Text credits: Lakshmi Priya

Kerala is all set to proudly create history this year by unveiling the world’s largest bird sculpture at Jatayu Earth’s centre, a nature park spread over 65 acres situated in Chadayamangalam at Kollam district of Kerala. The 200 feet long, 150 feet wide and 65 feet tall bird sculpture of Jatayu will be inaugurated on July 4.

The giant bird sculpture is the result of the spellbound hard work and perseverance of the film director and sculptor Rajiv Anchal. Rajiv was working on this project for the last 10 years and the sculpture started taking shape from 2011. Even though the sculpture was open to the public from last year the official inauguration of the park and other interesting projects designed as part of this eco-friendly project will be held this year.

Image source: dnaindia.com

The bird sculpture not only stands as a pride to India but is also a cultural symbol and a reflection of Indian mythology. The sculpture is the replica of the mythical bird Jatayu mentioned in the ancient Indian epic Ramayana. According to this Hindu epic, Jatayu succumbed to death while battling with Ravana, the king of Lanka. According to the story – Ravana abducted Sita in a flying chariot the fierce bird Jatayu fought with the mighty Ravana to rescue her. In that battle Ravana cut-off Jatayu’s wings with his sword. Legends believe that Jatayupara, the peak where the sculpture is built is the same place where Jatayu fell down after its wings were cut off. The rock which is believed to be the place of Jatayu’s unfortunate death is situated 1000 feet above the sea level and was formerly known as Jatayumanagalam. Over the years the place came to be known as Chadayamangalam and the peak as Jatayupara (Jatayu rock).

Image source: touristlocation.com

The tourists can reach the top of the rock through a cable car installed at the nature park which is exported from Switzerland. The cable car can accommodate 400 people per hour. A museum and a 6D theatre are also constructed inside the park which will be open by November this year. An animated movie about the battle between Jatayu and Ravana will be screened at the theatre for the tourists.

The other interesting things in the list, Jatayu also promises an adventurous experience. The park features various fun-filled adventurous activities designed on the natural rock formation. Activities like rock climbing, zip lining and mountain biking can surely satisfy the adrenaline rush of the tourists. Apart from this, there is also a Sidha healing centre where the visitors can get an ayurvedic spa. A visit to have a look of this mythical bird can undoubtedly guarantee the tourists a journey through the ancient mythology engulfed in the beauty of nature.

The post World’s Largest Bird Sculpture Jatayu To Officially Unveil On July 4 appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Text Credits: Nimisha S

Yes! It(Jatayu) comes alive from the great epic of Ramayana in Kerala

You would have heard about the mythological character, Jatayu and have seen the biggest (Yeah! Yeah! It’s huge) sculpture which is the chief attraction in the Jatayu  National park in God’s Own Country.

Hey peeps! After two long years, Kerala is all set to flung open the doors of one of the most favorite tourist havens, Jatayu National Park located in Chadayamangalam village in Kollam district.  (Don’t forget to add this in your list to visit)

The bird sculpture is 200 feet in length, 150 feet in breadth and 70 feet in height.

The bird sculpture developed by filmmaker Rajiv Anchal replicates the mythical demigod Jatayu, from Ramayana and is set on a massive area of 15,000 square feet, which took more than a decade to turn into reality.

It is built in the place where the religious mystical bird fell after losing a fight with Ravana. The place offers beautiful 360-degree views of mountains stretching along the horizon and is surrounded by a thick foliage all around.

A visual, splendid treat to the eyes as well as the sense of adventure for the tourists.

Apart from the sculpture, the Earth Centre also houses adventure zone with games such as rock climbing, rappelling, rifle shooting, and paintball.

Offering more than 20 activities the nature park also has an Ayurvedic resort, a digital museum and what it claims to be a 6D theatre, and cable cars for those are not so adventurous. The entry fee is Rs 2500 for visitors.

The Center is also one of the biggest private-public tourism projects in Kerala.

The park is also a big deal for the locals. It will support the community with rainwater harvesting and renewable energy generation projects.

Time to add this adventurous spot in your wishlist!

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