Kerala Kalamandalam
കേരള കലാമണ്ഡലം
A traditional Kerala arts school founded in 1930 by the poet Vallathol, where visitors can watch training classes in Kathakali, Koodiyattam, Mohiniyattam and traditional percussion.
Kerala Kalamandalam is located in Cheruthuruthy, about 30 km north of Thrissur. It was founded in 1930 by the poet Vallathol Narayana Menon. It is the foremost institution for Kathakali dance-drama, Koodiyattam Sanskrit theatre, Mohiniyattam dance and traditional percussion, and is now a national arts university. The campus preserves the traditional wooden Koothambalam theatre, and students practise eye and hand movements under open-air sheds early in the morning. The school offers a 'Spend a Day with the Artists' visiting programme, which must be booked in advance and costs about 1,000 rupees, including a guided tour and lunch. Classes are suspended on weekends and holidays. Formal performances are occasionally held on campus, so check in advance.
Opening hours
Mon–Fri approx. 08:30–12:30 (during school term)
Nearby sights
- Vilangan Kunnu
- Thrissur Zoo & State Museum
- Sakthan Thampuran Palace
- Thiruvambady Sri Krishna Temple
- Our Lady of Lourdes Metropolitan Cathedral
- Paramekkavu Bhagavathi Temple
- Vadakkunnathan Temple
- Thrissur Pooram & Thekkinkadu Maidan