Jatayu Earth’s Center is a unique tourist and cultural attraction located in the Indian state of Kerala, specifically in the town of Chadayamangalam, in the Kollam district. In the Hindu Epic Ramayana, there is a reference to a divine bird called Jatayu. There are different stories and myths related to the birth and life of Jatayu. However, he comes into prominence in the Epic when he tries to save Goddess Sita (wife of Lord Rama) from Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. It is believed that the battered, wingless Jatayu fell on top of a hillock in Chadayamangalam, a hilly terrain located around 50 km north of the present-day Capital City of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram. It is right here on this hilltop that Rajiv Anchal and his team have carved out a world-class eco-tourism destination with a 70 ft tall Sculpture of Jatayu to memorialize the sacrifice of the bird hero.
The Sculpture of Jatayu is designed in a way that reflects the pain and agony the bird went through as he laid there, helpless. This astonishing work of art is dedicated to ‘Women’s Safety and Honour’ in commemoration of the effort that Jatayu made to protect the honour of Goddess Sita.
Just next to the sculpture, you would find a small water body that is believed to have formed by the impact of Jatayu’s beak. Legend has it that the bird survived until the arrival of Lord Rama, by drinking the water from this water body. There is also a footprint of Lord Rama just next to the sculpture. The footprint is preserved carefully for the visitors to see.
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). This rock-theme nature park was the first Public–private partnership tourism initiative in the state of Kerala under the BOT model.
Visitors can take a cable car ride to reach the top of Jatayu Rock. This cable car offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making the journey to the top an enjoyable and scenic experience.
Inside the Sculpture is a 6D Theatre that greets a visitor with the story of Jatayu and the battle he fought with Ravana. One of the best of its kind in Kerala, this 6D Theatre and the video presentation is a visual treat and experience that leaves any viewer in awe.
Another fascinating attraction inside the sculpture is a replica of the Palace of King Janaka, the father of Goddess Sita. The Palace is designed after extensive research on how such spaces were organized in the ‘Thretha Yuga’, the period of time when the story of Jatayu occurred.
Just aside the grand Jatayu Sculpture, overlooking the greenery around, is a resplendently built Temple dedicated to Lord Rama. Every visitor to the sculpture can also visit the temple and offer their prayers and respect.
The summit of the Jatayu Rock also hosts an Open Air Performance Center with a Stage. Cultural performances and other small events can be organized in this area which the visitors too can be a part of. The area has a splendid watch place as well, from where one could enjoy the sunset in all its grace and grandeur.
The Jatayu Earth’s Center is not only a significant cultural and religious site for devotees of Lord Rama but also a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty, adventure offerings, and the impressive Jatayu sculpture. It combines mythology, nature, and adventure in a single location, making it an interesting and memorable place to visit in Kerala.
