Jatayu Nature Park is Kerala’s latest tourist attraction. All set to open in January 2016, the Nature Park gets its name from Jatayu, the mythical bird from Ramayana who tried to rescue Sita from Ravana. Located in Chadayamangalam village in Kollam district of Kerala, the park is picturesque as well as ideal for adventure. It’s a family attraction with delights for all visitors.
The first public private partnership tourism initiative between the Kerala government and Guruchandrika Builders and Property Private Limited, Jatayau Nature Park is designed on a BOT (build-operate-transfer) model. The nature park project has been developed with the aim of promoting mythology, adventure and wellness tourism.
Here are 6 interesting things about the park.
1. Jatayu Nature Park sprawls over 65 acres of land and is home to a giant sculpture of Jatayu
Jatayu Nature Park is located in Chadayamangalam village in Kollam district of Kerala with picturesque views of craggy mountains spread over 65 acres. The mythological bird sculpture is 200 feet long, 150 feet broad, 70 feet in height and has a floor area of 15,000 square feet. It is one of the largest sculptures in India and the largest bird sculpture in the world.
2. The sculpture sits at the spot where Jatayu took his last breath
Locals believe that the mythical bird fell on a mountain peak of Chadayamangalam after being struck down by Ravana. He fought with valour to save Sita Mata but being old he was overpowered by demon king Ravana and slayed. The sculpture sits on top of a hill where he took his last breath after informing Lord Rama about the abduction.
3. The Jatayu sculpture will have a 6D theatre and an audio-visual based digital museum inside it
For an incredible experience, the Jatayu Bird sculpture will have museum which will exhibit glimpses from Ramayana. Visitors can also enjoy the bird’s eye view experience from 1,000 feet above the sea level, from inside the sculpture.
4. The sculpture has been conceived and developed by a Malayalam film director
Renowned filmmaker and sculptor, Rajiv Anchal, is the Chairman and Managing Director of Guruchandrika Builders and Property Private Limited. He was the vision behind the grand project of Nature Park and the imposing bird sculpture. It took seven years to build the sculpture. The concrete structure has been given a stone finish. There was major struggle with the building as the terrain was hard and to transport all the materials to the top was extremely difficult.
5. The nature park will also have an adventure zone and about 20 games
The Jatayu Nature Park has an exclusive adventure field. There are available several options for activities like paint ball, laser tag, archery, rifle shooting, rock climbing, bouldering, and rock-climbing. Ayurvedic cave resorts are also planned in the park. This will result in a complete entertainment, adventure and relaxing zone for all visitors.
6. South India’s first state-of-the-art cable car is being set up in the Jatayu Nature Park
The foundation stone of aerial passenger ropeway has been laid in the park. It will be the first of its kind in South India. The gradual climb of 1000 feet on the ropeway will be a spectacular experience with views simply mesmerizing.