Athma Kalari is a traditional Kalaripayattu gurukulam at Chemmalasseri, Pulamanthole, in Malappuram district, Kerala. Perinthalmanna is the nearest town. Calicut International Airport (CCJ), near Kozhikode, is about 46 km away.
Athma Kalari was founded in 2005. Training takes place in a kuzhi kalari, a traditional sunken kalari with a red earth floor. The teacher is Ashan Vipin Das, the 8th generation of his Kalari family, with 29 years of practice. He teaches the northern (Vadakkan) style.
This guide is for people in Malappuram, Kozhikode (Calicut) and nearby districts who are looking for Kalaripayattu classes. It covers where we are, how to reach us, what we offer and what to look for in any kalari near you.
Where the gurukulam is
Our address is Athma Kalari, Chemmalasseri, Pulamanthole, Malappuram district, Kerala 679323. Pulamanthole is near Perinthalmanna. If you are coming by road, use Perinthalmanna as your reference town, then follow the map to Chemmalasseri.
The full travel details, with the fixed fares our regular drivers charge, are on our getting here page.
How to reach us
From Kozhikode (Calicut) and Calicut Airport
Calicut International Airport (CCJ) is the nearest airport, about 46 km from the gurukulam. It is the closest airport for students flying in from other parts of India or from abroad. You can take a cab straight from the airport. Our regular drivers charge fixed fares, so you know the cost before you travel.
From Kozhikode city, come by road towards Malappuram district and Perinthalmanna.
From Perinthalmanna
Perinthalmanna is the nearest town, with shops, banks and hospitals. It is also the easiest reference point to give a driver.
From other towns in Malappuram district
From towns such as Malappuram, Manjeri, Kottakkal and Tirur, come by road to Perinthalmanna and continue from there.
By train
Nearby stations include Angadipuram and Shoranur. Shoranur is a major junction, with trains from many parts of Kerala and beyond. From the station, take a cab. Our regular drivers charge fixed fares from the nearby stations too.
From Palakkad and Thrissur
From Palakkad or Thrissur, you can come by road or take a train to Shoranur and a cab from there.
From Kochi
Kochi International Airport (COK) is farther than Calicut. If you fly into Kochi, plan for a longer road journey, or take a train to Shoranur and a cab from there.
What we offer
Athma Kalari is a residential gurukulam. Students live here, eat here and train every day. Our programs suit people from nearby districts as well as students from far away.
Residential programs
| Program | Length | Price from |
|---|---|---|
| 10-Day Program | 10 days, fixed dates | ₹16,000 |
| Kalari Parijaya | 1 month | ₹25,500 |
| Kalari Parisrema | 2 months | ₹51,000 |
Each price includes training, a stay in the dormitory and 3 meals a day. Other rooms cost more. The 1-month and 2-month programs start the day you arrive. The 10-Day Program runs on fixed batch dates, about 2 a month, with 3 Kalari sessions a day.
In the 1-month and 2-month programs, training runs from 5:30 to 7:30 AM and from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, with Sundays off. Commands are in Malayalam, and instructions are in basic English. No experience is needed, and the minimum age is 7. You get a completion certificate at the end. See all our residential programs.
A ₹3,000 booking fee holds your place. It is non-refundable. You pay the balance at check-in, and 2-month stays can pay month by month.
If you live nearby and cannot stay
Our programs are residential. If you live close by and want to ask about training without staying, message us and we will tell you what is possible.
Kalari treatments
We also offer traditional Kalari treatments: Uzhichil (oil massage), Kizhi and steam. Rejuvenation packages run for 3, 7 or 10 days, from ₹6,900, with rooms charged separately.
Online, before you come
If you want a start before you travel, our 7-day online workshop runs from the 1st to the 7th of each month, 6 to 7 AM IST on Google Meet. Batches have 10 people, and it costs ₹2,600.
What to look for in a kalari near you
Malappuram, Kozhikode and the nearby districts have a long Kalari tradition, and you may find more than one kalari close to home. Whichever you choose, check these points before you join.
- The teacher. Ask how long the Gurukkal or Ashan has practised and who taught them. A good teacher watches each student and corrects the posture.
- The lineage and style. Ask which style they teach and where their training comes from. A clear, simple answer is a good sign.
- The floor. It should be firm, clean and not slippery. A traditional kalari has a packed earth floor.
- The warm-up. Every class should start with a full warm-up. Hard kicks on cold muscles cause injuries.
- Class size. Kalari is learned through correction. In a small group, the teacher can see each student.
- The order of training. Beginners should start with body training. Weapons come later.
- Clear fees. Fees should be clear and written down before you pay.
Our guide to finding Kalaripayattu classes near you covers these points in more detail. For costs, read our guide to Kalaripayattu training fees in Kerala.
Local classes or a residential stay?
Evening classes near home suit people who want to train a few times a week over a long period. You keep your work and family routine.
A residential stay suits people who want to learn faster. You train twice a day, 6 days a week, and the teacher sees you every session. In 1 month, you get far more hours in the kalari than in a month of evening classes. Ashan Vipin Das recommends 2 months if you can.
You can also do both: come for a month to build a base, then keep practising at home or with a local kalari.
FAQs
Q: Where is Athma Kalari?
A: At Chemmalasseri, Pulamanthole, in Malappuram district, Kerala 679323. Perinthalmanna is the nearest town.
Q: How far is Athma Kalari from Calicut Airport?
A: About 46 km. Calicut (CCJ) is the nearest airport. Our regular drivers charge fixed fares from the airport.
Q: Which railway station is nearest?
A: Nearby stations include Angadipuram and Shoranur. Shoranur is a major junction with trains from across Kerala.
Q: Do you have day classes for people who live nearby?
A: Our programs are residential. If you live nearby and want to ask about training without staying, message us through our contact page.
Q: How much does Kalaripayattu training cost at Athma Kalari?
A: ₹16,000 for the 10-Day Program, ₹25,500 for 1 month and ₹51,000 for 2 months. Each price includes training, a dormitory stay and 3 meals a day.
Q: Can children join?
A: Yes. The minimum age is 7.
Visit or book
If you are in Malappuram, Kozhikode or nearby, you are close to a traditional kuzhi kalari. You can check dates and book your stay, or message us with any questions.
