Kerala Kalamandalam

A major tourist destination for vacationists, researchers, and students alike admiring the incredible culture of Kerala, the Kerala Kalamandalam has an unbelievable experience to offer to its visitors. One will feel the rhythm of Kerala Traditions beating in their heart and soul. And it will be difficult to forget the refreshing and soothing ambiance one would get after walking through the verandas of Kalamandalam and watching the pure, unmatched art performances here. Located in the small town of Cheruthuruthy, it stands with pride on the banks of the Bharathapuzha river. By reinstating Kerala’s unmatched performing arts that were becoming increasingly extinct, like Kadhakali, Mohiniyattam, and more, the inception of Kerala Kalamandalam was a blessing to South Indian culture preservation. Since then, Kalamandalam has successfully imparted systematic and traditional training in Kadhakali, Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam, Thullal, Panchavadyam, Mrudhangam, Karnatic music and its sub-divisions like vocal & instrumental music, make-up, and costuming.

History

Kerala Kalamandalam, where the Gurukul methodology endures, was founded by the great Malayalam Poet, Vallathol Narayan Menon in 1930, as a prestigious public institution preserving the cultural heritage of Kerala through uncompromising art training and performances. Now a Deemed University, it is a major institution for learning performing arts originated in the Southern states of India. The Kalamandalam was reportedly not a training institution, in the beginning, instead, it was a society that was formed by Vallathol Narayana Menon and Mukunda Raja, at Kunnamkulam with a mission to revive Kerala’s own art forms. After 6 years of extensive activities on preserving the aesthetic art forms, the society was moved to a plot in Cheruthuruthy which was donated by the Maharaja of Cochin.

Kerala Kalamandalam

True to the heritage and culture of Kerala, it is a perfect place to practice the traditional art forms of Kerala, for both Indian and abroad students alike. Nothing other than the purity and perfection of art performances is valued here- therefore one should not be disturbing the art practices going on while visiting this place. If anything like asking the performers for a pose or making remarks that cause inconvenience or anything like that occurs, then that would be regarded as disrespect to the art forms and hence is not entertained here. With no restrictions on clicking photographs, it’s heaven for photographers looking for locations for culture & historic photography. The blend of stunning postures that the performers make, which are embellished by vibrant gestures and expressions, and the unique architecture of this institute is a fascinating scenery for tourists. Typically, this place accepts only 30 people per day (3 batches of 10 people). And during the visit, there will always be a staff guide who will tell you everything about the adorable culture of Kerala as you walk down the place.

Must-Visit:

Art Gallery- where different headgears, pieces of jewelry, costumes, and other things are displayed.

Old Kalamandalam campus- located on Nila’s banks.

Greenery All-Around

Visiting Duration

Open throughout the year from 09.30 to 13.00, except on national holidays, and summer break (April-May).

Entrance Fee

Foreign tourists- $20 per head

Indian tourists- Rs. 1000 per head.