Kalaripayattu martial arts show
Kalaripayattu is one of India’s oldest martial arts, native to Kerala. The public shows in Thekkady (near Periyar) and Kannur combine disciplined training drills, acrobatics, weapon demonstrations and choreographed combat to present both the traditional training (meipayattu) and weapon arts (ankam & kolthari). Shows are both cultural performances for tourists and training demonstrations by local kalari masters (gurukkal). Performances often include live percussion (chenda/maddalam) and ritual introductions.
Location
Kalaripayattu performance venues (Thekkady / Kannur), Thekkady / Kannur, India
Duration
Typically 45–90 minutes for a standard show; workshops 1–3 hours
Best Time to Visit
September to March (cooler, dry season); shows run year-round but tourist-season evenings have better production
Pricing
Typical pricing (subject to season and venue):
- Standard public show: INR 300–800 per person
- Evening cultural programmes (better production values): INR 500–1,200
- Private or extended demonstrations / workshops (small groups): INR 1,500–5,000
- Combined packages (show + local meal/transport or with Periyar boat safari): INR 1,200–3,000
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Traditional warm-up (meipayattu) and agile footwork
Weapons demonstration: urumi (flexible sword), kathi (dagger), val (sword), spear, staff
Acrobatic leaps, cartwheels and body conditioning exercises
Choreographed fight sequences showing attack/defence and weapon transitions
Live percussion accompaniment (chenda/maddalam) and vocal introductions
Short workshops or audience participation segments (in some venues)
Regional style contrasts — Kannur (northern traditions) vs southern kalaris around Thekkady
Itinerary
Welcome and ritual opening (guru invocation)
Brief explanation of kalari history and safety instructions
Warm-up and meipayattu (body control drills)
Demonstrates flexibility, balance and basic strikes
Empty-hand techniques and acrobatics
Footwork, evasions, and brief choreographed combat
Weapon demonstrations (staff, spear, sword, urumi)
Shows skill progression and how weapons are handled safely
Finale and audience salute; Q&A or photos
Often includes a dramatic combined performance; some troupes allow photos or brief interaction afterward
Safety Requirements
Performances are by trained practitioners — stay behind the safety line and follow staff instructions
Not recommended for people with recent injuries, heart conditions or pregnant visitors during any participation segments
No audience handling of weapons; any invitation to try movements will be closely supervised
Wear comfortable clothing if joining a workshop; remove jewellery and loose items
Tips
Book shows in advance during peak season (Dec–Feb) — Kannur and Thekkady host regular evening programs
Check whether photography or video is permitted; some kalaris charge for professional filming
Combine a Thekkady show with a Periyar wildlife boat ride or a spice plantation visit; in Kannur pair with Theyyam performances or St. Angelo Fort
If you want a hands-on experience, pre-book a short workshop with a local guru (usually 1–2 hours)
Bring insect repellent and a light shawl for cooler evenings in Thekkady
Support local artists — tipping small groups or buying a CD/guidebook helps sustain traditional schools
