Jatayu Earth Center, also known as Jatayu Nature Park or Jatayu Rock, is a park and tourism centre at Chadayamangalam in Kollam district of Kerala. Its world's largest bird sculpture and it stands at an altitude of 350m (1200ft) above the mean sea level. Jatayu Nature Park holds the distinction of having the world’s largest bird sculpture, which is of the mythological bird Jatayu.
The sulpture measures (200 feet (61 m) long, 150 feet (46 m) wide, 70 feet (21 m) in height and occupies 15,000 square feet (1,400 m2) of floor area). It was sculpted by Rajiv Anchal.
This rock-theme nature park was the first Public–private partnership 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. After completion, it opened to visitors on 17 August 2018.
According to the Ramayana epic, Ravana abducted Sita to Lanka. Jatayu had tried to rescue Sita from Ravana while Ravana was on his way to Lanka. Jatayu fought valiantly with Ravana, but as Jatayu was very old, Ravana soon defeated him. Rama and Lakshmana while on the search for Sita, chanced upon the stricken and dying Jatayu, who informed them of the battle with Ravana and told them that Ravana had headed South. Legend says that Jatayu fell on the rocks in Chadayamangalam, after his wings were clipped by Ravana. The statue is a representation of a mythological story, and symbolizes the protection of women, and their honour and safety. It was designed and sculpted by Rajiv Anchal
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.
For more information - Jatayu Park