Kalari Ashramam

Kalaripayattu, stillness, and nature in Kerala.

India Kerala donation

Immerse yourself in the ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu at Kalari Ashramam, a unique residential Gurukulam nestled within Kerala's stunning forests, lakes, and mountains. Under the direct guidance of Gurukkal Shinto Mathew, this center offers a rare blend of rigorous physical training and deep inner stillness. Spanning an entire mountaintop, the Ashramam provides an environment meticulously designed for transformation, featuring organic vegetable gardens, open-air training grounds, a traditional Kalari pit, and an amphitheater for meditation. Students live, train, eat, and rest together, fully embracing the Gurukul way of life. Programs range from 7-day introductions to 21-day intensive mastery courses, welcoming all levels of experience.

Highlights

Dedicated to the preservation of Kalaripayattu, an ancient Indian martial art
Led by Gurukkal Shinto Mathew
Spans an entire mountaintop with organic gardens and a natural lake
Features a traditional Kalari pit and an amphitheater for meditation
Offers programs from 7-day introductions to 21-day intensive mastery

Good for

martial arts practitionersthose interested in Kalaripayattunature loversbeginners in martial artsdedicated practitioners

Setting

Kalari Ashramam is situated amidst the lush forests, serene lakes, and majestic mountain ranges of Kerala, one of India's most untouched natural landscapes. The center itself occupies an entire mountaintop, offering an atmosphere of profound tranquility and natural beauty, with a clean AQI of 58–60.

Accommodation

Residential students live on campus, fully immersed in the Gurukul way of life, sharing living, training, eating, and resting spaces. Specific details about room types are not provided.

Website kalarippayattu.com

How to get there

The website for Kalari Ashramam is kalarippayattu.com. For specific directions to the center in Kerala, it is best to contact them directly through their website.

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (26 km)

Nearest city: Kochi

Public transport: Contact the center for transport details.

Interested in this center? Check availability and upcoming retreats on their official site.

Visit Kalari Ashramam website

Climate

Climate Zone: Tropical

Best Months: Feb, Jan, Dec

Avoid: May, Jun, Jul

The center is located in Kerala, known for its tropical climate. The air quality is noted as clean, with an AQI of 58–60. Visitors should prepare for warm and potentially humid conditions, depending on the season.

Location

Frequently asked questions

What is the typical duration of programs offered?

Kalari Ashramam offers a range of programs, from 7-day introductory retreats for beginners to 21-day intensive mastery programs for more dedicated practitioners.

What kind of environment can I expect at Kalari Ashramam?

The Ashramam is set on an entire mountaintop in Kerala, surrounded by forests, lakes, and mountains. It features organic vegetable gardens, open-air training grounds, a traditional Kalari pit, an amphitheater for meditation, and a natural lake, all designed to support transformation.

Is prior experience in Kalaripayattu required to attend?

No, Kalari Ashramam welcomes both beginners and dedicated practitioners, with programs tailored to different experience levels, including introductory retreats.