Jatayu of Ramayana: Travel Diaries

Our trip to Jatayu Earth’s Center in Chadayamangalam felt like stepping right into a chapter of the Ramayana. We learned that this rocky hill is the legendary spot where the noble bird Jatayu crashed after fighting the demon king Ravana to rescue Goddess Sita. Ravana had cut off Jatayu’s wing, and the brave bird fell onto this exact rock, holding on to his last breaths to guide Lord Rama. Standing there, we were amazed to see how artist Rajiv Anchal brought this ancient story to life through the world’s largest bird sculpture—a breathtaking concrete titan stretching 200 feet long, built not just as a mythological wonder, but as a tribute to Jatayu's sacrifice and women's safety. ​Because we visited on a peak rush day, the trip tested our patience right from the base station. We spent a long time standing in slow-moving queues under the warm sun, waiting for our turn to board the cable car that glides up the steep cliff. Once we reached the summit, the grounds were teeming with families, tour groups, and a sea of cameras and selfie sticks. Moving around the crowded viewing decks was a bit of a squeeze, but the moment we stood directly beneath the giant, taloned bird resting against the open sky, the chaos faded away. Gazing up at its detailed feathers and looking out across the rolling green hills of Kollam, we agreed the long lines were well worth the unforgettable view. Phone used: Nothing Phone 4a Transportation: Tata Tigor Stay: The Ruby Arena, Trivandrum Breakfast: Sri Aiswariya, Trivandrum Lunch: Mappas, Ranni Music: Silence theme Musician: Xuxiao