How the ancient game of chess saved this Kerala village

Tucked away in the verdant hills of Kerala’s Thrissur district, Marottichal is unlike any other village in India. It’s not even like other tourist destinations in the country. And how, you ask? Well, to begin with, Marottichal is also known as a "Chess Village." It is one of the most unique villages in India, where almost every resident knows how to play chess. How about that for something unique!

How did this remarkable transformation happen?

You see, Marottichal wasn’t always this serene. Several decades ago, the village grappled with social issues like alcoholism and gambling. Just as it seemed these problems might push the community to the point of no return, a resident named Unnikrishnan made it his life’s mission to introduce the game of chess to as many people as possible. He began teaching the game to anyone willing to learn, offering a constructive alternative to the destructive habits that had the village in their grip.


Over time, this quickly turned into a full-fledged movement, even reaching schools. Soon, everywhere one looked, people were sitting in front of chess boards, deep into the game, carefully planning their next move. The knight or the rook?

Also read: 9 best hill stations in South India for winter 2024

Fun fact: If reports are to go by, chess originated in India, back in the 6th century.


In Marottichal, chess is not just a hobby. It is a way of life. It is common to find people in their homes, neighbourhood shops, rest areas, schools, in courtyards, engrossed in the game of chess. For tourists, exploring this village is more than sightseeing. Marottichal gives you the opportunity to learn the heartwarming story of the village, or even get a chance to sit for an impromptu chess match. Imagine the stories one can bring back from a visit to this village.

Also read: An era ends: Over half of Kolkata’s iconic yellow cars to bid farewell soon

When visiting Marottichal, if you manage to look up from the chessboard or tear yourself away from the captivating tales of knights, queens, and kings battling across 64 squares, be sure to explore the nearby waterfalls and forests. The waterfalls are breathtakingly beautiful, and the lush greenery of the forests is both calming and refreshing.


This was the story of how an ancient board game changed an entire village for good.