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In the Hindu mythological epic Ramayana, Sita is abducted by Ravana. Rama enlists the help of a few loyal friends to help get his beloved back from the clutches of the rakshasa. Some of Rama’s helpers in the Ramayana include Lakshmana, Bharata, Hanuman and Jatayu. Taking the form of an eagle, Jatayu was instrumental in helping Rama vanquish Ravana. During his battle with Ravana, it is said that his wings were clipped, and he fell to earth in the area that is known today as Chadayamangalam in Kollam, in southern Kerala. The locals have held this area in high esteem, and in 2018 Jatayu Rock was unveiled to the world in honour of this mythical legend.
The sculpture was designed by Rajiv Anchal and measures 61 metres in length, 46 metres in width and 21 metres in height. Jatayu Rock occupies a floor area of 1,400 square metres and is the largest bird sculpture in the world. The monument is located inside Jatayu Nature Park, which occupies an area of around 65 acres of verdant land peppered with hills, caves and valleys. The park is also home to Jatayu Adventure Center, which houses a virtual reality museum showcasing the story of the Ramayana and the significance that the locals attribute to the town. The adventure centre also offers activities like net climbing, trekking, ziplining, rock climbing and much more.