Top Cultural Centres in Kerala that Mesmerize the Real Rich Culture

Kerala Kalamandalam (Thrissur)

Founded in 1930 at the banks of Bharathapuzha river, Kerala Kalamandalam is regarded as one of the most prestigious Kathakali schools across the globe. Established by the renowned poet Vallathol Narayana Menon, the centre is known for performing art forms such as Mohiniyattam, Kutiyattam, Thullal and Nangiarkoothu.

Performances and classes are held on a daily basis and prominent artists across the state perform at the dance theatre, Koothambalam. It is built outside a temple complex and it’s the only one-of-its-kind in Kerala. The granite pillars at Koothambalam have 108 karanas (dance poses) on it. Kalamandalam is also an official deemed University for Art and Culture. They give out a number of scholarships and awards on a regular-basis to help students in their journey as an artist.

CVN Kalari (Thiruvananthapuram)

Mother of all martial art forms, ‘Kalarippayattu’ is one of the invaluable forms of art that Kerala possess. CVN Kalari was founded in 1956 at Thiruvananthapuram by C.V. Narayanan Nair, C.V. Balan Nair and Kottackal Karunakara Gurukkal. The architecture of the building is mysterious as it is closed on all the sides except for a small door on the Eastern side. The atmosphere inside it is well suited for the tropical, humid climate and interestingly there is less light from the traditional ‘nilavilakku’.

Often performances are organized to the interested groups at the Kalari in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode. They also perform as per the request in India and outside India. Today the centre attracts martial arts enthusiasts from around the world to experience and study the art form.