Kerala Kalamandalam

Kerala Kalamandalam

The famous art school, Kerala Kalamandalam is located at Cheruthuruthy on the banks of Bharathapuzha at a distance of 29 km north of Thrissur. It was founded in 1930 by the Malayalam poet Vallathol Narayana Menon in order to promote Kerala arts likes Mohiniyattom and Kathakali. The school follows the gurukulam system of training and is a center for teaching traditional music, drama, Ottam thullal, Koodiyattam and Panchavadhyam. Besides regular courses the school also offers crash courses. Visitors are allowed to watch training sections from 4.30 am to 6.30 am, 8.30 am to 12 noon and 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm. The school is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. It remains closed in the months of April and May.

The two main attractions of Kalamandalam are the 'Koothambalam' ( the traditional temple theater) and the art gallery. Koothambalam, also known as 'natyagriha' is built according to the principles of Natyasaastra. The art gallery exhibits statues of Kathakali and other art forms. Here is a museum named Vallathol Museum, which exhibits the poetic works and contributions of the great poet Vallathol Narayana Menon. There is also a portrait gallery that exhibits the portraits of great artists, mementos and honors received by the institution.

From the year 2005, a half day tour programme named 'A day with the Masters' was introduced to help visitors get a feel of the traditions and understand the history and atmosphere of Kalamandalam. This programme is conducted on all working days from 9am to 1pm and the expense would be around 1000 per person.
Contact Address: Kerala Kalamandalam
Deemed University for Art and Culture
Cheruthuruthy – 679 531 via Thrissur, Kerala, India
Phone : 0488-4262418, 4263440
Fax : 0488-4262019

Thangasseri

Thangasseri


Thangasseri, situated 5kms from Kollam town was once a favourite settlement of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English. Literally meaning 'gold village', this seaside village sprawling over an area of 99 acres, has the ruins of an old Portuguese fort and churches belonging to the 18th century. The Portuguese fort is believed to be built in 1517 and only one wall of this fort remains now. The major attraction of Thangasseri is the lighthouse, built in the year 1902. The 144 ft. lighthouse stands as a sentinel, warning seamen of the treacherous reefs of Thangassery. Tourist are permitted to visit the lighthouse between 3.30pm and 5.30pm and one could have a picturesque view of the sea from there. February to November is the best time to visit Thangasseri. Kollam railway station is the nearest station to Thangasseri village and it is well connected to town by road also.