Adventure Rock Hill At Jatayu Earth Centre
Jatayu Earth’s Center at Chadayamangalam in Kollam district of Kerala, created by well known artist & film maker Rajeev Anchal, is considered as a glorious example of sustainable and eco-friendly tourism in India.
Kerala’s first BOT model ecotourism project the ’Adventure Rock Hill’ of Jatayu Earth’s Center, spread across four hills in Chadayamangalam, Kollam district of Kerala is now opened for visitors.
Spread across 65 acres, it offers abundant activities and services for the vacationers, including camping, rock climbing, trekking, and 6D theatres, a virtual reality museum, a Siddha, an Ayurvedic cave resort and much more.
The attractive tour package for visiting the centre includes 15 challenging adventure activities. It has a separate adventure zone, which provides over 20 different games such as paintball, archery, laser tag, rifle shooting, and rock climbing and rappelling for the tourists.
Speaking about the center, Mr. Rajiv Anchal, Concept Designer, Chairman and Managing Director, Jatayu Earth’s Center stated, ‘The center is considered as a glorious example of sustainable and eco-friendly tourism in India. The center is a result of 10 years of sustained dedication. Jatayu symbolizes an era when humans and other living beings cared for each other and lived together peacefully.
Emphasising the endeavour of Kerala Tourism Mr. Kadakampally Surendran, Honorable Minister for Co-Operation, Tourism and Devaswom, Government of Kerala said, “The tourism department of Kerala has always been keen on promoting adventure tourism to woo vacationers from all comers of the world. Kerala Tourism will keep executing tourism development plans in order to accelerate the growth of the tourism sector.”
Owing to the changing preferences of travellers, the Tourism Department of Kerala aims to promote adventure tourism across the state and position the state as ‘The Land of Adventure’. Following the unique concept of Responsible Tourism, it offers several opportunities to support local communities with projects like renewable energy and rainwater harvesting.
The center has been built in a public-private partnership under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BoT) model. The bird sculpture replicates the mythical bird – Jatayu, which was developed by filmmaker and sculptor Rajiv Anchal. Highlight of the Jatayu Earth’s Centre is the 200 ft. long, 150 ft. wide and 70 ft. tall sculpture. It is the world’s largest bird sculpture with an entry into the Guinness Book of World Records. As per mythology, Jatayu died at this spot while fighting with Ravana to save Goddess Sita.
Speaking about the tourist spot, Mr. E Bala Kiran, IAS, Director, Kerala Tourism and Managing Director, Kannur International Airport said, “From adventure enthusiasts to families, young generation of travellers to couples, this tourist spot caters to a wide audience. The center allows the tourists to have thrilling and refreshing experiences, while exploring the natural beauty of the place.
RAJIV ANCHAL
Rajiv Anchal is a film director, screenwriter, and sculptor.
He was born on 20 December 1956 in Alencherry, Yeroor Panchayath, Anchal, Kollam District, Kerala State. At a young age, he developed an interest in sculpture. He was educated at the Yeroor Government High School. He received a diploma from St. John’s College. Anchal then enrolled at the Trivandrum College of Fine Arts.
