Rakshasanpara, a picturesque rock formation on the edge of the Pathanamthitta forest, is set to feature on the district’s tourism map, three decades after it inspired the creation of a temple under the leadership of philosopher Nitya Chaitanya Yati.
According to tourism department officials, construction work on the tourism project will begin in February and Kerala Electrical and Allied Engineering Co. has been tasked with the execution. Ltd (KEL) and Habitat. To mark the launch of the project, a delegation led by Konni MLA KU Jenish Kumar and Pathanamthitta District Collector S. Prem Krishnan, accompanied by tourism department officials, visited the site on Friday.
“Habitat has been allocated ₹ 1 trillion while KEL will receive ₹ 1,763 crore for construction. The project will include roads, toilets, several viewpoints, a cafe, a Nitya Chaitanya memorial and a library along with other tourist amenities,” the MLA said.
Property dispute
Meanwhile, the District Collector noted that there is a property dispute with a private person along the access road to Rakshasanpara. “The matter will be resolved through legal channels. In the meantime, with the support of local residents, construction should begin immediately in the untouched areas,” he said.
Rakshasanpara has long been a focal point of the conservation movement in the region. Since the 1990s, the site has witnessed strong opposition to alleged encroachment attempts by quarry operators. Local activists, organized under the Jana Jagrath Mission, even staged a large demonstration here last year, highlighting the hill’s role in maintaining the water table in Pathanapuram and Kalanjoor panchayats.
Steeped in mythological connections with the Mahabharata, Rakshasanpara hosts two historic temples on either side, namely the Kalanjoor Mahadeva Temple and the Koodal Sree Devi Temple. Local legend claims that the rock is named after the demon king who was buried here by Shiva. Offering a panoramic view of the lush green landscape, this formation has long been a popular local attraction.
The movement to protect the three massive rocks, which together cover about 60 acres, was started in 1993 at the suggestion of Nitya Chaitanya Yati, who visited Rakshasanpara during his school days.
Published – 24 Jan 2026 20:01 IST
