Kalagramam, the art village of Vellinezhi, has put Palakkad on the travel map of Kerala

Tucked away in a wooded section of Palakkad district, the small town of Vellinezhi sits quietly on the banks of the Kunti river. This offbeat town, for centuries, has produced a number of traditional artists, especially Kathakali artists.


Read more: Cultural experiences in Kerala for the traveller in you



Today, if you know anything about Kerala’s beautiful culture and the dance form of Kathakali, it is all because of Vellinezhi village. Apparently, each and every family from this village has produced at least one Kathakali artist. Along with Kathakali artists, the village has also produced a number of traditional Kerala percussion artistes, each making their valuable contribution towards making the cultural scene strong in Kerala.



For those who don’t know, Vellinezhi as a Kalagramam or an art village was never a thing. In fact, it is a recent development, hardly a decade old now.


We are all aware of how with time, if not careful, there is a risk for culture, tradition and art to slowly die down. It has happened in the past also. When languages vanish over time, culture and tradition won’t take much time to disappear. This is what happens when we are not conscious about heritage and culture.



Kathakali, in spite of being one of the youngest classical forms of dance, is also sadly one of the many dying forms of art. Its older patrons are long gone and new ones aren’t that many to be able to support the art form. This kind of folk art needs nurture to survive. Enter Vellinezhi Kalagramam.



This Kalagramam or art village is the result of a right discussion done at the right time. Back in 2012, the Malayalam Daily Malayala Manorama ran a series on the tradition of Kathakali theatre. And this of course had Vellinezhi right in the centre of the discussion. Many articles were written about the village and the art, many people read and were reminded of the importance of preservation of such art and culture. The idea of an art village thus began to form and subsequently reached government authorities and various artists who supported the project wholeheartedly.



By January 2013, a proper advisory body was formed for planning and executing the art village project. Fast forward almost a decade, today we have Vellinezhi as one of the premier destinations for everything Kathakali, art and culture related in Kerala. The artists of this Kalagramam are responsible for keeping the art and tradition of Kathakali alive. From artists to the ornate headgears and ornaments used in Kathakali performances, everything gets made here in this village. Vellinezhi, is where you should be if you want to experience Kerala’s art and culture.

1. Where is Vellinezhi Kalagramam?
   Vellinezhi Kalagramam is located in Palakkad district in Kerala.
2. Why is Vellinezhi Kalagramam important?
   Vellinezhi is one of the premier destinations in Kerala for everything Kathakali, art and culture related. The artists of this Kalagramam are responsible for keeping the art and tradition of Kathakali alive. From artists to the ornate headgears and ornaments used in Kathakali performances, everything gets made here in this village. Vellinezhi, is where you should be if you want to experience Kerala’s art and culture.
3. When is the best time to visit Palakkad?
   December to February is the best time to visit Palakkad. There might be light showers in Oct-Nov.