Jatayu Earth Centre: How the Ramayana revived interest in a legendary Kerala landmark; here’s how to achieve | Today’s news
Director Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana is all the rage! While Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Ravie Dubey impressed the audience with their performances, it was the epic battle sequence between Yash as Ravana and Jatayu, voiced by Anupam Kher, that is cited as one of the biggest highlights of the film.
Ramayana madness around Jatayu Earth Center
In the film, a fierce mid-air fight breaks out between Ravana and Jataya. Jatayu tries to defeat Ravana while he tries to carry away Sita Mata in his Pushpak Vimana. However, Ravana manages to cut Jatayu’s wings and kill him.
In a dramatic scene, the large bird falls to the ground and takes its last breath.
The film was indeed a visual treat that made the audience interested in Jataya. This also created interest in Kerala’s Jatayu Earth Center, making it one of the trending destinations in India.
About the Center of the Earth Jatayu: Meaning
The Jatayu Earth Center is made in honor of the mythical bird Jatayu from the Ramayana, who lost his wings while fighting Ravana to protect Sita Mata.
It is located in Chadayamangalam of Kollam district in Kerala. It represents the largest bird sculpture in the world, measuring 200 feet in length, 150 feet in width and 70 feet in height. The statue is located 1,000 feet above sea level on a hill.
Popular Malayalam filmmaker and sculptor Rajiv Anchal is directing the project. It was completed in 10 years.
The statue is meant to emphasize the safety and honor of women.
How to get to the center of Jatayu Earth
Jatayu’s Earth Center is accessible from multiple locations by train, road and air.
By train: The three nearest railway stations to reach Chadayamangalam are Kottarakkara railway station (24 km away/30 minutes by road). Quilon (Kollam) Railway Station (Distance 38 km / 1 hour by road), Trivandrum Railway Station (Distance 51 km), Aluva Railway Station, Coimbatore Railway Station and Madurai Railway Station.
By air: The nearest airport is Trivandrum which is approximately 52 km away or it may take up to 1 hour to reach here by road.
Along the road: Jatayupara is about 200m from the Trivandrum-Kochi highway.
Admission to the Jatayu Earth Center can cost somewhere in between ₹250 – 400 for a standard ticket to see the statue.
Read also | Ramayana Box Office Day 6: The film grossed a record ₹823 crore worldwide
Ticket price
You can travel on the Swiss-made cable car, which may incur a charge ₹550 – 650 per person. Visitors who want to go to the top of the hill must purchase a boardwalk ticket ₹300–350.
What to do
The landmark also offers an adventure park, including zip-lining, valley crossing, rock climbing, abseiling, paintball and net climbing, which require separate tickets.
The tourist destination remains open from 10 am to 5 pm throughout the week.
More attractions
Other attractions near the landmark include Jatayu Kodanda Rama Temple, Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathi Temple, Kudukathupara, Malamel Temple Paara and Kadakkal Devi Temple.
