On a rocky hill at Chadayamangalam, on the road between Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram, lies the world’s largest bird sculpture: Jatayu, the mythical eagle of the Ramayana, carved as if fallen wounded across the summit. It is one of Kerala’s most unusual attractions — part monument, part theme park, part viewpoint.
The sculpture and the myth
In the Ramayana, Jatayu tries to stop the demon king Ravana from carrying off Sita and is struck down on this hill — Chadayamangalam takes its name from the story. The sculpture, 200 feet long, 150 feet wide and 70 feet high, was designed by the artist Rajiv Anchal and took about ten years to build. Inside its five storeys are a museum and a digital theatre that tells the epic battle; the roof and the surrounding rock offer wide views over the countryside.
Visiting
The hilltop is reached by a cable car — the only one in Kerala — or, for a lower fare, on foot by a walkway. Tickets are sold as packages that bundle the cable car or walkway with entry to the sculpture and its exhibits, so check the current options and rates when you arrive. It’s open through the day (roughly 10am to early evening), best in the cooler morning or late afternoon, and makes an easy stop on the drive between Kollam and Trivandrum.
- The cable car is the highlight but the pricier option; a walkway ticket costs less if you don’t mind the climb.
- Tickets are bundled packages (cable car/walkway + sculpture + exhibits) — confirm current rates on arrival.
- Go early or late to avoid midday heat on the exposed rock; allow two to three hours.
- It’s at Chadayamangalam on the MC Road, about 40 km east of Kollam — an easy Kollam–Trivandrum stop.
Frequently asked questions
What is Jatayu Earth’s Center?
A hilltop park at Chadayamangalam in Kollam built around the world’s largest bird sculpture — the Ramayana eagle Jatayu — 200 feet long, with a museum, a digital theatre and Kerala’s only cable car.
How do you get to the top of the Jatayu sculpture?
By cable car (the only one in Kerala) or, for a cheaper ticket, on foot via a walkway. Tickets are sold as packages that include entry to the sculpture and its exhibits.
Where is Jatayu Earth’s Center?
At Chadayamangalam on the MC Road between Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram, about 40 km east of Kollam town — an easy stop on that drive.