PRESS TRUST OF INDIA Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 17|15: Jatayu, a mythical bird mentioned in the Ramayana, is all set to come alive next year, though not in a literal sense. Kerala will in January 2016 throw open the first phase of the Jatayu Nature Park, reported The Indian Express. The state government has listed the Park as one of its ambitious tourism projects. The reserve is coming up in Kollam district and has been allocated Rs 100 crore. The Park is spread over 65 acres in Chadayamangalam and has natural features like small mountains, valleys, cliffs and rock-formations. According to officials, the reserve is aimed to attract tourists having interests in mythological, adventure and wellness tourism. The main attraction, however, is a giant sculpture of the mythical bird Jatayu. As per the Hindu epic Ramayana, Jatayu had tried to rescue Sita after she was abducted by Raavan. Locals believe that the bird fell here after it was struck down by Raavan. The bird sculpture measures 200 ft x 150 ft x 70 ft and sits on top of a hill. Officials say the sculpture is the biggest bird statue in the world. Coming up inside the statue is a 6D theatre and an audio-visualbased digital museum that will take visitors on a journey of Ramayana.
