Cheruthuruthy
Far from the madding crowd, along the banks of the longest river in Kerala, is the beautiful abode of Kathakali and various other performing arts of Kerala, named Cheruthuruthy. It is the seat of the Kerala Kalamandalam, the state's flag-ship training school for Kathakali.

Enriched by the waters of river Bharatapuzha (known also as river Nila), this culturally rich hamlet has many things to offer not only to foreign tourists but also to the Indian lot who miss the warmth of village.

The Kerala Kalamandalam music and dance academy founded by famous poet Vallathol Narayana Menon has been the nursery of Kerala's renowned Kathakali artistes. The colourful dancers of Kathakali, the gorgeous maidens of Mohiniyattam, the performers of the semi-classical dance form, Thullal, the actors of the Sanskrit drama, Koodiyattam and the musicians of Panchavadyam enthrall you here and they make a profound impact in your hearts.

The Old Kalamandalam, situated on the banks of the Nila river, is the place of Vallathol Samadhi. It started functioning from 1927. Poet Vallathol's house, situated near the academy has been reformed into a museum called Vallathol Museum.

The Koothambalam brings alive the confluence of traditional theatre-architecture and modern facilities. The pillars are made of block granite and on them 108 Karnas (dance postures) mentioned in Natyashastra are carved. On the walls there are exhilarating paintings from the festivals and events, the spectators are comfortably placed on the wooden platform and the carpet-spread over.
Location: Shornur (Thrissur district) 27 kms from Shornur railway station on Mangalore- Chennai route.