Newly created mega attraction at Jatayu Earth’s Centre near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala’s capital has recreated Ramayana at Jatayupara, the place where the ancient episode of vulture bird happened. Situated on top of a hill amidst scenic surroundings of UNESCO natural heritage site of Western Ghats, the mega bird statue is a combination of modernity and mysticism.
Rajiv Anchal, film maker, art director and sculptor, said: “The story fascinated me since childhood for the way how people lived in harmony with birds, animals and nature. Jatayu bird risking his life to save Rama’s wife Sita from being abducted by Ravana is exemplary. The story is relevant even today and hence we have dedicated the attraction to women’s safety and honour. My dream to create an attraction based on the story is realised after 10 years of collective hard work.” Mr Anchal was one of the contenders when Kerala Government announced a competition for designs to build an international standard eco-friendly attraction at the scenic spot. His proposal was chosen because of the utility space he created inside the big bird sculpture.
The 15000 square feet space inside the art-form, turned attraction is utilized to create an audio visual museum and a multidimensional theatre to provide an interactive experience to visitors.The five-level museum depicts lifestyle of Tretha Yuga, the period when Ramayana took place. 32 seater theatre narrates the confrontation between Jatayu and Ravana.
Cable car access
Ravana had disguised himself as a golden deer to abduct Rama’s wife Sita to his kingdom in Sri Lanka on his airplane Pushpaka Vimana. Jatayu confronted him on the way and got fatally injured, but held on to his breath till he narrated the incident to Rama, which helped him in safely getting back his wife. The epic incident is believed to have taken place on top of the hill at Jatayupara. Jatayu sculpture is that of the brave and helpful bird in an injured condition.
Cable car facility helps visitors reach to the sculpture at the hilltop, where. Mr Ajit Kumar Balram, Chief Executive Officer, Jatayu Earth’s Center, said: “We have put in place state of the art cable car service with equipment imported from Switzerland. We have also adopted international security procedures with tagging of every visitor. We have also introduced heli-joy ride services for interested visitors.”
Ajit Kumar Balram, CEO & Rajiv Anchal, Sculptor, Jatayu Earth’s Center
Jatayu Earth’s Centre is a Public Private Partnership where Kerala Government has leased land to a group of private entrepreneurs lead by sculptor Rajiv Anchal. 147 individual investors are part of the project and more are welcomed on shared partnership. ₹ 1 bn (US$13.7) mn is invested in the first phase which includes Heli-ride services. Kerala Government has built a world class road at a cost of ₹ 85 (US$1.16) mn leading to the Centre.
360 degrees view from the top offers natural panorama and an amphi theatre for entertainment next to Jatayu has the backdrop of sunset. An ancient Rama temple believed to have footsteps of lord Rama is in a private area next to the bird enclosure. More activities are available on three adjoining hills.
Reception area
Adventure rock hill offers trekking through private forest, rappelling, jummering, bouldering, valley crossing, archery, commando net, rifle shooting, log walking and other activities. Jatayu Adventure center with international safety standards can take 10 to 100 guests at a time and is ideal for corporate team-building activities. Integrated paintball station is spread across the natural terrain. Elephant rock hill has a zipline zone, sky cycling facility, campfire, live music with live kitchen for guests. Fourth rock hill has a herbal garden and an open kitchen catering to guests. Hilltop camping facility is available for adventure enthusiasts. It’ll have Siddha (ancient wellness regime) rejuvenation in natural caves with accommodation facilities when ready.
The whole attraction is plastic free zone and has self-sufficient rainwater harvesting facility of 1.5 mn litres of water for sustainability. 100,000 plants and trees, including medicinal herbs are planted in the 65 acre complex. Organic farming is encouraged in the neighboring area with fresh produce available for purchase by visitors.
Quick Facts:
Jatayu sculpture dimensions: 200ft x 150ft and a height of 70 ft. It’s situated on a giant rock hill of 1000ft which is accessed by cable cars.
Nearest airport: Thiruvanathapuram at 50 kms.
Suitable for leisure, family, corporate, adventure, wellness, heli and responsible tourism
Website: www.jatayuearthcenter.com
Written by : Anand & Madhura Katti
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