away from the city of Kollam and 46 km (29 mi) away from the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram.

After completion, it became accessible to visitors on 17 August 2018.[5][6]

Origins[edit | edit source]

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Ravana cuts Jatayu's wings, by Raja Ravi Varma

The park located near the town of Chadayamangalam (Jatayumangalam), which was named for Jatayu. Jatayu was a demi-god in Ramayana (a Hindu epic) who had the form of a vulture.

According to the 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.[7][8]

The park[edit | edit source]

The Statue[edit | edit source]

The statue is a representation of a legend - Ramayana -, and symbolizes the protection of women, and their honour and safety.[9] It was designed and sculpted by Rajiv Anchal.[3][4]

Dimensions[edit | edit source]

Feature
Height 21 m
Floor area 1,400 m2
Length 61 m
Breadth 46 m
Number of wing and tail feathers 52 m
Head thickness from ear to ear Unknown
Height of head Unknown
Distance from eye to eye Unknown
Total weight of statue Unknown
Length of each talon Unknown
Length of beak Unknown
Height of beak Unknown
Width of beak Unknown
Height of eye Unknown

Jatayu Museum[edit | edit source]

It houses a five-story grand sculpture, a museum, and a multi-dimensional theater that shows an animated film depicting the epic battle between Jatayu and Ravana. In addition to all this, the Jatayu Earth's Center also has a cultural center that showcases traditional art forms, exhibitions, and folk performances.

Adventure Park[edit | edit source]

The Park, on Adventure rock hill, opened on 5 December 2017.

Cave Resort[edit | edit source]

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.[10][11][12]

Dedication[edit | edit source]

The park opened to visitors on 4 July 2018 and was soft-inaugurated by Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala.[13][14] The park's first phase was worth ₹100 crore (US$14 million) and included the adventure zone having 3 km (1.9 mi) radius.[15][16] 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.

Access and attributes[edit | edit source]

Location and access[edit | edit source]

The park is located on a hilltop in Kollam district in Kerala. No special transportation is required to get into the park.

To reach the top, where Jatayu's sculpture is present, visitors can either take the 826 steps walkway up the hill, or take the cable car.

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.

Inscriptions and plaques[edit | edit source]

A plaque outside the museum pays tribute to the fallen Jatayu, in a poem translated by K. Jayakumar, was dedicated by Pinarayi Vijayan, the Chief minister of Kerala.

The plaque at Jatayu Nature Park, dedicated by Shri Pinarayi Vijayan
The plaque at Jatayu Nature Park, dedicated by Shri Pinarayi Vijayan

"Stand atop this hill for a while in contemplation
 Here is where Jatayu fell
 Trying to block with his talons and beak
 The alien gnome who seized in deceit
 The priceless pearl of a daughter..."
 

Gallery[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Kerala's First BOT Model Ecotourism Project, is Now Open for Public". Voyagers World. Retrieved 6 December 2017.[permanent dead link]
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Kerala tourism to unveil world's largest bird sculpture". The Quint. 23 May 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Jatayu Earth's Center Website". Retrieved 1 December 2015.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Kerala park to welcome visitors in Jan - Khaleej Times". Retrieved 1 December 2015.
  5. ↑ "Adventure Rock Hill open for visitors". The Times of India. 6 December 2017. Retrieved 6 December 2017.
  6. ↑ "Enjoy a day of adventure at Jatayu Earth's Center". Outlook Traveller. Retrieved 7 December 2017.
  7. ↑ "Jatayuara at Chadayamangalam - Kerala Tourism". Retrieved 1 December 2015.
  8. ↑ "Lepakshi Temple - Lepakshi :: The Treasure House of Art and Sculpture". Archived from the original on 28 March 2012. Retrieved 1 December 2015.
  9. ↑ "Welcome to Jatayu Earth's Center". www.jatayuearthscenter.com. Archived from the original on 7 March 2019. Retrieved 10 March 2019.
  10. ↑ "Jatayu park to be opened for public in January - The Hindu". The Hindu. 29 November 2015. Retrieved 1 December 2015.
  11. ↑ "Phase I of State's First PPP Tourism Project to be Thrown Open in Jan - TNIE". Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 1 December 2015.
  12. ↑ "Jatayu nature park: A new tourist destination of Kerala". Retrieved 1 December 2015.
  13. ↑ "Rock theme park to be opened on 4 July". The Hindu. 23 May 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  14. ↑ "Jatayu Centre to open on 4 July". Deccan Chronicle. 23 May 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  15. ↑ "Adventure zone at Jatayu park - The Hindu". The Hindu. 29 November 2015. Retrieved 1 December 2015.
  16. ↑ "Kerala's rock-theme Jatayu Park getting ready to woo visitors". 29 November 2015. Retrieved 1 December 2015.

External links[edit | edit source]

Official website

Retrieved from "https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jatayu_Earth%27s_Center_Nature_Park&oldid=471796"
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