Chandayamangalam, or Jatayumangalam, is famous for its world’s largest bird sculpture, Jatayu Earth’s Center. Researchers have traced the origins of the town to the 8th to 9th century AD and attribute it to the Ay Kingdom. Jatayu, the mythical bird from the epic Ramayana, is the subject of the largest bird sculpture in the world and a rock theme park for adventure enthusiasts. One can enjoy a bird’s eye view of God’s Own Country from the ropeway or in a helicopter ride.
Within a natural terrain, the Jatayu Adventure Center offers the largest adventure park in the world. Among the many activities available here are paintball, valley crossing, bouldering, zip lining, trekking, archery, rappelling, jumaring and wall climbing. Taking advantage of the hillside’s natural rock formations, climbing activities are available. For the complete, wholesome experience, make sure to explore the multi cuisines at the food court with a panoramic view as well as the Siddha Cave Healing Center in addition to experiencing the adventerous activities over here.
A unique blend of adventure, leisure, leisure, science, and technology, Jatayu Earth Center, also known as Jatayu Nature Park, is a unique combination of artistry, mythology, technology, culture, and wellness. The theatre magic that brings to life the story of Jatayu and the virtual reality museum enhance the destination’s magic. It is also home to a huge population of wild monkeys belonging to the bonnet macaque species.
Located at a height of 1000 feet above sea level, Chadayamangalam consists of the temple Kodandarama at the summit of Jadayu para (also known as Mellupara). It also has several other small mountains such as Vayanam Mala, Pavoor Mala, Alathara Mala, Elambrakodu Mala, Arkannur Madappara Mala and Thevannur Mala that add to its natural beauty.
Dimensions
This sculpture measures 200 feet (61 m) in length, 150 feet (46 m) in width, and 70 feet (21 m) in height. It occupies 1,400 square feet (1,400 m2) of floor space and was sculpted by Rajiv Anchal. As Kerala’s first BOT-specific public–private partnership tourism project, this rock-themed nature park was opened to visitors on 17 August 2018.
Epic
The Ramayana (an epic of Hindu mythology) describes a demi-god named Jatayu in the form of a vulture. As per the Ramayana, Jatayu tried to rescue Lord Sita from Ravana, but after being wounded by Ravana, he fell here and died. On the Jatayu rock, Rama stood on one leg to grant salvation to Jatayu, causing his foot print to emerge, and it still exists today. Devotees visit the temple throughout the year to revere the site of footprints on the rocky mountain and the source of water that sprinkles out through out the year. There is a story in the temple grounds which mentions that “Kokkarani” (water tank) was created by Jadayu rubbing the rock with his beak.
Contact Details:
+91 474 2477077, +91 90725 88713, jatayuadventurecenter.com
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Kollam, about 38 km
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 51 km