Kollam: The first phase of an ambitious tourism project worth £10 million in Kerala's Kollam district is all set to open in January 2016. The Jatayu Nature Park project envelopes small mountains, valleys, cliffs and rock-formations spread over 65 acres in Chadayamangalam, and has been conceived to promote mythological, adventure and wellness tourism. The highlight of the project is the giant sculpture of Jatayu, the mythical bird that tried to rescue Sita from the clutches of Raavan from Ramayana. Local legend says the bird fell at the spot after it was struck down by Raavan.
The sculpture, measuring 200 ft long, 150 ft wide and 70 ft in height, is described as the largest bird statue in the world and will sit on top of a hill. It will house a 6D theatre and an audio-visual based digital museum that will show glimpses from the Ramayana. “It took us seven years to build the sculpture. It is basically a concrete structure that has been given a stone finish. Building it has been a major struggle as the terrain was hard and we had to carry all the materials to the top,” said Anchal, a critically acclaimed Malayalam film director and sculptor. “You know, Jatayu has relevance even today. It was the protector of a woman. Mythology has a message to give to all of us.” The sculpture will be open to public viewing in time for Onam, Kerala's harvest festival, next year.
The nature park also has an adventure field with games like paint ball, laser tag and rock-climbing, aimed more at tourists from corporate companies or large groups who have a taste for adventure. The third phase is wellness-oriented, Anchal explained, which furthers health packages, mainly Ayurveda and Siddha, to travellers. This is mainly aimed at premium customers and celebrities, he added.
The park, which is a PPP initiative designed on a BOT (build-operate-transfer) model between the Kerala government and Guruchandrika Builders and Property Private Limited, which has financed the project, is being touted as the next big thing for the state's tourism model.
