Kerala Kalamandalam

Padmabhooshan Vallathol Narayana Menon founded the Kerala Kalamandalam in 1930 to renew public interest in art and culture.  Kerala Kalamandalam is a renowned training instate for art and culture. 

Kalamandalam is on the banks of river Nila in Vallatol Nagar, Thrissur district. The students and faculty practice for hours perfecting their art.  Kalamandalam provides training in various dance forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, Koodiyattam, Thullal, Nangiar Koothu, the Panchavadyam. They also provide training in playing different percussion instruments like mridangam, chenda, maddalam, and mizhavu. 

The residential institute operates on the Gurukul principle where teachers and students live on the campus.  Staff will guide the visitor through the campus, highlighting its history. The beautiful institute has an interesting architecture. Though interacting with the teachers and students is allowed, you cannot interrupt them during practice. 

Troupes performing the Kathakali, Kutiyattam, Mohiniyattam, and Thullal troupes from Kalamandalam are held in high esteem.  Teachers and students participate in art recitals, lectures, and demonstrations.