Jatayu Earth Center: Booking, Tickets, Timings & Activities

You will certainly be mesmerized by Kollam’s latest tourist attraction, Jatayu Earth Center, which hosts the world’s largest bird sculpture.

Jatayu Park is a massive nature park in Kerala. Jatayu Earth Center is the world’s largest bird statue or sculpture. It is a prominent tourist center located at Chadayamangalam, Kollam, Kerala, India, and was opened on 5th December 2017.

The giant concrete statue of Jatayu was sculpted by Rajiv Anchal in over 10 years at Jatayupara in Kollam District, Kerala. The colossal statue is spread over 65 acres of multi-terrain landscape of caves, mountains, hills, and valleys. Jatayu Statue is 200 feet long, 150 feet wide, and 70 feet tall making it the largest functional bird sculpture in the world.

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Jatayu Earth Center is a concept brought to life by the renowned filmmaker, art director, and sculptor Rajiv Anchal. In collaboration with the Tourism Department of Kerala, Jatayu Earth Center is an example of eco-friendly and sustainable tourism. With lush vegetation, valleys, and hills, the natural aura of the place roars high even with the sculpture situated at the heart of the place.

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The Jatayu Park project was started to promote mythology, adventure, and wellness tourism. Jatayu Earth Centre is a treat to the eyes and offers a sense of adventure to tourists.

Who is Jatayu?

Jatayu, in the Hindu epic Ramayana, is the younger brother of Aruna and a demi-god. He has the form of a vulture and is the dearest friend of Lord Rama’s father, Dhasharatha. According to Ramayana, Jatayu had tried to save Goddess Sita when he saw Ravana abducting her to Lanka. The personification of chivalry and valor, Jatayu risked his life to rescue Sita from the evil clutches of King Ravana.

After Ravana clipped his wing, Jatayu lay down waiting for Lord Rama so he could tell him that Ravana had gone south. With the pain of Jatayu dying to save Sita, Lord Rama blessed the bird and performed his last rites. From that day on, Jatayu has been the epitome of bravery and stands as a symbol for the empowerment and protection of women.

The sculpture of this mythical bird at Jatayu Earth Centre sits at the exact spot where Jatayu took his last breath.

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Jatayu Earth Centre – The Four Hills

Jatayu Earth’s Center is spread across four hills in Chadayamangalam, Kollam district of Kerala. For the creator, Rajiv Anchal, ‘Jatayu’ is a symbolic representation of an era when humans and other living beings cared for each other and lived together peacefully.

The main attractions of Jatayu Park are spread over four hills, each offering different activities and attractions. Each hill has its own significance. These hills are integrated with the environment and uplift natural harmony, sustainability, and preservation through two check dams for rainwater conservation and uninterrupted water supply. Electricity is domestically harnessed from solar power panels for the smooth functioning of the Jatayu Earth Center.

1. Jatayu Rock Hill – The hill representing women’s safety and honor

The biggest highlight of Jatayu Earth Center is the sculpture of Jatayu, the bird designed by the prominent director, artist, and sculptor Rajiv Anchal. The first hill with the world’s largest bird statue stands for women’s safety and honor. It is a 1,000 ft giant rock. The Jatayu sculpture on this hill has a length of 200 ft and a width of 150 ft. The height of the giant statue is 70 ft. Inside the functional sculpture is a 15,000 sq ft utility space. Spanning over five levels is an audiovisual museum inside the sculpture.

Another attraction inside the hill is a multi-dimensional mini theatre. To reach the top of the hill, a cable car facility is provided. On the fenced area on the top of the hill are a Rama Temple, mythical markings, and a rainwater reservoir with 1.5 million liters of capacity.

 

2. Adventure Rock Hill – Adventure activities and nature walks

Incorporating standards of safety globally, the Jatayu Adventure Center in the Second Jatayu Hill offers adventure activities to groups in a range of 10 to 100. The distinguishing feature of this hill is an integrated paintball station spread along the large natural terrain. The major attraction of the hill is a one-hour trek through the private forest.

An audiovisual museum is built on the second hill too and it spreads over five levels. Major attractions include rappelling, shooting, bouldering, rifle shooting, jumpering, chimney climbing, plank walking, etc.

 

3. The Elephant Rock Hill – Tented camps for overnight stays

Elephant Rock Hill offers glamping opportunities. It has tented camps for overnight stays. It has a 250-meter-long zip-line zone and sky cycling. Campfire, moonlit dinner, live music, and live kitchen are the major attractions of the hill. Visitors can also be a part of the forestation initiative.

 

4. The Kitchen Rock Hill – Heli Tour-Hill

This hill at Jatayu Park offers a great retreat in the lap of nature. The fourth hill has a traditional Siddha rejuvenation center with accommodation facilities inside the cave which offers a ten-day Siddha rejuvenation package. There is a herbal garden with a wide variety of plants. The fourth hill also has a five-level spanned audio-visual museum built inside the sculpture. At the hill, you get to be part of the protection and preservation of the natural ecosystem.

 

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What does Jatayu Earth Center signify?

According to the sculptor, Rajiv Anchal, the Jatayu rock symbolizes women’s empowerment. In the present day, women face numerous troubles and the crimes against them are rising. This epic structure which highlights the bravery of Jatayu to save Goddess Sita, cries out to people about the importance that should be given to women and their safety. Following Jatayu’s example, men must stand for the justice of women. Uplifting women and ensuring they live in a safe and secure environment is vital. Jatayu Earth Center is a tribute to Womanhood.

The virtual reality museum inside the sculpture at Jatayu Earth Centre is designed to promote the idea of harmony.

 

Jatayu Earth Center – Timings, Booking, Entry Fee and Ticket Rates

The Jatayu Earth Center opens at 9.30 AM and closes at 5.30 PM

 

 

• Jatayu Earth Centre entry fee: INR 555 /- per person
• 15 Adventure Activities (10 AM – 4 PM): INR 1,000/-
• Trekking & Paintball (Afternoon Session 3 PM – 6:30 PM): INR 1,300/-
• 15 Adventures Activities & Trekking (10 AM – 6:30 PM): INR 1,500/-
• 15 Adventures Activities & Paintball (10 AM – 4 PM): INR 1,800/-
• All Activities, Paintball & Trekking (10 AM – 6:30 PM): INR 2,300/-
• Full Day Activities (10 AM – 6:30 PM): INR 3,500/-

How to reach Jatayu Earth Center

Jatayu Earth Center is located in Chadayamangalam, Kollam, Kerala.

Jatayu Earth Center is easily accessible from all the major cities and towns in Kerala and India.

Reaching Jatayu Earth Center By train

Kottarakkara Railway Station – 22 km from the Jatayu Earth Center (30 minutes by road)
Quilon Railway Station – 43 km from the Jatayu Earth Center (one hour travel by road)
Trivandrum Railway Station – 52 km
Other nearby railway stations include the Aluva Railway Station, Ernakulam Railway Station, Madurai Railway Station, and Coimbatore Railway Station.

Reaching Jatayu Earth Center By Air

The nearest airport is the Trivandrum Airport approximately 52 km from Jatayu Earth Center. It takes an hour to reach Jatayu Rock by road from this airport.

Reaching Jatayu Earth Center By Road

Jatayu Earth Center is approximately 200 meters from the Trivandrum – Kochi highway. KSRCT buses and taxis can get you to Jatayu Earth Centre from the train station and airport.

Instructions for Guests Visiting Jatayu Earth Center

What Guests Must Do

• Wear comfortable shoes (hiking shoes, sneakers) with firm rubber/grip soles (the terrain here is uneven and challenging)
• Wear comfortable attire like sportswear, shorts, or jogger’s suits (the weather is humid)
• Wear caps and/or hats
• Carry hand towels

What Guests Must Not Do

• Avoid wearing any jewelry/valuables/loose ornaments (they can be a potential hazard during activities)
• Strictly no loose hair. Please advise individuals with long hair to wear a hair tie or a head scarf.
• During activities, minimize or avoid mobile phone usage as it tends to distract the participants.
• Strictly follow the instructions given by the marshal/guides. Remember – “Your Safety Is Our Priority”
• Time management will be advised and need to be followed strictly
• Outside food and drinks are not permitted.
• Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited. Intoxicated guests will not be allowed to do any activities.
• Kids below 12 years are not permitted to do adventure activities. The minimum age for paintball is 14 years with parental consent, which is not required for kids 16 and up.

Distances to Jatayu Earth Center

• Nearest Railway Station (Varkala) – 27 km
• Nearest City (Kollam/Quilon) – 38 km
• Distance from Trivandrum – 50 km
• Trivandrum International Airport – 52 km
• Kochi to Jatayu Earth’s Center – 160 km
• Cochin International Airport to Jatayu Earth’s Center – 184 km

Jatayu Earth Center Photos

 

 

 

Jatayu Rock, Pond and Rama Temple

Jatāyu, according to the Rāmāyana, was a bird who was the son of Garuda (Vishnu’s mythical bird), and king of the vultures. He is also attributed to being the son of Aruna. He was an ally of Rāma and fought Rāvana furiously to prevent him from abducting Sītā, but was overpowered and left mortally wounded.

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 Sita crying for help while she was being abducted to Lanka by the demon king Ravana. Jatayu rushed to rescue her, stopped Ravana’s chariot named Pushpaka Vimana, and engaged in a battle with him. Eventually, Ravana cut off the Jatayu’s left wing with his powerful sword Chandrahasa, and went away with Sita. 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 in Kollam, Kerala. The pond near the rock is said to have formed by the stroke of Jatayu’s beak. It has water throughout the year and never goes dry.

Legend also says that Lord Rama came to Jatayupara and gave moksha or deliverance to the wounded and dying Jatayu. Jatayu narrated the entire story to Rama, delivering him vital information about his wife Sita. Here, there is a mark of footprint said to be that of Lord Rama. A temple dedicated to Lord Rama sits in an adjacent compound.

The sculpture, adventure center, and the Siddha Healing Center sit over 65 acres of land and form the Jatayu Earth Centre.

The Jatayu Earth Center offers an assortment of rock-based adventure activities for thrill-seekers. Plan your trip to Kerala with us and enjoy your visit to Jatayu Park.