Jatayu Earth's Center, also known as Jatayu Nature Park, is a national park which is situated at Chadayamangalam in Kollam district of Kerala. It stands at an altitude of 350 m above sea level, and it is the largest bird sculpture in the world. You might have heard the name of Jatayu, a courageous bird from Valmiki's epic Ramayana. The Jatayu Earth's Center is a unique cultural and tourism site which is closely associated with the epic Ramayana and the legendary story of Jatayu, a divine bird. Continue reading to discover the remarkable site and its mythological story.
About Jatayu Earth's Centre
Jatayu Earth's Centre is one of the famous sites in Kerala which is known for spectacular sights. The centre is dedicated to Jatayu, a divine bird from the epic Ramayana. This rock-theme nature park was the first public-private partnership tourism initiative in the state of Kerala under the Build–operate–transfer model. The park, which is 46 km from the capital city, Thiruvananthapuram, and became accessible to the public from August 17, 2019. Jatayu Earth's Centre is situated near the town of Chadayamangalam (Jatayumangalam), which was named after Jatayu.
Jatayu Earth's Centre | TripAdvisor
Jatayu Earth's Centre: A Ramayana link explained
Jatayu Earth's Centre is closely linked to the epic Ramayana. According to the epic, when the king of Lanka abducted Goddess Sita, Lord Ram's wife, and tried to take her to Lanka, at that time, Jatayu, a demigod in Ramayana who took the form of a vulture, tried to rescue her. However, he was very old; that is why he fought with bravery and courage, but soon Ravana managed to defeat him because Jatayu was very old. When Ravana clipped his wings with his sword, Jatayu fell onto a rock in Chadayamangalam. And that is how the place is associated with him. The site is dedicated to Jatayu, and the statue represents valour, courage, protection of women, and their honour and safety.
Jatayu museum
The park also houses a five-storey grand sculpture, a museum, and a multi-dimensional theatre that shows an animated film that depicts the epic battle between Ravana and Jatayu. It also features a cultural centre and a cave resort. In the cultural centre, traditional art forms, folk performances, and exhibitions are showcased.
Jatayu Earth's Centre | TripAdvisor
While Jatayu is said to have taken refuge in a cave after the battle with Ravana. The park offers marvellous views of its surroundings from the top, and to get there, there is a cable car which helps you reach the destination. It is the only cable car in Kerala.
