Largest bird sculpture housing 6D theatre set to open for public in Kerala

 

 After a decade-long wait, the Jatayu Earth's Center, with the world's largest functional bird sculpture, will soon be opened to public atop a scenic hill in Kollam, Kerala. The monumental project, conceived by eminent sculptor and film maker Rajiv Anchal, is also the first BOT ecotourism venture in the state. 

 

Spread across over 65 acres at Chadayamangalam in Kollam, the tourism project is expected to be unique in many respects, with a high-tech 6D theatre fitted with D-box seats, adventure tourism centre, rock climbing, cave healing centres, cable car and sprawling restaurant. The center will also have a 1.5km long walkway. 

 

The giant sculpture of Jatayu, the mythical bird of Ramayana, built 1,000 ft above sea level  is the main attraction at the site. The 200 ft long and 150 ft wide concrete sculpture is 70 ft tall and will  house the 6D theatre, a virtual reality show and other amenities. 

 

The tourism project also plans to open 14 Siddha Cave healing centres, utilising the natural caves in the surroundings. The eco-friendly tourism project will tap solar energy to meet power needs and rainwater harvesting for water. 

The hillock was selected because of its mythical connection with the Jatayu story. The local people believe that Jatayu, a pious old bird in the Epic Ramayana, tried to stop Ravana while he was abducting Sita, got injured in the fight with the Asura King and fell on this  hilltop. 

 

The work is progressing at a very fast pace in the center, and the plan is to open it to the public in April. The full facilities, including the cable car, virtual reality museum, multi-dimensional theatre and adventure training centre would be ready by Onam this year.