Imagine visiting a place where you can witness the world’s largest bird sculpture, inspired by a legendary character from the epic Ramayana, and enjoy a variety of adventure activities and cultural experiences in a scenic and serene environment. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, not anymore. Welcome to Jatayu Rock, a one-of-a-kind eco-tourism destination in Kerala that will leave you spellbound with its beauty, charm, and mystery.
Jatayu Rock, also known as Jatayu Earth’s Centre or Jatayu Nature Park, is located in Chadayamangalam village, about 50 km from Kollam city, in the southern state of Kerala, India. It is situated on a massive rock that rises to a height of 350 meters above sea level, and covers an area of 65 acres. The rock is named after Jatayu, a mythical bird who tried to rescue Sita from Ravana in the epic Ramayana, and fell on the rock after being wounded by Ravana’s arrow.
The main attraction of Jatayu Rock is the Jatayu sculpture, which is the world’s largest bird sculpture, according to the Guinness World Records. The sculpture measures 200 feet in length, 150 feet in width, and 70 feet in height, and weighs 1500 tons. It is made of concrete and fibre, and has a stunning design that resembles a real bird. The sculpture was created by Rajiv Anchal, a renowned sculptor and filmmaker, who spent 10 years to complete this masterpiece. He wanted to pay tribute to the noble sacrifice of Jatayu, and promote the values of women’s safety, environmental conservation, and cultural heritage.
But Jatayu Rock is not just a place to see, but a place to experience. It offers a plethora of attractions and activities that cater to different tastes and preferences of the visitors. Whether you are looking for thrill, adventure, relaxation, or enlightenment, you will find something that suits your mood and interest at Jatayu Rock.
Here are some of the things that you can do and enjoy at Jatayu Rock:
Take a cable car ride to the top of the rock and enjoy a panoramic view of the surroundings. The cable car is the first of its kind in Kerala, and can accommodate 16 people at a time. It takes about 15 minutes to reach the top, where you can marvel at the Jatayu sculpture and the lush green landscape.
Explore the adventure zone, which features various thrilling and fun-filled activities, such as rock climbing, rappelling, paintball, archery, bouldering, zip-lining, and more. The adventure zone is spread over 20 acres, and has 15 different activities to choose from. It is suitable for all age groups and fitness levels, and is supervised by trained instructors and guides.
Visit the museum, which showcases the art, culture, and history of Kerala, as well as the life and works of Rajiv Anchal. The museum is housed inside the Jatayu sculpture, and has four floors with different themes and exhibits. You can learn about the ancient traditions, crafts, and festivals of Kerala, and admire the sculptures, paintings, and installations of Rajiv Anchal.
Watch the 6D theatre, which provides an immersive and interactive experience of the Ramayana story and the Jatayu legend. The theatre is also located inside the Jatayu sculpture, and has a capacity of 72 seats. It uses advanced technology and special effects to create a realistic and engaging narration of the epic tale.
Stay at the Ayurvedic cave resort, which offers a relaxing and rejuvenating stay in the natural caves, along with various wellness and spa treatments. The resort has 18 caves, each with a unique design and theme, and equipped with modern amenities and facilities. You can enjoy the benefits of Ayurveda, yoga, meditation, and naturopathy, and feel refreshed and revitalized.
Fly with the heli-taxi service, which allows you to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Jatayu Rock and the surrounding landscape. The heli-taxi service is operated by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC), and can accommodate up to six passengers at a time. It takes off from the helipad near the Jatayu sculpture, and flies over the rock, the village, and the nearby attractions.
Tips and information
If you are planning to visit Jatayu Rock, here are some useful tips and information that you should know:
- The best time to visit Jatayu Rock is between November and February, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and adventure activities. The average temperature during this period ranges from 18°C to 30°C, and the humidity is low. You can also witness some of the famous festivals of Kerala, such as Onam, Vishu, and Christmas, during this time.
- The entry fee for Jatayu Rock varies depending on the attractions and activities chosen by the visitors. The basic package, which includes the cable car ride and the museum visit, costs Rs. 400 for adults and Rs. 300 for children. The adventure package, which includes the adventure zone and the 6D theatre, costs Rs. 1000 for adults and Rs. 750 for children. The heli-taxi service costs Rs. 2500 per person for a 10-minute flight. You can book your tickets online through the official website or mobile app of Jatayu Earth’s Centre, or at the ticket counter at the entrance.
- The dress code for Jatayu Rock requires the visitors to wear comfortable and modest clothing, and avoid wearing shoes or sandals inside the Jatayu sculpture. You can wear sneakers or sports shoes for the adventure activities, and carry a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for protection from the sun. You can also rent lockers and costumes at the park, if needed.
- The food options at Jatayu Rock include a multi-cuisine restaurant, a coffee shop, and a snack bar, where you can enjoy a variety of dishes and beverages, ranging from traditional Kerala cuisine to continental delicacies. You can also bring your own food and water, but make sure to dispose of the waste properly and avoid littering.
- The accommodation facilities at Jatayu Rock include the Ayurvedic cave resort, which offers a luxurious and exotic stay in the natural caves. The resort has 18 caves, each with a different design and theme, and equipped with modern amenities and facilities. The tariff for the resort ranges from Rs. 5000 to Rs. 15000 per night, depending on the season and the type of cave. You can also opt for other hotels and homestays nearby, which offer budget-friendly and comfortable stay options.
- The nearby attractions at Jatayu Rock include the Kollam beach, which is one of the most beautiful and clean beaches in Kerala, and offers a stunning view of the Arabian Sea. The Palaruvi waterfalls, which is one of the highest and most scenic waterfalls in Kerala, and offers a refreshing and soothing experience. The Thenmala eco-tourism zone, which is India’s first planned eco-tourism destination, and offers a range of activities and attractions, such as boating, trekking, cycling, butterfly safari, musical fountain, and more. The Munroe island, which is a cluster of eight islands, and offers a serene and picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Jatayu Rock is not just a place to see, but a place to experience. It is a place where you can witness the world’s largest bird sculpture, inspired by a legendary character from the epic Ramayana, and enjoy a variety of adventure activities and cultural experiences in a scenic and serene environment. It is a place that will make you feel closer to nature, culture, and yourself.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets online or contact Jatayu Earth’s Centre for more information, and get ready for an unforgettable journey. And don’t forget to share your feedback and comments on this article, and let us know how you liked it. Happy travelling!
