“Great things are done when men and mountains meet.”
– William Blake
Jadayupara (Jadayu Earth’s center) located in Chadayamangalam in Kollam district is one of the newly added feather to Kerala’s Tourism Sector.
I decided to visit this place along with my family on 27th September 2018. Couldn’t find a better day than 27th September, World Tourism day, to visit this amazing place. Before I proceed with my experience, I would certainly like to take this blog to congratulate Sculptor ‘Rajiv Anchal’ Sir and his team for giving us ‘Kearalites’ such a wonderful Architecture masterpiece.
This World’s biggest bird statue is really a wonderful visualization treat.
Route:
My journey to Jadayu started from Kazhakuttom, near Trivandrum.
Kazhakuttom –> Pothencode bypass –> Venjaramoodu (MC road) –> Chadayamangalam
The distance from TVM KSRTC Station to Jadayu Earth’s center is 51 KMS (1.5 Hrs Approx)
The distance from Kollam KSRTC Station to Jadayu Earth’s center is 40 KMS (1.25 Hrs Approx)
If you are coming by public transport like KSRTC or Private Bus, you will have to walk around 1 KM from the MC road to reach this space.
Current Status (as on 27th September 2018):
The facility is not fully operational yet. The pending works like Rama Temple, 6D theater, Museum and so on is expected to be completed by Jan 2019. Helicopter service will also be operational by that time.
As of now, we can use the Ropeway / cable car to reach up to the hill where the biggest bird statue is built.
Once fully operational, this is going to be one of the best tourist destinations in Kerala.
Hopefully, the management would keep the cleanliness in the coming years aswell.
WikiPedia Link
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jatayu_Earth%E2%80%99s_Center
Official Web Site
http://jatayuadventurecenter.com/
Overview:
There is a rope way / Cable car facility available (Imported from Switzerland), which will take you to the Jatayu bird sculpture. Currently there are 16 compartments, each having a maximum capacity to carry 8 persons (640 Kgs).
Jatayu Nature Park will hold the distinction of having the world’s largest bird sculpture (200 feet (61 m) long, 150 feet (46 m) broad, 70 feet (21 m) in height and having 15,000 square feet (1,400 m2) of floor area) of the great mythical bird Jatayu (Courtesy: Wikipedia Page)
Bookings/Tickets:
As of now bookings can be done only through online mode.
In case if you are a walk-in tourist who decided to drop by with a sudden plan or you are person who is reluctant to do a prior online booking, don’t worry! There are some shops nearby the facility, who can help you with the online booking.
The charges for online Booking is around 400 for adults and 360 for senior citizens (10% discount). Free entry for kids with height up to 90cm
Online Bookings can be done here –> http://www.jatayuearthscenter.com/
Please note that the 400 rupees ticket is for the Rope way/cable car service and there might be different ticket rates for Museum and Theatre, once they are operational.
Please note that there are currently 3-time slots available, while you try online booking:
10:00-12:00 (My personal preferred option –> 1)
12:00-15:00 (My personal preferred option –> 3)
15:00-17:00 (My personal preferred option –> 2)
Personally, I feel this is just for the visitor’s convenience. However, they will still allow you to go inside the campus anytime.
Foodies:
In case if you are coming in from Kazhakuttom side, you can try out:
Shantigiri Veg restaurant near Pothencode (Vegetarian Option).
Variyorakkada near Kilimanoor in MC Road (Non-Vegetarian Option)
There is a restaurant available near the sculpture. Not sure if they would provide lunch and other items. There are some small hotels / Bakeries near the Main gate.
Parking:
There are ample parking space available and lot of staff are available at your service. The parking is currently Free of cost.
Campus:
Please note that they don’t entertain Plastic items like bottles and all inside the campus. There is a clock room available where you can keep the items (Free of cost)
Extreme care has been taken to help people with walking disabilities. Wherever possible, there are lifts provided.
The Rest Rooms/ Toilets is fitted with the world class Brands and is extremely clean.
You will have to undergo a thorough security check, before you board the Rope Way.
Little care:
Be a little careful, while you get into and out of the ropeway compartments. They normally will be travelling at a very low speed and you should be getting inside and coming out, on the move. Be a little careful, while you do so.
Summary:
I would certainly recommend this place. It will certainly be a Wonderful experience. This Facility should be functional fully by Q1, 2019.
If you are coming from Trivandrum/Kazhakuttom side, you can also cover Parnasala of Santhigiri (full bloomed lotus in pure white marble) near Pothencode.
