Kerala set to get adventure park

A state-of-art adventure park is all set to open in Kerala April 15.

Located about 30 km from here, the Jatayupara adventure park is set up on 30 acres of land. It is part of the 65-acre Jatayupara Tourism Project (JTP) being build under the supervision of noted sculptor and film director Rajiv Anchal.

Speaking to IANS, Anchal said the first phase of the Rs.100 crore project comprising the adventure park would be commissioned April 15 and superstar Suresh Gopi would be its brand ambassador.

"The 65-acre project site is being developed by Guruchandrika Builders and Property Pvt. Ltd. along with other professional groups who are experts in adventure sports," Anchal said.

"We have also signed up with Chipsan - an independent aviation service provider - for helicopter operations from and to the JTP, besides providing services to tourists who would like to fly to other tourist destinations," Anchal said.

Speaking on the facilities available at the adventure park, Rency Thomas, CEO of the park, said the standards of the parks in Australia and in the European countries are being followed.

"You name it and everything associated with rock climbing, including 40 different activities, is ready here. Our highly trained and certified staff strength of 20 is our biggest advantage. Besides, we are all set to close an insurance deal with a leading public sector insurance company, wherein all those who come to experience our park would be insured," Thomas said.

The facilities include "rock hopping, scrambling, jumaring, rappelling, bouldering, high and low rope activities, zip line and an all-terrain vehicle track with special four-wheel drive vehicles", Thomas said.

"Then there is a team activity called the 'paint ball game', which is played with a rifle which has paint bullets. We also have a functional dispensary for immediate first aid treatment," Thomas added.

Anchal selected the project site, which according to legends, is believed to be connected with the mythical character of 'Jatayu' in Ramayana.

The rock, 'Jatayupara', on which the project is based is the place where the mythical bird 'Jatayu' fell after its wings were severed by Ravana with his sword 'Chandrahasam'.

"The replica of the bird 'Jatayu', which is a 200 feet long, 150 feet wide and 65 feet tall concrete structure, is coming up right at the top of the rock situated 1,000 feet above the sea level."

"We expect to finish it next year," Anchal added.