Kalari Kshethra, Munnar - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 10 km from Munnar Bus Station, Kalari Kshetra is a cultural center located at Chithirapuram near Munnar, Kerala. It is one of the best places to witness the rich cultural heritage of Kerala and among must-visit places in Munnar.

Kalari Kshethra is the center of the oldest form of martial arts of Kerala - Kalaripayattu and Kathakali, the traditional form of Indian Classical Dance. The center is the place where one can witness the rich cultural heritage of Kerala showcased in the form of dance. The center conducts performances, workshops, and classes that one can opt for to get an essence of the ancient art forms.

Famed as the mother of all martial arts, Kalaripayattu is the traditional martial art practiced in Kerala. The martial art is said to be more than 3,000 years old. This ancient art-form is believed to have been adapted into various martial art forms like karate, kung-fu, and judo. The one-hour evening performance show of Kalaripayattu in Munnar includes showcasing body control, flexibility and various forms of exercises. Performed by skilled and trained artists, this show showcases their fighting skills with bare hands and metallic weapons like swords, spears, shields, and others.

Kathakali, Kerala's iconic dance form, is another reason to visit the Kalari Kshethra in Munnar. The history of this vibrant dance form can be traced back to the 17th century and was originated in Kerala. The first form of Kathakali was Ramanattam, which was created by the Raja of Kottarakkara, a princely state in ancient Kerala. The traditional folk dance of Kerala with its colorful costumes, mesmerizing music and the hypnotic sounds of percussion transform the Kalari Kshetra into a spectacular theatre. The show mainly features episodes from the ancient epics Ramayana and Mahabharatha. Also, one gets an opportunity to observe the artists putting on their makeup at the Kalari Kshetra.

Timings: 5 PM - 6 PM for Kathakali & 6 PM - 7 PM for Kalarippayattu

Entry: Rs. 200 for Person per Show