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Award winning Lifestyle and Travel Blog by Khushboo Motihar

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Live the River at Dwijing Festival 2019

Dwijing Festival 2019
Live the River: Dwijing Festival 2019

“I am going to Bodoland for the New Year”, I gushed to my friends and family. I was invited to be one of the ambassadors of Bodoland and I was beyond thrilled. For somebody who was travelling for the first time to the northeastern part of India, I was off to a great start with Awesome Assam and more importantly Beautiful Bodoland. What followed next was frenzied shopping for warm clothes and reading about Bodoland whenever I could spare some time. A three-hour flight to Guhuwati and a four-hour drive to Bongaigaon later, I could finally let this sink in. I was in Assam and was about to explore the unexplored. After a good night’s rest and a heavy breakfast, my co-bloggers and I were ready to live the river at the Dwijing Festival 2019.

Dwijing Festival 2019

“Vibrant” was the first word that popped into my head as we entered the festival area. Shimmering white sand, the calming lull of the river and children’s laughter greeted us. I felt quite dizzy for a moment. There was so much to see at the Dwijing Festival 2019 and I didn’t know where to look.

Dwijing Festival 2019

Little kids roamed about chasing bubbles and ponies, young couples let their imagination soar with their innovative selfies, the elderly relaxed on the many benches dotted around the river Aie and old souls like me just walked around taking in the joy and revelry.

Table of Contents

  • River Aie: A unique history
  • Sustainable Tourism at Dwijing Festival 2019
  • Fun, frolic and laughter
  • Art, Artisans and Artists
  • Food for thought and for the tummy, too

River Aie: A unique history

River Aie Bongaigaon
River Aie: Home to Dwijing Festival 2019

The banks of the River Aie (which means mother), became a unique platform for local artisans, artists and performers. River Aie is unpredictable, it changes its course every year and floods the villages. For the Dwijing Festival, she provided warmth and care to all children. The banks of the river near the Hargrama Bridge welcomed one and all.

There were designated picnic spots for families to roll out a chatai and relax on the banks of the river. For the rest of us, there were so many different things to do that even two days were not enough.

Sustainable Tourism at Dwijing Festival 2019

Dwijing Festival 2019 bridge

One of the things to take note at the Dwijing Festival and Bodoland, too was the use of traditional materials to create modern necessities. The bridge to cross the bank of the river Aie was made using bamboo, the barriers for the cars were made of bamboo and so were the dustbins.

Dwijing Festival 2019 bridge

This was something unique to me, but for the people of Bodoland it was a way of life.  Using sustainable materials that can withstand nature and protect her from the harmful plastics was an important lesson that we must learn from Bodoland. The Dwijing Festival 2019 showed us a glimpse of true harmony between man and nature.

Fun, frolic and laughter

“Aaaaaahhhhhhhh” was all I screamed for the first five minutes I sat on the Giant Wheel with my fellow bloggers. The next five minutes was spent on calling out to each other and laughing giddily. Next, we hopped on to Tora Tora and almost flew off our seats and then we followed it up with a tame dragon train ride. By the end of it all, we all were grinning gleefully. I suppose there is something inexplicably joyful about going on the rides on a fair that makes adults go nuts. I lost my inhibitions and screamed to my heart’s content. And when I felt dizzy, I just bought some popcorn and cotton candy.

Dwijing Festival 2019

The best part about any fair (besides the food of course) are the lucky draws which are a major attraction for all. Dwijing Festival 2019 was not to be left behind. People played ethnic games where winners could walk away with a chicken, a goat or food grains.

Art, Artisans and Artists

Blurred Perimeters Dwijing Festival 2019

“Blurred Perimeters” a series of art installations made by artists using local materials and curated by Ms. Wahida Ahmed were the highlight of the Dwijing Festival 2019 for me. I have always seen art from a distance; sometimes admiring its beauty and other times walking away scratching my head. Art always seems so alien and inaccessible. Not at the Dwijing Festival 2019 though.

The entire section was open to the public, you could reach out and touch the installations, you could look at it, feel it and take it all in. It was art for the people and made by the people who understood the true essence of Bodoland. I have spoken about the “Weathering House” on Instagram but I would like to talk about it again.

Dwijing Festival 2019

It was an installation that deeply touched me. Kudos to the artist of expressing something so profound in such a simple manner. Banksy would have been proud 🙂

Dwijing Festival 2019

Dwijing Festival 2019 also saw many local artisans display their wares in the market area. Colourful arunais (Scarf), intricate dokonas, gamchas, bamboo products and traditional arts and crafts in India were available. A shopaholic like me couldn’t resist buying one of everything.

In the evening, the stage was lit with shimmering lights and beautiful melodies. We saw dance performances by local groups and international groups, revelled in the love ballads sung in the local language and shook a leg to the pulsating beats of the rock bands.

I celebrated New Year’s Eve, on the glittering riverbank, listening to a band perform “We Will Rock you” and enjoying hot pakodas while watching the fireworks show. A great way to end the year right? 

Food for thought and for the tummy, too

Bhutanese ema datshi, grilled fish, chowmein, lafa sak and local chaat all made their way to my tummy during my trip to Bodoland. The food was wholesome, delicious and not heavy on the stomach which meant you could stuff yourself full and not get sick 😉

I tried fried silkworms for the first time in life (they are a local delicacy) and they surprisingly tasted like fried corn.

The Dwijing Festival 2019 had everything from Mughlai to South Indian, Bhutanese and local Bodo food. There was something for everyone.

The Stage for all

What sets the Dwijing Festival apart is the fact that it is inclusive and everything has been thoughtfully curated for the people who attend it. A stage was set up in the middle of the festival for anybody to come up and perform whatever they liked. I saw giggling grandmoms recite poetry and young men show off their dance move to rapturous applause.

Last words for Dwijing Festival 2019

 

Dwijing Festival 2019

You can’t sum up an experience of a lifetime in a few words, can you? But let me give it a shot. An inclusive, environmentally sustainable festival with a heart, the Dwijing Festival 2019 is for the art connoisseurs, for foodies, for those appreciate the performing arts, for the bookworms, for the shopaholics, for the childish adults, the young children and everybody in between. It is meant for you and for me.

Dwijing Festival 2019

Dwijing Festival, see you in 2020. 🙂

A day with the elephants of Manas National Park

Elephants at Manas National Park
A day with the elephants at Manas National Park

My earliest memory of meeting an elephant was at Rani Baug at Bombay. As an impressionable 7-year-old girl, I was in awe upon meeting the majestic creature with funny floppy ears and a mammoth trunk. “Horton Hears a Who” and “Mr. Galliano’s Circus” were two books that made me love elephants even more. Elephants are one of the most intelligent animals and it is often said that elephants do not forget kind or unkind behaviors towards them. They are truly remarkable creatures.  My recent trip to meet the elephants at Manas National Park gave me the opportunity to meet the love of my life up, close and personal. This was my first trip to Assam, as one of the 12 ambassadors of Bodoland.

At Smiling Tusker Elephant Camp

We stayed at the Smiling Tusker Elephant Camp for three days. It is located close to the park boundary near a tea garden. You can stay in cottage tents, outdoor tents or the machan rooms. The entire space has been designed thoughtfully and the service is impeccable.

Manas National Park
Meet Ratnamala and Jaymala, the two might elephants at Manas National Park

I arrived at the camp just in time for lunch and halfway through I heard a mighty call. Ratnamala and Jaymala, our elephant companions had arrived and wanted to go for their bath. Both these elephants were orphans that were raised by the local mahouts. Both the elephants at the Smiling Tusker Elephant Camp were used to humans being around them and were quite friendly. Manas National Park takes special care to ensure that the elephants are not overworked and have a limited set of activities every day. They firmly believe in developing the area as a sustainable, animal-friendly destination.

Table of Contents

  • Up, Close and personal with the elephants at Manas National Park
  • Bathing elephants at Manas National Park
  • In the pond with Ratnamala and Jaymala
  • A walk to remember with Ratnamala and Jaymala

Up, Close and personal with the elephants at Manas National Park

Approaching Ratnamala and Jaymala was very easy. They were a friendly and playful pair. When you are standing close to an elephant, you can’t help but wonder how strong they really are. Yet, the gentleness in their eyes makes them seem so kind. After a quick photo session with them as they patiently posed for us, it was time for their bath!

Bathing elephants at Manas National Park

Bathing elephants at Manas National Park
Bathing Ratnamala and Jaymala at Manas National Park

We made our way to the nearby pond and both Ratnamala and Jaymala settled in the water with a splash.

Elephants lazing around
It is time for a scrub!

Did I want to go and bathe them personally?

Absolutely!

Was I scared?

Absolutely

Did I imagine one hundred different ways in which my clumsy self might slip and fall in the terribly cold water?

Absolutely! Yes!

However, a few words of encouragement and assurances by the mahouts and my friends that the elephants would love to have me bathe them made me get into the water.

Bathing elephants
My co-elephant bathers and I

In the pond with Ratnamala and Jaymala

I gingerly stepped in and went to Ratnamala who was happily lazing around. Alfred and Namita, my co-elephant bathers helped me get over my initial fear. Both the elephants would let out a trumpet of contentment as they were scrubbed with grass. One interesting thing to note is that the mahouts spoke to the elephants in the local language and they would respond to them by waving their trunk. It felt surreal standing so close to both of them.

Elephants can be surprisingly hairy and their skin is so tough that a good grass scrub makes them happy. The mahouts also apply a bit of oil around the eyes as it tends to get dry around the area.

Bathing elephants
“These Humans need to take a bath, too!”- Ratnamala

Towards the end of the bath, Ratnamala decided that the three humans i.e. Alfred, Namita and I were too dirty. It made sense for her to take some water in her trunk and give us a quick shower. It was extremely cold but it was worth it. Shivering, despite the strong sun on our backs, we made our way back to the Smiling Tusker Elephant Camp.

A walk to remember with Ratnamala and Jaymala

Manas National Park
A walk to remember

After a quick change of clothing, it was time to go on a walk with our two gorgeous friends leading the way. A dog decided to follow us on our walk and remained our companion till the end. We became quite friendly with the elephants, too. We ambled through the tea estates and watched both the elephants pluck branches for a quick snack.

Manas National Park
Walking around the tea gardens

They would pause next to a tree, take a moment to think and …Crack! They would pluck a branch full of leaves. It was almost as if they were attending a buffet and they knew which branches would be delicious. A quick bite later, they would either decide to discard the branch or continue munching on it.

Happy Elephants
A trumpet of contentment after a quick snack

During our 2 hours long walk with the elephants at Manas National Park, we passed a Bodo settlement and were welcomed warmly into their houses. It is wonderful to learn about new cultures and experience something unique. The Bodos are the kindest people you will ever meet and we had a great time going around their house getting to know about them. Weaving is an important source of income for many families, more on that later in my next post 🙂

Sunset at Manas National Park
It was time to return to the camp

The sun had almost set and it was time to return to the camp to huddle around a bonfire. Ratnamala and Jaymala retired for the day, too. After a delicious meal and swapping some tales, it was time to sleep. For the next day, I was going on an Elephant Safari in the deep jungle. Stay tuned for my next blog post.

How to apply for a Schengen Visa in India?

 Apply for Schengen Visa in India

Been thinking of that dream tour to Europe? Traversing through the history of Athens, visiting the Colosseum at Rome, clicking a selfie at the Eiffel Tower and skiing at the Swiss Alps?

Well, you are not alone. Europe has been witnessing an increase in the number of Indian tourists in recent years with over 10 million visiting the continent in the last year alone.  However, one significant fact most fail to emphasize upon is the importance of good International travel insurance. More on that later. Let’s begin with the first step of applying for a Schengen area Visa.

Table of Contents

  • What is the Schengen area?
  • Documents required to apply for Schengen visa in India
  • Processing time for a Schengen visa in India 

What is the Schengen area?

Schengen area is a region comprising 26 out of 28 European countries who have mutually agreed to remove official border controls like passports that hassle tourists traveling across their mutual borders. The countries under the Schengen area include Austria, Belgium, The Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

The Schengen area short-term tourist visa application comes in two types- Type A and Type C offering a single entry or multiple entry access. A single-entry visa means that your visa expires once you leave the Schengen area which a multiple entry visa will allow you to enter and exit the Schengen area for up to 90 days.

Documents required to apply for Schengen visa in India

The following documents are necessary to apply for your Schengen visa in India:

1)    Application form

2)    Two passport size photos

3)    Your passport and photocopies of the previous visa

4)    International travel insurance covering at least €30,000 during your stay in the Schengen area

5)    Letter stating the purpose of visit

6)    Copies of: your travel itinerary, hotel reservations, birth certificate, salary slip and bank statement showing a minimum of €2000 in the account during the last three months.

After this, you will have to book an appointment at a Visa application centre.  You shall be expected to submit your Visa application and other documents. You have to pay a visa fee to apply for a Schengen visa in India. Again, this is hassle-free because Schengen area countries have a standard fee [€60 for adults and €35 for children (6-12 years of age)]. Visa fees are not charged for children under the age of 6.

Processing time for a Schengen visa in India 

After this, your visa application goes into the process. The total time taken for this is usually around 15 working days and up to 30 working days. However, this might even go up to 60 days in some cases.

When to Apply for a Schengen visa in India?

It is expected of a tourist to submit their Schengen visa in India application by a minimum of 15 days before their travel. Also, an application can be made up to three months in advance. It is advisable to submit your applications at least a month in advance.

Also, remember that the Schengen countries emphasize on good travel insurance.  They want to ensure that you would be able to handle expenses caused due to any untoward instance during your travel. So make sure that you find good travel insurance for Schengen countries before you apply for your Schengen visa in India.

 

Your complete guide to Fazlani Natures Nest: 2021 update

Fazlani Natures Nest
Fazlani Natures Nest: One of the best getaways from Mumbai

An escape to Fazlani Natures Nest, an organic resort in Lonavala, is what I needed to rejuvenate myself from Mumbai’s sultry weather all year. The lush greenery, the young orchards showing the first signs of life, the chipper ducks, the grumpy but cute turkeys, the calming horses, an exquisite Thai massage followed by a delicious meal….it was pure bliss! Fazlani Natures Nest is one of the luxury resorts in Lonavala and it is perfect for a weekend getaway from Mumbai.

Table of Contents

  • Fazlani Natures Nest: First impression
  • The Hive at Fazlani Natures Nest
  • Fazlani Natures Nest: A Farm to Fork Resort in Lonavala
  • Amarine Spa Review
  • Ducks and Turkeys at Fazlani Natures Nest
  • Equine Therapy at Lonavala
  • Garden View and Lake View Rooms at Fazlani Natures Nest
  • Fazlani Natures Nest: Quick facts
      • Fazlani Natures Nest Price: 2021
      • Fazlani Natures Nest contact number
  • Last thoughts on Fazlani Natures Nest

Fazlani Natures Nest: First impression

Located in Takwe village, Fazlani Natures Nest has been designed to heal your body, mind, and soul. It is a wellness resort and spa with a difference and is one of the few resorts in India that offer equine therapy and duck therapy. This definitely makes it one of the best resorts near Lonavala.

Everything at Fazlani Natures Nest is thoughtfully curated. From the refreshing cooler that is offered to you when you enter the resort, to the warm hospitality that the staff offers as they show you around the property.

Its vast expanse can be a little overwhelming initially. You are encouraged to go on long walks and revel in the silence or hop on to a bicycle and relive your carefree childhood days. When you get tired, a buggy is just a phone call away to drop you back to your simple but comfortable rooms. This truly makes it one of the best weekend getaways near Mumbai.

The Hive at Fazlani Natures Nest

The Hive restaurant at Fazlani Natures Nest

Eating involves all our five senses and I believe that ambience plays an important role in our appetites. The Hive overlooks the farm from where they will source all their ingredients in the future. Specialized menus are created for those who are undergoing any wellness therapies in consultation with a dietician. You are welcome to choose from the wide array of dishes on their menu. I enjoyed a delicious quinoa salad, vegetable pulao, crispy okra and some dal for lunch. The fact that I did not bother to click any photographs is a testament to the fact that the food was so delicious that I couldn’t help but eat. And isn’t truly delicious food one of the things we all want from our holiday destinations near Mumbai?

Fazlani Natures Nest: A Farm to Fork Resort in Lonavala

Organic farming at Fazlani Natures Nest

The Ahara Farms that grow everything from Chinese cabbage to bananas, is where most of the ingredients for the delicious meals that are served to you are sourced from. The farm is still young, just like the resort but will soon bloom with fresh herbs and organic fruits and vegetables. Understanding how farming works, getting your hands dirty and plucking fresh produce is something we all would like to enjoy during our weekend getaways near Mumbai for family.

Amarine Spa Review

Offering an amalgamation of Ayurveda and Naturopathy, Amarin Spa specializes in a range of traditional and modern treatments. Nutritionist, fitness guides, doctors, therapists and physiotherapists all come together to offer you the best experience. They help you work towards your health goals and offer a holistic treatment customized to your needs.

I began my wellness treatment by walking on sand, followed by walking on pebbles and water and ended it by walking on pebbles. Each of these surfaces simulates certain points in your feet which in turn relaxes your body.

I followed this with inversion therapy that mimics the position of a shirshasana. I ended my wellness hour with a Thai foot massage.

Ducks and Turkeys at Fazlani Natures Nest

Turkey in Lonavala
Turkey and Duck Therapy at Fazlani Natures Nest
Ducks at Lonavala
Duck Therapy at Fazlani Natures Nest

An hour of relaxation was followed by a fun and rigorous workout of chasing ducks and trying to escape the grumpy turkeys. Isn’t running behind ducks the best way to begin an exercise routine? Fazlani Natures Nest doubles up as a petting zoo near Mumbai for your kids. It is a perfect place for a getaway from Mumbai.

Equine Therapy at Lonavala

Equine Therapy
Equine Therapy at Fazlani Natures Nest

Equine Therapy or Horse Therapy involves interaction between an individual and a horse. Taking this therapy a step further, Fazlani Natures Nest has trained the horses to run on the grounds. It is believed that watching horses race against each other calms your senses and is considered beneficial for individuals with high blood pressure or cardiovascular diseases.

Fazlani Natures Nest takes care of its horses even after they are officially retired from work. I definitely appreciate this initiative of theirs.

Garden View and Lake View Rooms at Fazlani Natures Nest

250 square feet rooms furnished with basic amenities; Bliss and Serene are designed for your comfort. The rooms while offering all the facilities, are not very luxurious because, at Fazlani Natures Nest, guests should spend time outdoors than indoors.

Each villa comprises 8 rooms in all and it overlooks a beautiful garden with an outdoor seating area. It is one of the resorts in Lonavala with a gorgeous pool perfect for cooling down during the summers. It is a perfect weekend resort in Lonavala for those who are looking to refocus on their health and well being.

Fazlani Natures Nest: Quick facts

Fazlani Natures Nest Price: 2021

  • Fazlani Natures Nest charges Rs. 33,000 for single occupancy and Rs. 66,000 for double occupancy for three nights at its Garden View Rooms.
  • Fazlani Natures Nest charges Rs. 60,000 for single occupancy and Rs. 1,05,000 for double occupancy for three nights at its Lake Suites.

The Fazlani Natures Nest tariff includes accommodation, all meals, consultation and regular treatment by its professional. While they require you to stay for a minimum of three nights, they have options available for short leisure stays in Lonavala.

Fazlani Natures Nest contact number

Fazlani Natures Nest contact number is 77860 00027 and you can enquire about short trips from Mumbai if you like or even choose to extend your stay.

How to reach Fazlani Natures Nest from Mumbai

The unique wellness resort is about 3 hr 26 min (136.3 km) from Mumbai. You can travel via Bengaluru – Mumbai Hwy/Mumbai Hwy/Mumbai – Pandharpur Rd/Mumbai – Pune Hwy. It is recommended that you download the map on your mobile phone as the internet connectivity can be unreliable.

Last thoughts on Fazlani Natures Nest

Gorgeous private pool in Fazlani Natures Nest, Lonavala
Gorgeous private pool in Fazlani Natures Nest, Lonavala
Fazlani Natures Nest
Being close to nature is one of the highlights of Fazlani Natures Nest

As the sun set over the Machan, I couldn’t help but think that Fazlani Natures Nest is a resort with a heart. A heart that is brimming with warm hospitality, environmental consciousness, respect for animals and love for all the guests. It was difficult to bid goodbye Fazlani Natures Nest and the escape it offered to city dwellers like me.

PS: I hope you enjoyed this detailed review of Fazlani Natures Nest. If you are looking for the best weekend destinations for families near Mumbai, you can check out my review of the Roots Farm, an organic farm getaway from Mumbai.  the Roots Farm, an organic farm getaway from Mumbai. 

Your complete guide to Jatayu Earth’s Centre 2021: Everything you need to know

Jatayu earth centre or Jatayu Nature Park complete review

Indian folklore, dance, drama and other art forms are deeply influenced by mythological beliefs and they play an important part in creating India’s cultural imagination. The oral tradition of folklore being narrated and local drama troupes enacting stage plays have declined since the 1980s with the advent of television media. As a child of this generation, I religiously watched Indian epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata on TV every weekend. The grandiose settings, flaming arrows and the mighty Hanuman enraptured me. My first glimpse of Jatayu Earth’s Centre evoked nostalgia and awe.

Table of Contents

  • Where is the world’s largest bird sculpture?
  • What is the story behind the Jatayu Earth’s Centre?
      • Jatayu Earth Centre facts
  • Jatayu Earth’s Center: The Experience
  • Things to do at Jatayu Park: Key highlights of Jatayu Park
      • How to book tickets for Jatayu National Park or Jatayu Park?
      • What are the address and contact number of Jatayu Earth’s Centre?
      • Where to stay Jatayu Earth’s Centre?
      • What are some of the attractions near Jatayu Nature Park?
      • Jatayu Earth’s Centre: Final words

Where is the world’s largest bird sculpture?

The world’s biggest bird sculpture is now in Kerala i.e. God’s Own Country and is dedicated to Jatayu who laid down his life trying to save Sita. Here’s my complete guide to Jatayu Earth’s Centre, one of the premier tourist destinations in Kerala.

What is the story behind the Jatayu Earth’s Centre?

Ramayan is an Indian mythology which tells us the story of Ram and Sita, their journey through hardships and their ultimate victory over Ravan. In one part of the tale when Ram and Sita were in exile in a forest, Sita was kidnapped by Ravan. During this time, Jatayu, a vulture tried to rescue Sita from the clutches of Ravan. Despite fighting bravely he was unable to rescue her and was grievously injured during the clash. He fell on the foothills of what became known as Jatayupara. It is said in the Ramayan that Jatayu narrated the event to Ram before breathing his last. Upon seeing Jatayu nearing his end, Ram granted him moksha (emancipation) before resuming his search for Sita. The sculpture at Jatayu Earth’s centre made at Jatayupara hills has been inspired by the Jatayu in Ramayana

Jatayu Earth Centre facts

Jatayu Earth Center, or Jatayu Nature Park is home to the largest bird sculpture in the world measuring 200 feet long, 150 feet wide and 70 feet in height. Located in the Chadayamangalam in Kollam district, Jatayu Earth Centre is dedicated to ‘Women’s Safety and Honour’. It is an eco-friendly, sustainable tourism destination and uses several best practices to ensure the environment around it is preserved.

Jatayu Earth Centre
Jatayu Earth’s Centre: First Look

Jatayu Earth’s Center: The Experience

On showing your tickets, you will be given a wristband that gives you access to Jatayu Earth’s Centre. Now there are two ways to reach the Jatayu Rock:

The Jatayu Earth’s Centre walkway: If you are in the mood for some adventure, you can climb 826 steps and enjoy the natural surroundings to reach the sculpture. A word of caution that the area can get very hot in the summer months and it is advisable to carry plenty of water and snacks for this short climb.

The Cable Car: After a quick security check, you can move towards the cable cars that will take you to the sculpture. This is the option that I went for. Since I visited on a weekday, there were very few people around. On weekends, I am told, one has to wait in a queue. To prevent overcrowding, a limited number of people are allowed at a time. This is something that I appreciate as you get a good time to explore the place as well get Instagram worthy pictures!

Jatayu Earth Centre Entry wristband
Jatayu Earth Centre wristband: Your gateway to the sculpture

The staff are very efficient and in a span of few short minutes, I was on my way in the cable car.

Jatayu Earth Centre Cable Car
Cable car ride at Jatayu Earth’s Centre

Jatayu Earth Centre largest bird sculpture in world

You will catch the first glimpse of the magnificent Jatayu Bird statue as the cable car slowly climbs up. The view from the cable car is simply incredible. When you step off the cable car it will take you a while to take in the beauty of the place. Step inside and climb the stairs to reach the museum area and eventually you will be able to see a bird eye’s view (literally!) from the sculpture.

Jatayu Earth Centre views
The view from the cable car

During my visit, I was fortunate to meet Mr Rajiv Achal, the brainchild of this project for a short time. A joint venture by Kerala Tourism and Mr Rajiv Anchal, Jatayu Nature Park is the fruit of decade-long hard work.  “Jatayu may be the first mythical bird who laid down his life to save the honour of a woman.”, says Rajiv Anchal.

A beautiful poem on Jatayu’s bravery can be read right at the entrance. It is fascinating to listen to Mr Anchal describe his creative process, the challenges he faced in Jatayupara and some of the tough decisions he took during his journey.

I was particularly keen to know why concrete was used for construction. He replied that in the years to come concrete will give the sculpture a unique look. “Besides that, it was the only practical material for sculpture this big.”, he added with a smile.

Jatayu Earth Centre poem for women
A poem on Jatayu’s Bravery and Sacrifice

Things to do at Jatayu Park: Key highlights of Jatayu Park

Things to do in Jatayu Earth Centre
Jatayu Earth’s Centre: Dedicated to Women’s Safety and Honour

Jatayu Earth’s Centre is a sustainable tourism destination that has a range of activities for everybody.

  • Hill 1 Jatayu Sculpture: This should be your first stop where you can marvel at the Jatayu statue, take a tour of the museum and understand the history and mythological stories.
  • Hill 2 Adventure Rock Hill: After visiting the sculpture, you can make way to the Adventure Rock Hill that has activities like rappelling, rifle shooting, archery, rappelling, bouldering, vertical ladder, zip-line, and much more. 
  • Hill 3 Elephant Rock Hill: Sky cycling, campfire, moonlight dinner and sleeping under the stars; the Elephant Rock Hill is the perfect destination to rekindle your romance. This place offers  live music and performances.
  •  Hill 4 Kitchen Rock Hill: Traditional Siddha in natural caves with luxurious accommodation facilities is what Kitchen Rock Hill has to offer. It also has a heli taxi services where you can enjoy spectacular views of Jatayu sculpture.

How to book tickets for Jatayu National Park or Jatayu Park?

Jatayu Earth Centre timings are 10 am to 8 pm from Sunday to Saturday for the sculpture and 10 am to 6 pm for the Adventure Centre.  The Jatayu Earth Centre entry fee and Jatayu Earth Centre ticket price is as follows:

  • Jatayu Sculpture Cable ride: The cable car ride and the visit to the sculpture costs about Rs. 450 including taxes.
  • 15 Adventure Activities – Rs.1000/-
  • Trekking and Paintball – Rs.1300/-
  • 15 Adventures Activities and Trekking – Rs.1500/-
  • 15 Adventures Activities and Paintball – Rs.1800/-
  • All Activities, Paintball and Trekking  – Rs.2300/-
  • Full Day Activities  – Rs.3500/-Discounts are available for larger groups.
  • Jatayu Centre Helicopter ride: Please contact 90720 44444 for further details

Jatayu Park 2021 update: Jatayu Earth Centre online booking is the best way to make your reservations. The Jatayu Earth Centre ticket rates are very affordable and it is an ideal place for a daycation or even a Kerala staycation. However, due to the worldwide pandemic, the operations have been halted. Please check this space in a few months for recent updates.

What are the address and contact number of Jatayu Earth’s Centre?

Jatayu Earth Centre address is Jatayu Junction, Jatayu Nature Park Rd, Chadayamangalam, Kerala 691534.

Jatayu Earth Centre contact number is 097784 14178

How to reach Jatayu Earth’s Centre?

Located about an hour and a half away from Trivandrum, it is easily accessible by car or state transport buses.

Reach Jatayu Earth’s Centre by Train

The nearest Railway Stations are Kollam Junction, about 35 kms and Thiruvananthapuram Central about 55 kms away.

Reach Jatayu Earth’s Centr by Air

The nearest airport for Jatayu Nature Park is Trivandrum International Airport and it is about 52 kms away.

Reach Jatayu Earth’s Centr by Road

Jatayupara is located approximately 200 meters from Trivandrum – Kochi highway and is easily accessible from Kollam.

Where to stay Jatayu Earth’s Centre?

Overnight experience at Jatayu Park

If you enjoy sleeping under the stars; then the Glamping at Jatayu Earth’s Centre would be your best option. You can stay overnight to enjoy some delicious food, enjoy some moon light live performances and end the day with a cozy campfire.

7-day Healing package in the Siddha Healing Caves of Jatayu Earth’s Centre 

The Siddha Rejeuvanation Therapy at Jatayu Nature Park is perfect for those who are looking to rejuvenate themselves with Ayurveda. The caves have been converted into cottages where you can spend seven perfect days reawakening your body and soul. You can spend some time in the herbal gardens nearby.

Daycation at Jadayupara 

You can stay in the following hotels if you wish to spend a day at Jatayu Nature Park and return.

  • Luxury: Hilton Garden Inn
  • Mid Range: Biverah Hotel & Suites
  • Budget: Hotel Silver Sand

What are some of the attractions near Jatayu Nature Park?

Jatayu Nature Park has several other attractions nearby for those who wish to spend a longer time. You can visit:

  • Jatayuppara Sree Kodanda Rama Temple
  • Minerva Cinema
  •  Kilimanoor Palace

Jatayu Earth’s Centre: Final words

Jatayu Earth Centre bird eye's view
Birdseye view from the Jatayu sculpture

Jatayu Earth’s Centre is a unique destination that is an amalgamation of myth and modernity. Do you have any questions about this place? Let us know in the comments below 🙂

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