India is famous for a lot of things, but its tourist hotspots are always one-of-a-kind and never fail to offer an awe-inspiring journey to some of the most expansive architectural and historically significant sites. One such marvel is the Biggest Bird Sculpture in India, the Jatayu Statue, located in Kerala.
The Jatayu Sculpture is a magnificent monument which is dedicated to the Hindu epic Ramayana and is said to be the place where Jatayu, a mythical eagle-like creature, fought against Ravana when he was abducting Sita. The statue stands tall at 200 ft and is one of the largest bird sculptures in the world.
It also houses an interactive museum and an adventure park with activities such as zip lining and rock climbing. The Jatayu Statue has become a popular tourist attraction due to its unique size and design as well as its connection to the Hindu epic Ramayana. So, let’s uncover some facts and learn about everything you possibly need to know about this infamous tourist destination.
History of the Jatayu Sculpture
The statue is located in Chadayamangalam, Kerala and stands tall, making it one of the largest bird sculptures in the world. The sculpture was designed by renowned Indian sculptor Rajiv Anchal and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018.
It is believed that this sculpture will help to spread the message of peace and harmony throughout India. The Jatayu statue serves as a reminder of the bravery displayed by Jatayu during his fight with Ravana, as well as an inspiration to us all to stand up for what we believe in.
The Jatayu Earth Centre has been built with the help of advanced technology such as 3D printing, robotics, and artificial intelligence. It is an incredible tribute to Hindu mythology and a symbol of modernity.
Read Also: Most Famous Art & Dance Forms in Kerala
Importance of the Jatayu Sculpture
In the Hindu epic Ramayana, Jatayu takes the shape of either an eagle. When Ravana was transporting Mata Sita to Lanka in his flying machine Pushpak Viman, Jatayu fought him. Ravana slashed Jatayu’s wings with his sword, and he crashed to the ground. He met Lord Rama and told him everything about Mata Sita’s captivity.
In the Ramayana, Jatayu is a selfless figure who teaches us to struggle for justice even when the odds are stacked against us. Despite having only a few lines in the Ramayana, and appearing only once, his conduct elevates him to a position of prominence in our hearts, which makes the Jatayu Earth Centre, even more valuable.
Location of the Jatayu Sculpture
Kerala’s Chadayamangalam is 43 kilometers from the state capital of Trivandrum. It’s a lovely town located amid Kilimanoor and Kottarakara. It is located on the southern side of Kottarakara Taluk and also is surrounded by natural beauty that draws and impresses everyone who visits.
The Jatayu statue, which is one of its attractions, attracts thousands of amazed visitors all year round, making this location a thriving tourism hotspot in Kerala.
How To Reach the Jatayu Sculpture
The communication of Chadayamangalam is very well-connected with all major cities. Therefore, there will be no trouble finding your way to this famous place and securing a Jatayu earth center booking. Here are the most convenient routes you can take to reach the Earth Centre.
By Railway
If you happen to decide travelling by train, you can take a local train to any of the railway stations of Trivandrum, Kollam and Kottarakara, from where you can take a car or bus to the location.
By Roadways
When travelling by road, you can take a private cab or taxi to the Kochi Highway from where The Jatayu Statue is very close. However, road hindrances may occur, so keep enough time on hand.
By Airways
Trivandrum airport is the nearest airport from the location. So, you can book a plane to Trivandrup airport and travel on any local transport. A car would approximately take an hour to reach Jatayupara from the airport, so make sure you have enough time oh hand when you decide to take this route.
Famous Facts about the Jatayu Sculpture
- The sculpture is 200 feet long, 150 feet wide, and 70 feet tall, with a floor surface of 15,000 square feet.
- Mr. Rajiv Anchal was supported by private property holders to make the destination.
- In the region, South India’s first cutting-edge cable car is also being installed.
- The fabled bird, according to locals, fell there at the exact spot the sculpture is built, after being slain down by Ravana, and it is located on top of a hill.
- The museum has various display excerpts from the Ramayana. From within the sculpture, one can also have a bird’s eye perspective from 1,000 feet above sea level.
- The park’s adventures field now offers a variety of activities such as paintball, laser tag, crossbow, rifle fire, mountain climbing, and rappelling.
- This tourist place is a one-of-a-kind combination of all aspects of tourism, encompassing adventure, history, nature, and mythology.
- There are also ayurvedic cave retreats here.
The Jatayu Earth Centre
Now that we know how to reach Jatayu Earth Center, its now time for us to get into the various spots within it. There is a plethora of activities you should check out, where you can have an experience of a lifetime. Some activities are open to children as well, so all of you can enjoy it together without missing anybody.
The Jatayu Rock Hill: Statue of Women’s Security and Honour
The Earth Centre is located at a height of over a thousand feet above sea level on top of a hill and is deemed as the world’s largest bird sculpture. The width is around 150 feet with the height being around 70 feet.
The activities in this zone include an adventurous audio-visual museum with spectacular scenes that are sure to capture everyone’s attention. A multi-dimensional theatre also rests inside this ginormous sculpture. Another futuristic attraction has to be the rain water reservoir that resides on the top of the hill beside the Rama temple.
The Elephant Rock: Hillside with an Overnight Camping Facility
If you really wish to make this tour one of the most memorable experiences that you share with your loved ones, you must definitely stay overnight at the spot. The moonlit atmosphere is enough to etch the gorgeous scene into your memory.
Couples often choose to stay overnight because the vibe of this place is just out of this world. With the lush vegetation and blazing sunlight in the morning, the breezy weather with a marvelous sunset during the pre-evening time and the romantic nights with starlit skies, this destination has it all.
To book your slot, you must keep an eye on the official website for Kerala tourism and Jatayupara for all the latest updates.
Adventure Rock Hillside: Best Spot for Adventure Enthusiasts
If you’re adventure-hungry and you want to explore the adventure activities, you should reserve a full day for only this section. It has a ton of activities such as, Trekking, Rappelling, Velley Crossing, Zip-Line, Log Walking, Riffle Shooting and much more to feed your excitement.
The paint ball is also another fantastic activity to participate in because it’s one of the few places that let’s everyone enjoy it. Do not worry about safety because all safety measures are strictly put in place to avoid any accidents or injuries. So, totally you get to have a stress-free time in this place where for some visitors it would be overcoming your fear and for others, scratching off your bucket list!
Kitchen Rock Hill: The Paint Ball Station
Ever played the paint ball game with your friends and family? If not, this is the most convenient place to try! Not only does Jatayupara have the expansive space for you to have a gala time but it also has the captivating scenery around that almost has a hypnotic and relaxing effect on your nerves.
The paint ball is an attractive and immersive game you can enjoy with your friends and family. It stands out as a fan favourite out of every other activity at the Jatayu Statue. It will boost your energy and have you corroborate with your team to win against the contenders.
The game has two teams with paint balls provided to each team and all you need to do is throw the paint balls at your opposing team to score points. A hit means the target is counted out. But the best part of it all is the vibrant splashing colors that makes winning or losing seem like no deal because the fun memories you can make during this game!
Timings and Entry Guidelines
The Jatayu Earth Centre is open to everyone, so if you’re near the location, you must visit! Timings for the Centre are from 10 am to 6 pm every day. Therefore, you must reach before-time if you wish to explore the location without hassle.
The Jatayu earth center ticket price is Rs. 400 per person (with an additional amount of tax). This however, does not include the various activities you can engage in, once you get into the premises.
The combined charges for the packages are extra. If you want to take part in activities such as Ropeway, Trekking, Paintball and adventure rides, the charges for that package are around Rs. 1000 to Rs. 3500 approximately.
Except for water, edibles are absolutely prohibited at the site. But don’t worry, because there’s a tiny cafe within the seating area that serves coffee and hearty munchies. If you require it, there are also restrooms and a children’s play area.
