An important incident of India’s great epic Ramayana comes alive in colossal proportions at the Jatayu Earth Center in Chadayamangalam, Kollam, Kerala, India. God’s Own Country, Kerala, is a bewitching mosaic of nature, adventure, and heritage, and many contemporary attractions like the Azhimala Shiva statue in Kovalam and the Jatayu Earth Center near Kollam, add to the mystique of the state.
Images and videos of the massive Jatayu statue, the World’s largest bird statue, have created ripples on the internet ever since it was completed in 2018. We too were eager to visit the awe-inspiring Jatayu Park Kerala, and everything fell into place, one fine day, and we stood beneath the giant Jatayu Bird.
Here is what we hope is a complete guide on Jatayu Earth Centre & Nature Park, that will come in handy when you plan your own one day trip to Jatayu Earth Center. You shall find the following useful information about Jatayu Earth’s Center, Kollam, Kerala in this post:
- how to reach Jatayu Earth Center
- the best time to visit the Jatayu Earth Centre
- Jatayu Earth Center entry fee
- Jatayu Earth Centre booking
- Jatayu Adventure Centre entry fee
- Jatayu Earth Centre timings
- Jatayu Earth Center History
and much more.
Table of Contents
Visiting Jatayu Earth Center – Things to know before visiting
Here are some interesting and important facts and information about Jatayu Earth’s Center, Kollam, Kerala, that you should know before visiting it.
- Jatayu Sculpture is the World’s Largest Bird Sculpture
- The Jatayu sculpture is 75 feet tall, 200 feet long, and 150 feet wide
- The Jatayu statue in India stands at an altitude of 1000 feet
- The bird sculpture at Jatayu Earth’s Center Nature Park has been sculpted by Shri Rajiv Anchal
- The Jatayu sculpture took 10 years to be completed
- The Jatayu Earth Centre opened to visitors on 5th December 2017
- The Jatayu Earth’s Center is spread over a massive 65 acres of land
- The Jatayu Earth Centre is still not complete and is planned as a complete tourist destination in Kerala
- When fully complete, Jatayu Earth Centre will be a Family-friendly tourist destination and eco-friendly tourism destination with Hilltop camping, Adventure Activities etc.
- It will have an adventure park, wellness centre, and other amenities to promote Health Tourism
- A cable car ride takes visitors to the top where the Jatayu sculpture is located, you also have the choice of walking up 826 steps to reach the top
- If you want to treat your eyes to an aerial view of the magnificent Jatayu sculpture and its surroundings you can also opt for a helicopter ride
- From the summit of the Jatayu Earth Centre, you can enjoy a 360-degree nature view of the surrounding landscapes from a specially made observation point
Jatayu symbolizes an era when humans and other living beings cared for each other and peacefully coexisted on planet Earth – Rajiv Anchal, Film Director, Art Director, Sculptor
Jatayu Earth Center – Who Is Jatayu? | The Legend of Jatayu| Jatayu Story
Jatayu Earth’s Center, Chadayamangalam, is a contemporary wonder of India. The Jatayu Nature Park is not only an adventure destination, it is also deeply connected with India’s great epic, the Ramayana. The massive sculpture of Jatayu brings alive the incident of the fight between the valiant Jatayu and the demon king Ravana.
The incident occurs in the Aranya Kand of the Ramayana. Ravana in the guise of a hermit fools Sita and kidnaps her in the absence of Ram and Lakshman. He carries the abducted Sita in his aerial vehicle known as Pushpaka Vimana. On the way to his kingdom of Lanka, Ravana encounters Jatayu who challenges him to a duel in mid-air. Jatayu is a brave but ageing king of the Vultures and a friend of Ram’s father Dasharatha. He recognizes Sita who is shouting for help while in the clutches of Ravana.
Jatayu, in spite of his waning strength and poor eyesight, stops Ravana and engages him in a fierce fight. But the combat is unequal from the beginning. Ravana cuts off the wings of the bird and mutilated him with his sword. Jatayu fell to the ground, his life ebbing away. He fell on a huge rock and lay gasping for breath, his vision dimming. But he held on to life with all the strength that he could muster.
He wanted to inform Shri Ram about Sita’s whereabouts before he breathed his last. At long last Ram and Lakshman, searching for Sita, came upon the prone and almost lifeless form of Jatayu. The brave bird whispered that Ravana had carried Sita southwards towards his kingdom of Lanka, and gave up his life. Shri Ram was heartbroken and performed the last rites of Jatayu as if he were his own father.
The place where Jatayu fell down is believed to be Jatayupara in Kollam, Kerala. The Sculpture of Jatayu stands today on the same rock that is believed to be Jatayu rock or Jatayu death place. Nearby can be seen a long cut in the rock which is believed to have been caused by the beak of Jatayu as he fell and slid down the rock. A small pond nearby in the rock which is said to be always filled with water is believed to have been the place from which Shri Ram took water and gave it to Jatayu as he took his last breath. A Rama temple and Rama’s footsteps can also be seen near the Jatayu statue location.
Experiencing The Jatayu Earth Centre | Jatayu Kerala
After experiencing the sights of Thiruvananthapuram including the gorgeous beaches of Kovalam, the legendary Padmanabha temple, and the magnificent Azhimala Shiva temple, it was time to head out towards more attractions that were part of our South Kerala itinerary. We were exploring South Kerala on the sidelines of the Kerala Travel Mart being held in Kochi.
It was an excited group that got out as the bus rolled into the Jatayu Earth Centre campus and came to a halt. Our expectations were high for this new, Kollam’s Tourist Attraction. We were welcomed at the Jatayu Earth Centre Reception. This is where the Jatayu Earth Centre Booking counters are located. One can buy entry tickets to the Jatayu Earth Centre here. Apart from this, there is a drinking water kiosk and restrooms available.
Once past the reception, you enter a waiting lounge, where visitors wait their turn to get into the Swiss-Made cable cars that will take them to the top of Jatayu Earth Centre. A Cafe serving refreshments is also located within the lounge.
However, if you fancy a walk amidst the rocks and the forests, there is a walkway to the Jatayu Sculpture which consists of about 826 steps. It is about 1 kilometre and you can ascend the altitude of 1000 feet via the steps. There is a provision for drinking water along the way, however, restrooms are available only at the base and the top. This option was not available when we visited, and hence we settled for the cable car ride to the top.
We boarded the gaily the vibrantly coloured and well-maintained cars and were on our way to the top.
The beautiful terrain that slowly passed below us had us captivated.
However. our gaze was soon transfixed on the giant sculpture that loomed in front of us as we approached the top. The first sight of the massive Jatayu sculpture took our breath away, and we stared at it in sheer wonderment.
We were soon standing beneath the mammoth bird, infinitesimal against its gargantuan proportions. Standing in front of the huge Jatayu Sculpture and reflecting silently is definitely a prescription for inflated egos, as the bird instantly puts you in your place!
The sculpture is a monumental tribute to the valiant Jatayu. As circumambulated the sculpture, we could appreciate the minute details that the sculptor had incorporated into his creation. He had breathed life into concrete and moulded it into an almost living Jatayu, on the verge of death.
The desperate and yet defiant look in the eyes of the dying bird smote our hearts. The giant bird, the king of Vultures lay on its back, its injured talons raised, its beak open in agony, as it awaited Lord Rama. The poignant moments in which Jatayu clung on to life to provide vital information about Sita to Ram and Lakshman, have been frozen in stone for posterity.
The Jatayu sculpture is sure to bring the memories of listening to stories from the epic Ramayana, or reading them, flooding back to you. It is guaranteed to fill your being with emotions of love, concern, and pride, as you recall the death of Jatayu.
Click Here To Watch The Jatayu Earth Center Video
Reliving The Legend of Shri Ram Meeting Jatayu
After feasting our eyes on the incredible bird sculpture and the panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding landscapes, it was time to travel back in time to the time of the Ramayana. There is a separate gate on the side of the Jatayu Hill which provides entry to the Ram temple, which is managed by a private trust, named, Chadayamangalam Jatayuppara Sree Kothanda Rama Kshetra Trust.
The Ram temple was built in the year 1973 and has a serene ambience. The cool winds blowing across the lush landscapes caress it lovingly as the strains of, “Shree Ram, Jay Ram, Jay Jay Ram,” fill the air.
A triangular flag which has been brought from Ayodhya after due worship flutters in the breeze.
“There was an older temple here which no longer exists, and this temple was built in 1973 with the blessings of Swami Satyananda Saraswati,” says Shri Balu Nitin who is the priest at the Ram temple.
A little to the side of the Ram temple is located what is believed to be the left footprint of Lord Rama, who stood on one leg while granting Moksha or salvation to the brave Jatayu.
A small pond filled with water can be seen nearby, this is known as Kokkarani. Legend has it that when Jatayu fell writhing from the sky and gasping for breath, he was desperately in need of water. His beak scraped the rock in search of water, and Mother Earth herself created the small pond called Kokkarani to quench his thirst. The beak marks of Jatayu can be still seen embedded in the rock.
Shri Balu Nitin who presides in the Ram temple as a priest and is a volunteer of the Jatayuppara Sree Kothanda Rama Kshetra Trust, says that they are building a stairway from the bottom of the hill to the temple, with the help of donations from devotees.
They plan to build resting places and instal sculptures depicting incidents from the Ramayana, along the route from the foot of the hill to the top. Shri Balu Nitin hopes that the steps will be ready in about a year and that access to the temple would be free.
Jatayu Earth Center – Timings, Entry Fee
- At the time of writing the Jatayu Earth Center Entry Fee, was INR 200 with an additional INR250 for the cable car ride to and fro to the top, plus taxes
- If you are taking the walkway to the top, then the Jatayu Park entry fee is INR 250 plus taxes
- Different packages for available activities have different prices, for updated prices and Jatayu Earth Centre Booking check the official website
- The Jatayu Earth Center Timings are from 10 AM to 6 PM and it is open on all days of the week
- An important point to keep in mind is that if you are buying entry tickets to Jatayu Earth’s centre at the booking counter, they accept only cash
Jatayu Earth’s Center – Things To Do
The Jatayu Earth Center is a multi-dimensional tourism destination in Kerala, that has a range of activities on offer. It is a Pilgrimage and Tourism destination rolled into one. It is one of the nouveau tourism destinations and one of the top places to visit in Kollam, Kerala. Apart from the famous bird sculpture, the Jatayu Earth Centre is also home to the Jatayu Adventure Centre and the Jatayu Nature Park in Kerala.
Jatayu Earth Center – The Four Hills
The Jatayu Earth’s Center consists of four hills that make up the complete campus of the Earth Centre, and each hill has separate sights and activities.
Jatayu Park Kerala – Hill One – Jatayu Rock Hill
Hill One is the main attraction of the Jatayu Earth Centre. It is where the Jatayu sculpture is located. It is believed to be the largest functional bird sculpture in the world. The statue stands as a historic symbol of women’s safety and honour. Inside the sculpture, there is an availability of 15,000 square feet of utility space.
An audio-visual museum is coming up inside the sculpture and a mini-theatre is already operational.
There is a facility for cold drinking water on top of the hill as well as light refreshments.
A cable car system from Switzerland provides seamless transportation to the top of Hill one.
Apart from the Jatayu Sculpture, there is a Rama temple and footprints of Shri Ram. A Jatayu temple is also planned here. Steps to the temple are being constructed from the foot of the hill. The temple is owned by a private trust.
Jatayu National Park – Hill Two – Adventure Rock Hill
The Jatayu Adventure Center is located on Hill Two. It offers a range of adventure activities including Paintball, trekking, Bouldering, Rappelling, Jummering, Chimney climbing, Vertical Ladder, Ziplining, Archery, and Rifle Shooting, among others.
Jatayu Earth’s Center – Hill Three – Elephant Rock Hill
Hill Three will have camping facilities. It will also have a 250-metre zip line and sky cycling. Campfires and moonlight dinner with live music for families are also on the anvil.
Jatayu Earth Centre – Hill Four – Kitchen Rock Hill
Hill Four is planned as a wellness and rejuvenation centre. It will include traditional Siddha wellness and rejuvenation therapies inside natural caves. The Jatayu Nature Park, surrounded by herbal gardens and nestling in the lap of nature the hill will be the ideal locale for offering various wellness packages based on traditional Siddha practices.
There is a helipad here from where you can board a helicopter and soar high in the sky to get a bird’s eye view of the giant bird sculpture of Jatayu.
Jatayu Earth Centre – A Sustainable Tourist Destination
The Jatayu Earth Centre prides itself on being a sustainable and environment-friendly tourist destination in India. It has taken measures to ensure that increased footfalls to the place do not jeopardise its ecological equilibrium. The surrounding rocks and forests retain their pristine nature in spite of the footfalls of tourists.
The statue of Jatayu also acts as a deterrent of sorts to any mining activities in the area, that would contribute to the deterioration of the surrounding environment. A check dam has been constructed between two of the rock valleys with a capacity of Twenty Lakh litres of water. This has helped in water conservation in the region and contributed to the proliferation of flora and fauna in the region. The energy required for the centre is obtained by harnessing solar energy.
An agricultural society has been formed for the promotion of organic farming in the region. In future there would be stalls at the Jatayu Nature Park, that would be selling this organic farm produce to visitors.
The endeavour of the Jatayu Earth Centre is to provide a complete family tourism destination, which is at the same time eco-friendly and sustainable.
Images of Jatayu Earth Center | Jatayu Earth Center Photos | Jatayu Earth Center Images | Jatayu Images
Here are some images of the Jatayu sculpture that are sure to appeal to you and leave an indelible mark on your hearts and minds.
Good to know information – Tips for visiting Jatayu Earth Center
- Only cash is accepted at the ticket counter
- Carrying plastic is strictly prohibited
- Carry a hat/cap if you are visiting during the summer
- Wear comfortable clothes. Preferably cotton
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Wear sunglasses if it is sunny
- Do not forget to click the photos of the Jatayu sculpture on your mobile/camera
- Do not litter
- Do not sit on the Jatayu Sculpture
- Drinking water and restrooms are available at the foot of the hill as well as on the top
How To Get To Jatayu Earth Center
- The address of Jatayu Earth Centre is Jatayu Junction, Jatayu Nature Park Road, Chadayamangalam, Kerala-691534
- The Jatayu Park is located at a distance of about 48 kilometres from Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) in South Kerala, India
- The Jatayu Earth Centre is about 37 kilometres from the city of Kollam
- Jatayu, a Massive Nature Park in Kerala is about 166 kilometres from the city of Kochi
Reaching Jatayu Earth Center By Air
The nearest airport to Jatayu Park is in Thiruvananthapuram. The Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV) is at a distance of about 52 kilometres. The airport has flights to and from major national and international destinations like Sharjah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Muscat, Singapore, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Delhi, and others. From Thirnanathapuram Airport, you can hire a cab to reach the Jatay Earth Centre.
Reaching Jatayu Earth Center By Train
The nearest railway station to the Jatayu Eart’s Centre is the Kollam Junction, formerly Quilon Junction. The station is one of the busiest railway junctions in Kerala and has the 3rd largest railway platform in the world. Trains to and from Chennai, Vishakapatnam, Trivandrum, Nagercoil, and many other places are available from the Kollam railway station. You can proceed to the Jatayu Nature park on road from the railway station.
Reaching Jatayu Earth Center By Road
The Jatayu Earth Center is well connected by the road network of Kerala. It is always a pleasure to travel by road across the bewitching countryside of God’s own country. Road trips in Kerala have their own magic.
If you are planning a trip to see the amazing Jatayu sculpture or any other place, you can book your flight tickets right here through, TripAdvisor or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline a. If you are thinking of a road trip, do check out the rental car and bus options.
Where To Stay For Visiting Jatayu Earth Center
As of now, there is no accommodation at the Jatayu Earth Centre. You can stay in either Thiruvananthapuram or Kollam and visit the Jatayu Park as a day trip. We stayed at The Raviz-Ashtamudi, a beautiful 5-star hotel located on the edge of the lake in Kollam.
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Jatayu Earth Center- FAQ
What is the Speciality of Jatayu Earth Centre?
Jatayu Earth Centre has the world’s largest bird sculpture. a statue of the mythological bird Jatayu. The sculpture is located on the top of a huge rock which is believed to be the place where the Jatayu fell down after being injured by Ravana in the Indian epic Ramayana.
What is the entry fee for Jadayupara?
The entry fee for Jadayupara is Rs 450 plus taxes and includes a cable car ride to and from the top. However as rates are subject to change, do check the official website for updated entry fees.
Who killed Jatayu?
In the great Indian epic, Ravana, the Demon King of Lanka, fatally wounded Jatayu, who died from them.
Where is the Jatayu statue in India?
The Jatayu statue is located in Chadayamangalam, Kerala-691534, India.
Where did Jatayu fall?
It is believed that after being fatally wounded, Jatayu fell on a rock, which is known as Jatayu rock, located in Chadayamangalam, near Kollam in Kerala, India.
How to reach Jatayu Earth Center from Varkala?
Varkala is just about 26 kilometres from Jatayu Earth Center and can be easily reached by road.
What is the significance Of the Jatayu Earth Center?
The Jatayu sculpture stands as a monumental tribute to the valour of the bird Jatayu. It is a visual icon that stands for women’s protection and honour.
Our visit to the Jatayu Earth Centre was an experience that straddled many dimensions. The mammoth bird sculpture is a visual experience, that is not currently rivalled by anything else in the world. The natural beauty of the surroundings provides another level of euphoric experience. Above all the fact that the rock has connections with the great Indian epic, Ramayana, takes the entire experience to a divine and supernatural sphere.
There are different schools of thought on whether Jatayu actually fell here or somewhere else, like Lepakshi in Andhra Pradesh, but at the end of the day, it is a matter of faith. Where faith weaves its path, there is no place for debates and evidence, either you believe or you do not believe.
But nothing can take away from the beauty of the place. As we slowly descend in our cable car from the top of the Jatayu hill, the defiant look in the eyes of Jatayu haunts us, and that we feel is what the sculptor had in mind when he visualized and created the giant bird sculpture.
We hope you liked reading about our experience of visiting the Jatayu Earth Center in Kerala, India, and it helps you plan your own trip to the place. Subscribe to our blog for more interesting content. Connect with us on our social media channels for staying updated with our travels and travel stories.
Our visit to Jatayu Earth Center, Chadayamangalam, Kollam, Kerala, India was organized by KTM. The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are our own. #ktm #keralatourism #kerala #jatayu #JatayuEarthCenter
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What a cool sculpture.
Ryan
I did not hear about the Jatayu statue, the World’s largest bird statue, before. but after reading your post felt that this is worth visiting the place. Loved all the pics. Would love to visit this place with my family, when I come to India next time.
Jatayu is a story of self sacrifice. This episode of Ramayana always makes me sad. I kind of have mixed feelings about visiting Jatayu Earth Centre. You make it look so enticing. Hi to Sandy once more 😊
We all have heard the story of Jatayu in childhood and the bodily sacrifice he made to save Mata Sita, but had no inkling about this great place and spectacular monument. Thanks for sharing about it.
The pics look so fascinating, I am sure if I see them in reality I would be completely mesmerised. I know it is a sad part of Ramayana that we lost Jatayu but for us & future generations it’s a great way to remember his sacrifice, I hope to visit it someday. Also, I am glad to know that they took environmental friendly measures which many should follow I feel.
Loved this article. After reading your post, I believe it is worth visiting this location. All of the photos were fantastic. I’d like to visit this location with my family.
This Jatayu earth centre and the Lord Shiva place in Coimbatore are two places absolutely on top of my South India trip list. Thank you for this detailed guide, I have already learned so much from this!
Wow these are the kind of places i love visiting. I’m sure the view from the camera does no justice to the reality of the grandeur. I’d love to see this for myself.
I’ve heard about the stories from ramayana. But didn’t know this place existed. Thanks to you, I’m definitely visiting this wonderful place next time I go to kerala
We have so many beautiful destination to visit in our country, mostly of which we are unaware about. You guys are doing such an awesome job of bringing these sort of places to everyone’s notice with your blog.
I have been to Jatayu Earth centre before and I really liked the way the structure is built, It is so detailed and beautiful. I also liked the fact that they have tried to have many activities around so it attracts people who have children as well.
I am surprised that was so unaware of this place. After reading I myself want to visit this place with kids. Thanks for sharing about this place.
How wonderful, how have I not heard of Jataya Earth Center in Kerala, will so love to visit it thanks to all the info on it I have from you
I never knew this place existed and looking at the picture it looks absolutely amazing. Would love to visit it someday 🙂
Have heard many stories about Jatayu from my childhood and about its contribution to our mythology. But I wasnt aware of this lovely place in Kerala and such a beautiful place to visit. As always your blog provides 200% information that makes travel and planning the utmost easier.
Wow these are the kind of places i love visiting. Thanks for such detailed post. Saving it