‘Ramayan’ Film Revives Jatayu Legend, Boosts Kerala’s Kollam Tourism

The release of Nitesh Tiwari’s new "Ramayan" has turned heads not only at the box office but also on the tourist maps of Kerala. The movie’s dramatization of Jatayu’s self‑less battle to rescue Sita has sparked renewed curiosity about the bird’s mythic resting place in Kollam’s Chadayamangalam.

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, acknowledging the surge in public interest, urged people from across the country to travel to the Jatayu Arth Centre. He emphasized that the 200‑foot stone sculpture, regarded as the world’s biggest bird statue, stands as a tribute to the creature’s courage and sacrifice.

The centre is a hallmark of a public‑private partnership, employing a build‑operate‑transfer model that blends large‑scale art with a surrounding nature park, visitor centers, and adventure activities. The project’s lead sculptor, Rajiv Anchal, and his team spent months carving the colossal figure into a natural rock known locally as Jatayupaara.

Tourism Minister P.C. Vishwanath highlighted that the attraction now includes a small Rama temple perched on the same rock, offering pilgrims a spiritual stop alongside the cultural landmark. He noted that the film’s popularity has amplified inbound travel, with tourists eager to witness the legend where it is said Jatayu fell.

The invitation from the chief minister is open to anyone who watched the film, promising a memorable blend of mythology, art, and Kerala’s natural beauty, positioning the Jatayu Arth Centre as a flagship destination for cultural tourism in South India.