About Kerala Kalamandalam
Kerala Kalamandalam is a deemed university for art and culture located in Cheruthuruthy on the banks of the Bharathapuzha river. Founded in 1930 by poet Vallathol Narayana Menon, it is a premier institution preserving classical performing arts including Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Kutiyattam. The campus features a unique Koothambalam temple theatre, training facilities, and the Vallathol Museum.
Visitors guide
Visitors can explore the campus through guided tours that include visits to the Koothambalam traditional temple theatre with its carved granite pillars depicting 108 dance poses, multiple Kalaries where students train in classical dances and percussion instruments, the art gallery displaying costumes and headgear, and the Vallathol Museum showcasing the founder's life and legacy. The tour provides insight into Kerala's classical performing arts traditions and educational practices.
Key highlights
- 01
Unique Koothambalam temple theatre built outside a temple complex
- 02
Granite pillars with 108 karanas (dance poses) from Natyasastra
- 03
Observation of live training sessions in Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and percussion
- 04
Vallathol Museum and portrait gallery
- 05
Art gallery with traditional costumes, masks, and jewellery
History of Kerala Kalamandalam
Founded in 1930 by poet Vallathol Narayana Menon to revive Kerala's classical performing arts from near-extinction. The institution was inaugurated in November 1930 and moved to Cheruthuruthy in 1936. In 2006, it was accorded the status of Deemed University for Art and Culture by the Government of India.
Culture & Context
Kerala Kalamandalam is internationally recognized as a major centre for learning Indian performing arts, particularly Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Kutiyattam. It follows the traditional Gurukula residential education system and has been instrumental in preserving and promoting Kerala's cultural heritage through rigorous training and performances.
Route
| By air |
|---|