A quaint riverside hamlet, renowned worldwide for the Kathakali Training Center, Cheruthuruthi is the cultural hub of the state. Located around 120 km from Kochi, Cheruthuruthi lies at the western extreme of the popular Palakkad Gap, and thus enjoys a unique topography. The main attraction is Kerala Kalamandalam, sprawled over a 32 acre area amidst picturesque surroundings. This school is a prestigious institution for the training of classical dance forms like Kathak, Koodiyattam, Ottamthullal and Mohiniyattam. Tourists can get the ‘A Day with the Masters’, a cultural tourism package and visit the costume and Kalari gallery to learn more about the arts. Another attraction is the Irunilamkode Temple, lying a stone’s throw away, which is dedicated to Lord Dakshinamurthy. A rock-cut temple, it hosts a rare idol of the deity that can be seen sitting on a pedestal, with one leg mounted over the other. All four of his hands hold traditional symbols and his head is crowned with silver headgear. There are idols of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Devi sculpted in the temple as well. Legend has it that a few villagers stumbled upon the temple by accident about 300 years ago. Now, it is protected by the Archaeological Department of Kerala government.

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