About 32 kms. north of Trichur is home of the renowned repository of the tradition of the Kathakali dance form. The famous poet, Vallathol Narayana Menon, founded the music and dance academy. Training in Kathakali, Mohiniyattom, Thullal and other art forms of Kerala is imparted here.
The Kerala Kalamandalam established in 1930, to impart training in traditional art forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Thullal and Folk Dances is located here. Special performances can also be arranged on request. Many traditional art forms are taught here.
Cheruthuruthy, the cultural capital of Kerala is to the north of Trichur, 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 both to foreign tourists as well as to the Indian lot who miss the warmth of village.
Far from the madding crowd, along the banks of the longest river in Kerala, is the State's flagship training school for Kathakali dance drama and other indigenous performing arts of Kerala.
Now the Kerala Kalamandalam is functioning at Vallathol Nagar, with its new building complex. The old Kerala Kalamandalam is still at Cheruthuruthy on the shore of Nila River. The Samadhi or Tomb of the Poet Vallathole is in the premises of old Kala Mandalam.
