Jatayu Earth’s Center
Jatayu Earth’s Center, also known as Jatayu Nature Park or Jatayu Rock, is a park and tourism centre at Chadayamangalam in Kollam district of Kerala. It stands at an altitude of 350m (1200ft) above mean sea level. Jatayu Nature Park is holding the distinction of having the world’s largest bird sculpture (200 feet (61 m) long, 150 feet (46 m) broad, 70 feet (21 m) in height and having 15,000 square feet (1,400 m2) of floor area) of the great bird Jatayu.[3][4] With the bird-sculpture being sculpted by Rajiv Anchal himself, this rock-theme nature park is the first PPP tourism initiative in the state of Kerala under the BOT model. The park is about 38 km (24 mi) away from the city of Kollam and 46 km (29 mi) away from the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram.
Jatayu Nature Park, Kollam | |
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ജടായു പരിസ്ഥിതി ഉദ്യാനം, കൊല്ലം | |
Location of Jatayu Nature Park | |
Type | Adventure Park |
Location | Chadayamangalam, Kollam, India |
Nearest city | Kollam(Quilon) 38 km (24 mi) |
Coordinates | 8°51′57″N 76°52′02″E |
Area | 65 acres (26.30 ha) |
Opening | Phase-I[1] 5 December 2017 Phase-II[2] 17 August 2018 |
Designer | Rajiv Anchal |
Operated by | Jatayupara Tourism Pvt Limited |
Status | Open all year |
Budget | ₹100 crore (US$14 million) |
Public transit access | C'mangalam Kottarakkara Paravur Kottarakara Kollam Trivandrum |
Website | Jatayu Earth’s Center |
The phase two developments of the park is completed and opened to visitors on 17 August 2018.[5][6]
The park
The Statue
The statue symbolizes protection of women[7] and was designed and sculpted by Rajiv Anchal, who is a sculptor by education. This sculptor was advanced in his techniques. He was idolized for his accomplishments.
Physical Characteristics
Feature | Measure (metric) |
---|---|
Height | 21 m |
Floor area | 1,400 m2 |
Length | 61 m |
Breadth | 46 m |
Number of feathers | 52 |
Head thickness from ear to ear | |
Height of head | |
Distance from eye to eye | |
Total weight of statue | |
Length of each talon | |
Length of beak | |
Height of beak | |
Width of beak | |
Height of eye |
Jatayu Museum
The statue houses the under-construction Jatayu museum within it which will tell the tale of Jatayu.
Adventure Park
The Adventure Park is situated on the Adventure rock hill and opened on 5 December 2017.
Cave Resort
Jatayu is said to have taken refuge in a cave after his tussle with Ravana. An Ayurvedic and Siddha cave resort is under construction and will offer ayurvedic healing paired with tales of Jatayu.[8][9][10]
Dedication
The park opened to visitors on 4 July 2018 and was soft-inaugurated by Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala.[11][12] The park's first phase was worth ₹100 crore (US$14 million) and included the adventure zone having 3 km (1.9 mi) radius.[13][14] On 29 November 2015, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce's Director of stakeholder relations, Majid Al Marri visited the under construction Jatayu Nature Park along with the then Chief Minister of Kerala, Mr. Oommen Chandy.
Etymology
The Jatayu Nature Park is under construction at Chadayamangalam (Jatayumangalam) town. The town got this name in connection with Jatayu, the demi-god in Ramayana, who has the form of a vulture.
As per Ramayana, Ravana abducted Sita to Lanka. Jatayu had tried to rescue Sita from Ravana when Ravana was on his way to Lanka. Jatayu fought valiantly with Ravana, but as Jatayu was very old Ravana soon got the better of him. Rama and Lakshmana while on the search for Sita chanced upon the stricken and dying Jatayu, who informs them of the fight between him and Ravana and tells them that Ravana had headed South. It is believed that Jatayu fell on the rocks in Chadayamangalam after his wings were clipped by Ravana.[15][16]
Access and attributes
Location and access
The park is located on a hill-top in Kollam district in Kerala. No special transportation is required to get in to the park, however visitors required to use a cable car to reach the top of the park. Visitors intending to enter the park must obtain a paid ticket. Tourists may only bring cameras, and no bags are allowed. Lockers are provided for other items and there will be a security screening process before entering the top.
Inscriptions and plaques
A plaque outside the museum pays tribute to the fallen Jatayu, in a poem translated by K. Jayakumar, was dedicated by Pinarayi Vijayan, the Chief minister of Kerala.
Stand atop this hill for a while in contemplation Here is where Jatayu fell Trying to block with his talons and beak The alien gnome who seized in deceit The priceless pearl of a daughter Born to the plough-furrow of dear Earth And fleeing to another coast. He who believes to be his right To possess even the celestial nymphs he covets This is where the enemy's sword Chopped Jatayu's wing. The spot that accepted that flowing blood stream Like a sobbing mother accepting her martyred son. The spot received that bird Flapping its single wing Descending like a flag on the mast Of this country's pride Doesn't this wind that blows here Sing that tale? Doesn't every sand grain here Recall that Saga? As we stand on this hill with heads bowed In the memory of that bird Who sacrificed himself as a flower offering We indeed churn immortality from death.
Gallery
References
- "Kerala's First BOT Model Ecotourism Project, is Now Open for Public". Voyagers World. Retrieved 6 December 2017.
- "Kerala tourism to unveil world's largest bird sculpture". The Quint. 23 May 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
- "Jatayu Earth's Center Website". Retrieved 1 December 2015.
- "Kerala park to welcome visitors in Jan - Khaleej Times". Retrieved 1 December 2015.
- "Adventure Rock Hill open for visitors". The Times of India. Retrieved 6 December 2017.
- "Enjoy a day of adventure at Jatayu Earth's Center". Outlook Traveller. Retrieved 7 December 2017.
- http://www.jatayuearthscenter.com/jadayu.html
- "Jatayu park to be opened for public in January - The Hindu". Retrieved 1 December 2015.
- "Phase I of State's First PPP Tourism Project to be Thrown Open in Jan - TNIE". Retrieved 1 December 2015.
- "Jatayu nature park: A new tourist destination of Kerala". Retrieved 1 December 2015.
- "Rock theme park to be opened on 4 July". The Hindu. 23 May 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
- "Jatayu Centre to open on 4 July". Deccan Chronicle. 23 May 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
- "Adventure zone at Jatayu park - The Hindu". Retrieved 1 December 2015.
- "Kerala's rock-theme Jatayu Park getting ready to woo visitors". Retrieved 1 December 2015.
- "Jatayupara at Chadayamangalam - Kerala Tourism". Retrieved 1 December 2015.
- "Lepakshi Temple - Lepakshi :: The Treasure House of Art and Sculpture". Archived from the original on 28 March 2012. Retrieved 1 December 2015.