Kerala’s newest tourist attraction is an enormous sculpture of Jatayu, a vulture, from the pages of Ramayana. Do mythologies fascinate you? or Hunting for a weekend destination? or Looking for new hiking trails? In search of views of rolling, lush green hills? Then Jatayu statue should be on your list. The Jatayu Earth’s centre, 38 km from Kollam, opened its gates to the public on 17 August 2018 and is steadily making its mark on Kerala’s tourism map.

Last year, I came across a photo of the Jatayu sculpture and, since then I, have been planning to take a trip down south. So this year, in August I, took a road trip across Tamil Nadu and Kerala and, the Jatayu sculpture was one of the highlights of my holiday.

HOW TO ARRIVE AT JATAYU EARTH’S CENTER?

Jatayu Earth’s Centre is located in Chadayamangalam. It is the world’s largest functioning bird sculpture. It is accessible by road, air and rail.
AIR: Trivandrum International airport, 45 km away, is the nearest airport.
RAIL: The nearest railway station is the Kollam Junction is 35 km away and the Thiruvananthapuram Central is 55 km away.
ROAD: Regular buses to and from Kollam to Chadayamangalam. It is along the Trivandrum- Kochi highway and connected to Trivandrum, Varkala and other major towns and cities.

WHERE TO STAY?

After a day of adventures if you are not ready to say goodbye then book yourself a night under the stars in one of the tents. The Jatayu Earth’s Center offers glamping services complete with a campfire, dinner under the stars.

Siddha Healing Caves are the Center’s another marvel. These naturally formed caves are converted into cottages for individuals taking part in the Siddha Rejuvenation Therapy — a week-long therapy that follows Ayurveda.

However, if camping or week-long ayurvedic therapy is not your cup of tea, you still have plenty of accommodation options to opt for. The Jatayu statue is linked to major towns and cities by roads and is easily accessible.

• Kollam is a city along the Malabar coast and is popular for its beaches and is a known trade hub. It is 38.4 km from the Jatayu Earth’s Center. Here one can find ayurvedic resorts and a variety of accommodations.
• Trivandrum, Kerala’s capital, is a large city and offers a range of accommodations from 5-star resorts to budget hotels and is only 45 km from the Jatayu Earth’s Center.
• Varkala is a small seaside town on the coast of the Arabian sea. It is located 35 km from the Jatayu Center. This seaside town is quiet and still unknown to most tourists. It is the ideal location for weekend stays at the beach. The town offers a range of accommodations as well as ayurvedic resorts.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE JATAYU STATUE

Anyone familiar with Ramayan is aware of Jatayu’s role in the epic. Jatayu, a demi-god shaped like a vulture, witnessed Ravan abducting Sita and tried to save her. The two fought and, Ravan severed Jatayu’s wing and, he fell to the ground. Jatayu suffered injuries during the fight that ultimately led to his death.

Legend states Jatayu fell on the rocks in Chadayamangalam and, the sculpture is where he fell. Whether this is true or not, I’m not sure, but I like to believe it. It adds to the sculpture’s magnificence. Rajiv Anchal, an accomplished sculptor, built the Jatayu sculpture to promote and create awareness regarding women’s safety, protecting their honour.

JATAYU STATUE TICKETS, TIMINGS AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

The Jatayu sculpture is inside the Jatayu Earth’s centre, a Nature park and tourism centre. The Jatayu Nature Park / Jatayu earth Centre is 38 km from Kollam.

TIMINGS : 9:30 am – 5:30 pm.
Until recently, the park was closed to visitors due to the pandemic. Upon my arrival in Kollam, I learnt, the park was closed due to the pandemic. But our hotel manager inquired about the timings and informed us the centre would open on 15 August for a few days. So, I extended my stay to wait till the centre opened. However, due to the pandemic, the visitation days are subject to change. I advise you to call ahead and confirm the timings.

TICKETS:
Jatayu Earth centre spans over four hills. Each hill offers different activities and attractions and requires tickets.

These are the various tickets available :
• A single ticket for the 1 km walkway to the sculpture costs Rs.250. The walkway has 800+ steps.
• A single ticket to the sculpture and cable car costs Rs. 450. It is a 10-minute ride.
• A single ticket to the adventure centre begins from Rs. 500 onwards. The adventure centre offers various adventures such as zip-lining, rappelling, vertical ladder, paintball for different costs.
• A single ticket for the helicopter ride costs Rs. 2,400. I highly recommend this ride to appreciate the sculpture’s aerial view and capture some brilliant snapshots for the Gram.
During my visit, only the cable car ride was open. Other hills were inoperative. I suggest you call ahead to know which sections are accessible.

DOCUMENTS:
As per Covid guidelines, authorities check the temperatures of all individuals. A double vaccination certificate and or RT-PCR test results are required. Also, carry valid IDs.

THE JATATYU STATUE

On the way to the Jatayu Earth’s Centre, glimpses of the curled claws are visible through the gaps in the trees. But the side view of the sculpture comes is visible when you reach a certain height. I rode the cable car to the top as the walkway was closed due to the pandemic. Halfway up, the sculpture started making an appearance. First, the claws, then the pain-stricken face and finally, the tail is visible. After exiting the cable car, climb a few steps and, there lies the gigantic Jatayu sculpture.

It is a sculpture of a giant wounded vulture with a severed wing. Jatayu’s pain and suffering are masterfully etched. The detailing of the feathers, the claws curled in pain is commendable. These details make the sculpture seem real and is a sculptural masterpiece.

Under the sculpture are a five-level museum and a mini theatre. Due to the pandemic all activities were suspended. Only the cable car, the Ram temple and the Jatatyu statue were operational.

While the sculpture is the attention-seeking feature, the view all around is not to be missed. The surrounding ranges of lush green rolling hills create an instagrammable view. If you reach early, you will most likely have the entire place to yourself.

THE RAM TEMPLE

Another attraction is the Ram temple next to the statue’s right-wing. The temple is still under construction but, visitors can pray here. According to the Ramayan, Lord Ram found Jatayu wounded on this rock. Lord Ram performed Jatayu’s funeral rites and, he attained moksha. Near the statue is a pond that never goes dry. According to legend Jatatyu’s beak created the pond. Also, there is a footprint, which according to legend, belongs to Lord Ram.

OTHER ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES

Apart from the statue, there are several activities to keep you busy. If you like adventurous activities, there are numerous activities, namely rappelling, zip-lining, nature walks and many more, to keep you occupied. Also, there are provisions for overnight camping and more. Jatayu Park is the ideal place to spend fun times with colleagues, friends or family. Book activities through the Jatayu Earth centre website. There are a few restaurants and small beverage stalls around the statue. I recommend grabbing a glass of chilled lemonade and enjoy the different hues of green hills.

USEFUL TIPS

Below are some tips to bear in mind when visiting the Jatayu statue for a memorable experience.

• Whether you decide to take the cable car or the 1 km walkway to the statue, wear comfortable shoes. The ground on the climb up is uneven.
• Carry caps as there is little shade near the statue and, in the afternoons with the sun overhead, it gets a bit hot.
• Large bags are not allowed. They provide lockers at the base for storing items.
• Outside drinks and food not permitted. There are small restaurants and beverage stalls at the top.
• Book tickets online before your arrival to avoid crowds and long queues.

WHY DO YOU NEED TO ADD THE JATAYU STATUE TO YOUR BUCKET LIST?

My main reason was, it’s something new, so naturally, it’s on my list. There are several reasons why the Jatayu statue should be next on your list. First, it is a marvellous bird statue. Second, it offers expansive views of rolling hills steeped in various shades of blue and green. Third, there are a variety of adventure activities to get your adrenaline pumping. Fourth, it is the ideal location for weekend getaways with family or friends. Fifth, perfect for nature lovers and trekkers.

Whether you want to spend the entire day or just a few hours, the Jatayu statue should be on your list when visiting God’s own country.

I hope this ignited your wanderlust and prompts you to plan your next adventure because

Going to the mountains is going home.

john muir