The Jatayu Earth Center is a magnificent nature park located on the hills of Chadayamangalam in Kollam district, Kerala. The Jatayu bird sculpture is sculpted by Mr.Rajiv Anchal and took 10 years to complete the iconic project. It is the world’s largest bird sculpture and is a rock themed nature park which attracts tourists all over the world. The captivating rock sculpture is 200 feet in length, 150 feet in width and 70 feet in height. It is spread over 65 acres of terrain land which is 1000 feet above the sea level. It has 4 hills, caves, valleys, adventurous park and vegetation farms. It has entered into Guinness book of world records.
History Behind Jatayu Earth Center
It is believed that in the epic Ramayana, when Sita was abducted by Ravana in his chariot, Pushpaka Vimana, Jatayu bird went to help Sita and fought a battle with Ravana. During the battle, Ravana cut one of the wings of Jatayu bird with this sword. The wounded bird fell down on this hill which was earlier called as Jatayapura. You can even witness Lord Rama’s footsteps on this hill. Hence, Jatayu represents the women’s safety and honour and also a bygone era where animals and humans mutually helped each other.
How to Reach Jatayu Earth Center
Jatayu Earth Center is located in South Kerala. When travelling by air, nearest airport is Trivandrum airport, which is 52 km from the Jatayu Earth Center. When travelling by train, nearest railway station is Kottarakara railway station, which is 22 km from this place. When travelling by road, it is located 500 m from Trivandrum – Kochi highway.
Jatayu Earth Center Timing: It is opened from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM every day.
Things to do
- Jatayu Rock Hill
- Museum
The audio-visual museum has five floors and has a 6D theatre where the tales of mythical bird, Jatayu is played.
- Cable Car
It is the major attraction of this center. It is the only way to reach the center. While travelling in cable car, you can experience a breath taking view of the hills and valleys. The cable cars are imported from Switzerland and there are 16 cars which can hold 8 people in each car. Only online booking has to be done. Online facility to book cable car is available at their website.
- Rama Temple
Temple of Lord Rama is present in this center which is managed by a private trust. Foot prints of Lord Rama and a pond which is believed to be formed by the stroke of Jatayu’s beak and never goes dry throughout the year.
- Adventure Rock Hill
This place is a paradise for adventurous sports. Experience the adrenaline rush with various adventurous activities such as, commando net, chimney climbing, archery, shooting, zip line, log walking, rappelling, valley crossing, vertical ladder and many more. It has a separate paint ball zone. Experience the trekking through private forest. To take part in adventurous activities, there should be a team of minimum 10 members. All the activities are incorporated with international standards of safety and professional team will handle all the adventurous activities. It is ideal for corporate team building activities.
- Elephant Rock Hill
This includes live kitchen, live music, night tent, camping, sky cycling and 250 m long zip line zone. You can enjoy moonlight dinner with the live music.
- Kitchen Rock Hill
Avail Ayurveda treatment in the natural caves which offers accommodation facilities. There is a garden with various floras. Helicopter facility is available at this place to have a landscape view of Jatayu Earth Center. Online booking of Heli-taxi is provided. You can even indulge in activities to save the ecosystem.
Things to Carry
- Wear comfortable and firm grip shoes.
- Carry trekking gear items.
- Wear comfortable clothes which are suitable for hiking.
- It is recommended to wear caps.
- Carry towels.
Important Information
- Only online booking is done to this centre.
- Outside eatables are not allowed.
- Food court and many eateries are available at this centre.
- Children below 12 years are not allowed to take part in adventurous activities.
- Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited.
- Do not carry valuables and do not wear gold ornaments.
- Cell phones are not allowed during activities.
- Do not leave your hair loose. It must be tied.
Jatayu Earth Center Online Booking
To book online, check here
Jatayu Earth Center Entry Fee is 400/- per person + Tax, for full day activities at Jatayu Earth Center, one has to pay 3500/- and the timings of the activities are from 10.00 AM to 6.30 PM.
Plan your weekend to Jatayu Earth Center and make it adventurous. To Stay nearby you can check-in to Gateway Varkala Resort located in a beautiful location with wonderful ambience and all the facilities. It is beachfront property with free wi-fi and free parking.
Gateway Varkala Resort gives you a captivating views of Arabian sea. The best season to visit Varkala is between the month of October and March. Plan your vacation here, stay in the beach front, have adventurous activities at Jatayu Earth Center, visit Anjengo Fort and the pilgrimage center Sivagiri Mutt.
Image Credit: jatayuearthcenter.com
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