See the World’s Largest Bird Statue – A 200-Foot Monstrosity

The average height of a man is 5.9 feet, the average length of a blue whale (the largest animal on earth) is less than 100 feet, and the largest bird statue in the world is a whopping 200 feet! The statue is full of symbolism and is named after a demi-god. The world’s largest bird statue is a must-see spectacle you should put on your bucket list. Find out what it is, where it’s located, and how to visit.

What is the World’s Largest Bird Statue?

The world’s largest bird statue is named Jatayu, a symbolic figure in Ramayana, an ancient Hindu epic. It measures 200 feet long, 150 feet wide, and 70 feet tall. The sculpture is of a giant eagle that has fallen from the sky. Its back is on the ground, with one wing fanned out to its side and its talons curled in agony. And its mouth hangs open as if to screech one last time. It was sculpted with concrete, except for the talons, which are steel.

The statue also doubles as the roof to the earth center’s building, the Jataya Museum. Inside the bird is a five-story building with a small museum and a theater visualizing the history of Jatayu. Outside features a cafeteria and viewing spots. 

Origin

The epic tells the story of Ravana, the demon king, who kidnaps the Goddess Sita. Jatayu is the “noble bird of divine origin” and tries to rescue Sita from the multi-headed demon. But Ravana defeats Jatayu and cuts off his left wing before escaping with Sita. Jatayu falls onto the rocks where he now stays in Kerala.

The statue was made to symbolize the honor, safety, and protection of women. It also symbolizes an era when humans, animals, and nature cohabitated with each other peacefully.

What Inscriptions Are on the Statue?

The plaque outside of the Jatayu Museum features a poem dedicated to the chief minister of Kerala.

“Stand atop this hill for a while in contemplation

 Here is where Jatayu fell

 Trying to block with his talons and beak

 The alien gnome who seized in deceit

 The priceless pearl of a daughter…”

Who Sculpted the Statue?

Rajiv Anchal sculpted Jatayu. He is a sculptor, director, and screenwriter from Kerala, India. His first movie Butterflies came out in 1993, and his first submission to the Academy Awards for Best Foreign Film was for his 1997 film Guru. 

Other than the Jatayu sculpture, Anchal contributed to the Parnashala, a white marble monument in the shape of a full-bloomed lotus.

Where is it Located and How Can You Access the Statue?

The Jatayu statue is located at Jatayu’s Earth Center Nature Park, a tourism center and nature park at Chadayamangalam in the Kollam district of Kerala in India. It sits 1,200 feet above sea level and is a rock-themed amusement center. The grounds are also well-maintained and plastic bottles are not allowed anywhere on the premises. Most people state that the statue and nature park is a peaceful place for visitors to relax with friends and family and enjoy the beauty of art. However, there are many activities for adventurists.

The site features 65 acres of activities for locals and tourists and takes around two to three hours to fully enjoy the experience. The hilltop featuring the statue is accessible by cable car or by walking up many flights of stairs. And for those that prefer something more adventurous, there are many other things to do that will satisfy any thrill-seeker. Enjoy breathtaking views while walking across bridges, commando nets, vertical ladders, and logs. You can also participate in paintball, hiking, camping, and helicopter rides.

Kerala is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world. It features ecotourism and gorgeous natural scenery. If you are in the area visiting Jatayu, check out some of the other destinations and activities, including museums, spice tours, beaches, waterfalls, bird watching, and staying in houseboats. Their national parks feature forested banks of slow-moving rivers, where you can view wildlife, like elephants and tigers.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © MTD_myTravelDiaries/Shutterstock.com