1. Chittur Gurumadam
This is a memorial to Thunchath Ezhuthachan, the author of Adhyatma Ramayana, who spent his last days here. Located on the banks of the River Sokanasini (the destroyer of sorrows), A srichakra, some of the idols worshipped by him, a stylus, wooden slippers and a few old manuscripts are exhibited here. It is in Thekkegramam near Arikkode.
2. Lakkidi
Killikkurissimangalam at Lakkidi is the birthplace of Kunchan Nambiar, the 18th century satirist and exponent of the Tullal (classical art form). The poet's house has been preserved as a monument by the State Government. It is 30 km from Palakkad.
3. Poomully Mana
This Mana is home to one of the oldest Nambuthiri families in Kerala. Mana means traditional house of Nambuthiri families in Kerala. With a history of over 500 years, the family members of Poomully Mana were experts in Ayurveda, Kalarippayattu, and Yoga and also of performing arts.
The late Poomully Neelakandan Namputhiripadu popularly known as Aram Thampuran (the sixth lord) was an expert in all walks of life. Because of his profound understanding in various subjects, he was also known as Arivinte Thampuran, meaning 'Lord of Knowledge'. Neelakandan Namputhiripadu was an acclaimed authority on Ayurveda. His works at the Keraleeya Ayurveda Samajam in Shoranur, where a research facility for treating diabetes and infertility was established, became a great success. Decades ago, when no modern facilities existed in the field of toxicology, Neelakandan Nambuthiripadu turned out to be a solace for the patients, who looked forward to his outstanding curative powers. Taking care of elephants, the ayurvedic way was yet another speciality of Neelakandan Nambuthiripadu. Adding to his repertoire of fields of knowledge was his mastery over Kalarippayattu, the unique martial art form of Kerala, and the sublime art of physical and mental well-being- Yoga.
After the passing away of Neelakandan Nambuthiripadu in 1997 a trust was formed in his name, and the subsequent efforts of the trust led to the establishment of Poomully Aramthampuran's Ayurveda Mana, which has become a heritage center for Ayurveda, Kalari, Yoga and other traditional art forms with facilities to meet with the needs of its visitors.
Among the facilities are twelve beautifully furnished bedrooms, displaying classical features of heritage rooms. The rooms are equipped with telephones, Internet connection, hot water in all rooms, and natural organic water for the toilets.
The center has a library with a sizeable collection of books and manuscripts dealing on a wide range of topics like Ayurveda, Hasthi Ayurveda, Visha Chikilsa, Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Ithihasas, Dharmasasthras, Jyotisha, Ganitha, Kosha, Vyakarana, Chandas, Shilpa and Vasthu Sasthra, Thantras, Manthras, Sthothras, Music etc. The Poomully Aramthampuran's Ayurveda Mana also houses a museum with displays of rare collection of items once used in Kerala. They include rare bronze brass vessels, potteries, old musical equipments, coins, ivory carvings, martial art equipments etc.
Besides an authentic center for undergoing ayurveda treatment, special workshops and training programmes in classical art forms, martial arts, Panchakarma, Yoga and meditation are also offered at the Poomully Aramthampuran's Ayurveda Mana. The center also has a private herbal garden, which consists of rich vegetation of herbals and medicinal plants.
For those with a bent for traditional architecture, the design and style of the Poomully Aramthampuran's Mana would be an added attraction.
4. The Gandhi Seva Sadan Kathakali and Classic Arts Academy
The Gandhi Seva Sadan Kathakali and Classic Arts Academy popularly known as "Kathakali Sadanam" is located in a panoramic, sprawling ten-acre campus of its own in Perur village in Ottapalam under the Palakkad district. This academy is dedicated exclusively to the training of the art of Kathakali, the renowned dance-drama which is so integral a part of Kerala's culture. It is the third of its kind in the state, the other two being the Kerala Kalamandalam and P.S.V. Natyasangham. The year 2003 will witness the golden jubilee of this august institution, started in 1953. Facilities include regular courses as well as short-term courses oriented towards foreign students. The Academy has produced a long line of illustrious performers of this esoteric artform, viz., Mattannur Sankarankutty, Sadanam Krishnankutty, Sadanam Ramankutty, Sadanam Balakrishnan, Sadanam Vasudevan, Cherpalachery Sivan etc. to name a few. Kathakali Sadanam has also conducted quite a number of tours abroad often representing India , particularly in the former Soviet Union and other European countries.
Access:
Rail: Ottappalam & Palakkad.
Air: Coimbatore about 55 km away.
ww.kathakalisadanam.com
