Kerala Kalamandalam is a renowned institution located in Cheruthuruthy, Kerala that teaches traditional classical art forms such as Kathakali, Koodiyattam, Mohiniyattam, and others. Founded in 1930 by poet Vallathol Narayana Menon, it follows the Gurukula residential school system of intimate teacher-student training to preserve these art forms that were becoming extinct. Students undergo morning and afternoon training that includes physical practice as well as literary study of the art forms. Recently, Kerala Kalamandalam launched a new "Day with the Masters" cultural tourism project that offers visitors a guided three-hour tour of the campus and old campus for an unforgettable

1. Kerala Kalamandalam www.uniquekerala.com

2. Kerala Kalamandalam "A day with the Masters" A cultural tourism project. Kerala Kalamandalam - which nowadays stands as a symbol of traditional classical art forms of India. Situated in a village named Cheruthuruthy in Thrissur District, Kerala State, India, this institution is unique in many ways. As a centre of learning and research for the traditional classical art forms of Kerala, Kalamandalam attracts students and scholars from both India and abroad.

3. Kalamandalam was founded in 1930 by the celebrated poet VallatholNarayanaMenon for the preservation and promotion of the traditional classical arts of Kerala viz. Kathakali, Koodiyattam, Mohiniyattam and similar performing arts that had then been heading to extinction. The institutionalization of classical art forms was a major breakthrough in the history of Kerala's art and culture.

4. The poet with his characteristic foresight insisted on retaining the time-tested Gurukula system of training in the schedules of Kalamandalam. As a strictly residential-school nurturing an informal and intimate relation between teachers and students Kalamandalam soon developed into a unique center for training in and performance of the classical arts of Kerala. The training at Kalamandalam in the performing arts such as Kathakali (Acting, vocal- music, percussion-music), Koodiyattam, the traditional Sanskrit

5. theater, Panchavadyam (the Kerala-ensemble) Mohiniyattam, the female classical dance, Thullal (the solo-dance narrative), Mridangam and Karnatic Music begin in the wee hours of the morning. After a break the classes restart at 9 A.M. and go on till noon. The afternoon classes begin by 3 P.M. and end by 5 P.M. Besides physical training the students have to learn the literature of the art concerned.

6. In recent times Kerala Kalamandalam has initiated a new Cultural Tourism Project titled " A Day With the Masters", this half-day package tour is first of its kind in the whole world. This structured and professionally managed tour of Kalamandalam will be an unforgettable experience for the visitors. This guided tour includes a three-hour comprehensive visit of the Kalamandalam campus and the old campus where Kalamandalam started functioning in 1930.

7. www.uniquekerala.com Contact us Unique Tours & Hospitality Services"BETHESDA" , Harmony Enclave,Near UdayamperoorJn,Kochi. Pin-682307 Kerala, India.Tele/fax : 0484 2307286Mob. 0 9846066688 E-mail: mail@uniquekerala.com