Far from the madding crowd, along the banks of the longest river in Kerala, is this beautiful abode of Kathakali. Cheruthuruthy is famous as the home of Kerala Kalamandalam, the State's flag-ship training school for Kathakali dance drama and other indigenous perfoming arts of Kerala.

It is 35 km north of Trichur, the cultural capital of Kerala, and 47 km south of Palghat. Blessed with River Bharatapuzha (known also as River Nila), Cheruthuruthy is exceptionally rich in its many splendoured colourful cultural resources, and has many things to offer not only to foreign tourists but also to the Indian lot who miss the warmth of village.

Kerala Kalamandalam : The school was founded in 1927 by the great Kerala poet Vallathol Narayana Menon. With the dancing Gods and demons of Kathakali, the god-blessed damsel of Mohiniyattam, the Sanskrit-Theatre Koodiyattam, semi-classical dance form Thullal, the symphony of Panchavadyam Kerala Kalamandalam invites you to the holy confluences of dance, drama and music. Kalamandalam moved to the present campus at Vallathol Nagar sprawling in an area of thirty two acres. The many different Kalaries (class-rooms) cannot be missed by the visitors. Besides kalaries, for the visitors, there is Photo Gallery and an archive with a record collection of Video and Audio cassettes covering class concerts and dance-theatre performances.

Short-Term courses are offered for foreigners as part of the International Cultural Exchange. Dance and Drama Scholars apart from researchers can affiliate with Kalamandalam.

Old Kalamandalam : It is here, along the banks of Nila, where Kalamandalam started functioning in 1927. The Poet Vallathol was laid to rest here (Vallathol Samadhi).

Vallathol Museum : Five minutes walk from Old Kalamandalam is Poet Vallathol's house. This traditional Kerala model house is now 'Vallathol Museum'.

Koothambalam (Inside Kalamandalam Campus) : This Temple-Theatre brings together the classicism of ancient theatre-architecture and modern amenities. The pillars of Koothambalam are made of black granite. One hundred and eight Karnas (Dance Postures) specified in Natyasastra are carved on the pillars. The walls in mural paintings display pieces from the Epics. The wooden platform and the carpet-spread floor ideally place the performers and spectators from dawn to dusk during Festivals.

One kilometre south of Cheruthuruthy is Panjal where the famous Yagam was conducted. This is a typical Kerala village with very old temples. 

Programmes at Kerala Kalamandalam Koothambalam (Every Year)
 

Pooram : Many temple festivals fall in the month of March. Decorated elephants are main attraction of Pooram other than Teyyam, Thira and Velichappadu.

December to April is the best season to visit. Special programmes in Kalamandalam are on Vallathol's birth anniversary and on Kalamandalam foundation day.

KTDC Guest House, Cheruthuruthy (ph : 0492-62498)
PWD Rest House, Shoranur (ph : 0492-62514)
Ramanilayam, Trichur (ph : 0487-20300 )
Casino Hotels Ltd. , Trichur ( 0487-24699)
Hotel Elite International (ph : 0487-21639)
Hotel Luciya, Trichur (ph: 0487-21068)

By Air: From Trivandrum Cheruthuruthy is 330 Kms to the North. 110 Kms North from Cochin airport.

By Rail: Shoranur, a mini town with a major Railway Junction is only 2.5 Kms from Cheruthuruthy.

By Road: Cheruthuruthy is on the main road between Trichur and Shoranur; and is 31 Kms from Trichur. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation buses are available from all over Kerala to Trichur.