Cheruthuruthy

Cheruthuruthy is located around 32 kms north of Thrissur. The Kerala Kalamandalam is located here which is one of the most revered places for the traditional art forms of Kerala and one of the Kathakali training centres in Kerala. This temple of arts has preserved and propagated Kathakali - the classical dance-drama of Kerala - for the past 78 years. Many of the internationally renowned artistes of Kerala and India have been trained here. The Kalamandalam and its surroundings reflect the simple, pure and ethnic atmosphere in which these arts have survived for centuries.  The Koothambalam, the traditional dance theatre at Kalamandalam is the only one in the State, which is built outside a temple complex. The Kerala Kalamandalam was established by Vallathol Narayana Menon, the renowned Malayalam poet. It was at a time when the popularity of Kathakali was on the wane. English education had been introduced and only a few upper class families in the State held the key to the art form. Realising the need to keep the art alive, the poet along with a few royal Kathakali enthusiasts like M. Mukundaraja and Kunjikuttan Thampuran, took over the revival and popularisation programme. They arranged performances by eminent artistes across the State and even raised funds through lotteries. Over the years this institution has imparted training for Kathakali, Mohiniyattom, Kootiyattam, Panchavadyam, Thullal etc following the ancient Gurukula system of education.

Railway Station: Shornur, about 10 kms

Airport: Cochin International Airport, about 90 kms