Kerala CM invites tourists to Jatayu sculpture after Ramayana film release
Synopsis
The release of Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana has done something Kerala's tourism pitch alone could not — made millions of filmgoers curious about the real cliff where Jatayu reportedly fell. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan is seizing the moment, personally inviting the film's audience to visit the world's largest bird sculpture at Chadayamangalam, turning Bollywood buzz into a heritage tourism opportunity.
Key Takeaways
Satheesan invited tourists nationwide to visit Jatayu Earth's Centre in Chadayamangalam, Kollam on 9 November 2026 .
The invitation follows the release of the Hindi film Ramayana , directed by Nitesh Tiwari , which renewed public interest in the Jatayu legend.
The site hosts the world's largest bird sculpture , created by filmmaker and sculptor Rajiv Anchal .
Tourism Minister P.C.
Vishnunadh confirmed rising visitor interest following the film's release.
Jatayu Earth's Centre is Kerala's first public-private partnership tourism project under the build-operate-transfer model .
A Lord Rama temple is also located on the Jatayupara rock cliff.
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Monday, 9 November 2026, extended an open invitation to travellers across India to visit the iconic Jatayu Earth's Centre in Chadayamangalam, Kollam district, capitalising on the surge of public interest in the legendary bird following the blockbuster release of the Hindi epic Ramayana.
The Silver Screen Spark
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film Ramayana — featuring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Ravana — has thrust the characters of the ancient epic back into the national conversation. The portrayal of Jatayu's self-sacrificing battle against Ravana to protect Sita struck a chord with audiences, prompting Satheesan to draw a direct line between the film and Kerala's real-world tribute to the mythological bird.
Taking to social media platform X after watching the film, Satheesan wrote: 'From the Silver Screen to the Land of Jatayu.' He added that it was a matter of pride that millions were now discovering that the legend lives on in Kerala.
About Jatayu Earth's Centre
Perched atop a massive rock cliff known as Jatayupara in Chadayamangalam, the sculpture stands as the world's largest bird sculpture, according to the facility. The monument was conceived and created by filmmaker and sculptor Rajiv Anchal and his team, drawing inspiration from Jatayu's courage and ultimate sacrifice as described in the Ramayana.
According to the Ramayana, the celestial bird Jatayu intercepted Ravana as he abducted Sita, fought him valiantly, and was fatally wounded before falling on this very rock. A Lord Rama temple situated on the cliff adds further spiritual significance to the site.
Jatayu Earth's Centre is also notable as Kerala's first public-private partnership tourism initiative developed under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model. The project integrates the giant sculpture with a rock-themed nature park and a range of visitor amenities, drawing tourists interested in mythology, nature, and adventure activities.
Government's Tourism Push
Tourism Minister P.C. Vishnunadh described the Jatayu sculpture as a cornerstone of Kerala's experiential tourism portfolio. He noted that the film's release had measurably broadened the destination's appeal, with a growing number of visitors expressing interest in seeing the site where Jatayu is believed to have fallen.
Satheesan also acknowledged the state tourism teams and all those whose vision made the landmark a reality, framing the sculpture as a point of cultural pride for the state.
What This Means for Kerala Tourism
The timing of the film's release offers Kerala's tourism sector a rare opportunity to convert cinematic curiosity into footfall. The Jatayu Earth's Centre already attracts a broad base of visitors, but the nationwide attention generated by a major Bollywood release could significantly amplify arrivals to Kollam district. This comes amid a broader state push to position Kerala as a destination that blends mythology, heritage, and adventure tourism.
With the film continuing to draw audiences and the government actively channelling that interest, Jatayu Earth's Centre is poised to see heightened visitor numbers in the weeks ahead.
Point of View
But its BOT model means capacity and service quality depend on a private operator's readiness, not just government enthusiasm. If the state can convert this Bollywood tailwind into repeat visitors and ancillary spending in Kollam district, it would demonstrate a replicable model for mythology-led tourism — something India's heritage circuit has long promised but rarely delivered at scale.
NationPress
9 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Jatayu sculpture located in Kerala?
The Jatayu sculpture is located at Chadayamangalam in Kollam district, Kerala, atop a large rock cliff known as Jatayupara. According to the Ramayana, this is the site where the celestial bird Jatayu fell after being fatally wounded by Ravana.
Why is the Jatayu Earth's Centre getting renewed attention in 2026?
The release of the Bollywood epic Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari and featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash, has reignited nationwide interest in the story of Jatayu. Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan used the film's release as an opportunity to invite viewers to visit the world's largest bird sculpture at Chadayamangalam.
What is Jatayu Earth's Centre?
Jatayu Earth's Centre is a large-scale tourism complex in Chadayamangalam, Kollam, built around the world's largest bird sculpture, created by filmmaker and sculptor Rajiv Anchal. It is Kerala's first public-private partnership tourism initiative under the build-operate-transfer model, combining the sculpture with a rock-themed nature park, adventure activities, and a Lord Rama temple.
Who created the Jatayu sculpture in Kerala?
The Jatayu sculpture was designed and created by Kerala-based filmmaker and sculptor Rajiv Anchal and his team. The sculpture depicts the mythological bird Jatayu and was inspired by his legendary courage and sacrifice as narrated in the Ramayana.
What did Kerala Tourism Minister P.C. Vishnunadh say about the site?
Tourism Minister P.C. Vishnunadh described the Jatayu sculpture as a key part of Kerala's experiential tourism offerings and confirmed that the Ramayana film's release had boosted interest in the destination. He also noted that visitors can see a Lord Rama temple situated on the Jatayupara rock cliff.
