Descriptions in detail :
Jatayu Earth Center is a park and tourism centre at Chadayamangalam in Kollam district of Kerala. It stands at an altitude of 350m (1200ft) above the mean sea level. This Nature Park is famous for having the world’s largest bird sculpture, which is of Jatayu.
About the Sculpture:
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 m) of floor area. It was designed and sculpted by famous Sculptor Rajiv Anchal.
Location:
The park is about 38 km away from the city of Kollam and 46 km away from the state capital,Thiruvananthapuram.The park located near the town of Chadayamangalam (Jatayumangalam), which was named for Jatayu. Jatayu was a demi-god in Ramayana (a Hindu epic)who has the form of a vulture. Inwent to visit this place from varkala which is around 28 km away and took around one hour.
Mythological stories :
Aranya-kanda of Ramayana mentions that Jatayu is the "King of Vultures". According to the epic, Ravana was abducting the goddess Sita to Lanka when Jatayu tried to rescue her. Jatayu fought valiantly with Ravana, but as Jatayu was very old Ravana soon defeated him, clipping his wings, and Jatayu falls down to earth. Rama and Lakshmana while on the search for Sita met with dying jatayu and After that he told them the battle he fought with Ravana and informed them that Ravana had headed South.As the time has come for the bird to leave his body Rama performed his final funeral rites .Thus, the Lord granted salvation to Jatayu by standing on one leg on the top of the Jatayu .Popular belief is that surrounds Chadayamangalam is that the entire course of event following Jadayu falling and rituals performed happened here.
Timings:
10 am to 5.30 pm.
Ticket counter closes at 4.30 pm.Is open on all weekdays.
Entrance Ticket:
There are three options for entrance ticket:
1. Ticket with up & down ropeway
Rs.499 per person
2. Ticket with only return ropeway
Rs.295 per person entry ticket & Rs.160 for return ropeway journey
3. Ticket with walkaway of 826 steps
Rs.295 per person
