Chavakkad Thrissur 680506 Kerala, India
Tel:0478-2509140
http://www.vallabhattakalari.com/index.html
L: The serene ambiance of the Kalari surrounded by woods, R: Swords & shield on the wall
L: Parashrama, R: Predecessor Gurukkal
The Kalari has a serene and sacred atmosphere, and the relationship between the teacher and the student, elder and younger are strictly disciplined. Also, whole Kalari vicinity is kept neat and clean.
I felt strongly that the Kalari is a not only martial arts school but also the temple of prayer at the same time.
In addition, it was rare that they use not only the indoor arena but also outdoor precincts field evenly to practice kalarippayattu. The ground of the white sandy soil was always swept cleanly, and it reminds me of traditional Japanese martial arts Dojo with the back ground of Shinto-ism. It brought out an atmosphere resembling something more than sacred.
It is surrounded by deep tranquility when visiting other than the time of training
It is one of the most impressive karari I've ever known personally, and in particular, the character of Krishnadas Gurukkal, who speaks English and deals with foreigners is warm and cheerful and friendly, that when listening to his Vaithali (verbal command) I felt my body desiring to start practice together, and got strong impression that it must be good training at all.
L: Nel Kal, with his toes pointing to the heaven & earth, R: a boy who receives a senior's instruction
A senior becomes a teacher and teaches children. The basic is "to imitate"
Sword practice. The practice of adult disciples around the age of twenty make us full of excitement
Practice in the Kalari. The long stick moves are agile and powerful
With regard to the style of Kalaripayattu, it is the so-called central style, and the form before being modernized or “spoiled” by CVN way is still vividly alive there.
In particular, with regard to empty hand techniques (Karate-like) called Vermukai, it is very similar to Southern style Adi Tada and Kuthu Variisai of Tamil Sirambam.
About Kalari treatment system, as for the counterpart of the martial system, there are always some patients from the local area receiving oil massage and other treatments continuously within almost three hours of my visit.
The medical clinic always crowded with regulars from the neighborhood
The Karali accepts one to several months of the stay-based trainees. Many foreigners have already attended the course, therefore newcomers also will be able to enter with ease and confidence. However, basic English skills are required.
The practice is 2 hours in the morning and 1 hour in the evening. Foreign students can take almost always one-to-one instruction.
The residential trainees can stay at a lodge in the town of Chavakkad or in a private house(homestay) nearby. You can cook your own meal or ask it to local mothers.
The monthly fee(dakshina) was 3,000 Rs at the time of research in 2007 but need inquires through Facebook or Homepage regarding current charges and total expenses in detail.
Also, it's better to inquire in advance if you just wish to visit and watch the practice.
Near the Kalari there situated Elephant Fort, famous for elephant breeding and training. In addition, the first-class Hindu holy place Guruvayur temple, which worships Lord Krishna, is nearby, and the whole area keeps the atmosphere of an attractive religious cultural town.
The main building of the Guruvayur Krishna temple where the mural paintings on the wall is incredible. Unfortunately, foreigners cannot enter inside
The town of Chavakkad is in the Thrissur District, so it's categorized after it here, but the town of Thrissur (Trichur) itself is a bit far from Chavakkad, so if you want to go there just for a tour, I would recommend staying at Guruvayur.
However, there are many lodgings refusing foreign guests in Kerala, and in the case of Guruvayur, there have been many cases where accommodation is often refused if the guest is a single traveler, so it may be safe to reserve the room through Expedia, etc. in advance.
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