Kalaripayattu training in Kerala with accommodation means you live at the kalari, train twice a day and eat your meals there. At Athma Kalari, the price of each residential program includes training, a stay in our basic option (the dormitory) and 3 vegetarian meals a day.
Programs run from 2 weeks to 2 months, and residential stays can go up to 1 year. There are no fixed batches. You start training the day you arrive, and no experience is needed.
This guide shows what a day looks like, where you sleep, what you eat, how to get here, what to pack and who a residential stay suits.
A day at the gurukulam, hour by hour
Life at the gurukulam follows the training. The day starts early, meals come after each session, and there is time to rest in between.
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| Before 5:30 AM | Wake up, drink some water and change. Arrive at the kalari 5 minutes early. |
| 5:30 AM | Morning training in the kalari, 2 to 2½ hours. |
| About 8:00 AM | Rest, wash and stretch gently. |
| 9:30 AM | Breakfast. |
| Late morning | Free time: rest, read, wash clothes, or a treatment if you have booked one. |
| 1:30 PM | Lunch. |
| Afternoon | Rest. After a morning of training, the body needs it. |
| 5:30 PM | Evening training in the kalari, 2 to 2½ hours. |
| 8:30 PM | Dinner. |
| 10:30 PM | The main gate closes. Plan to be back before then. |
Sundays and Tuesdays
Sundays are off. You can rest, explore the area or simply sleep. Every Tuesday there is a guided meditation. It helps you notice the breath and the mind, which are as much a part of Kalari as the kicks. You can read about the role of meditation in Kalaripayattu.
What training looks like
Each session starts with a full Kalari warm-up and Vandanam, the salutation to the kalari and the teacher. Then come kicks (Kaalukal), footwork (Chuvadu), postures (Vadivu) and body sequences (Meypayattu), at your level.
Training takes place in a kuzhi kalari, a traditional pit kalari with a poothara. Commands are in Malayalam, and instructions are in basic English. Beginners train next to returning students, and advanced students help guide beginners.
Programs and prices
| Program | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Kalari Praramba | 2 weeks | ₹16,000 |
| Kalari Parijaya | 1 month | ₹25,500 |
| Kalari Parisrema | 2 months | ₹51,000 |
Each price includes training, a dormitory stay and all meals. A different room changes the total. Kalari Parijaya is the most chosen program, while Ashan Vipin Das recommends 2 months as the shortest stay. To book, you pay a ₹3,000 booking fee, which is non-refundable, and the balance at check-in.
Rooms
You can choose the room that suits you and your budget:
- Dormitory: our basic option, included in the program price.
- Single huts.
- Single and private rooms.
- Deluxe rooms.
- Apartments 1.5 km away, with stable Wi-Fi. These suit remote workers who train and work during the same stay.
See all the details on our rooms and stay page.
Food
You get 3 South Indian vegetarian meals a day: breakfast at 9:30 AM, lunch at 1:30 PM and dinner at 8:30 PM. The meals are simple and fresh. Breakfast comes after the morning session, because training on a full stomach is hard and uncomfortable. If you have a food allergy, tell us before you arrive.
Getting to the gurukulam
Athma Kalari is in Chemmalasseri, Pulamanthole, in Malappuram district, near Perinthalmanna.
| From | Distance | Fixed sedan fare |
|---|---|---|
| Calicut Airport (CCJ) | 46 km | ₹2,500 |
| Kochi Airport (COK) | 115 km | ₹5,800 |
| Coimbatore Airport (CJB) | 128 km | ₹6,000 |
| Pattambi station | 18 km | ₹1,000 |
| Shoranur station | 31 km | ₹1,500 |
Calicut is the closest airport. These are the fixed fares of our regular drivers. Pickups are not included in the program price, so plan for the cab fare.
What to pack
- 3–4 sets of loose practice clothes.
- A blanket and towels.
- Knee or ankle support, if you need it.
- Your documents for check-in: Aadhaar and a passport-size photo for Indian guests; passport and visa or OCI card for overseas guests.
You will also need the Kalari training cloth. You can buy the Kalari Uduthuketti before you come or on arrival.
House rules in brief
- No smoking or alcohol on the premises.
- Arrive 5 minutes early for class.
- Sign the office book when you go out.
- The main gate closes at 10:30 PM.
- You need at least 90% attendance to move up a level and to get your certificate.
Who a residential stay suits
- Complete beginners. No experience is needed. You start with the basics on day 1.
- People with little time. 2 sessions a day mean real progress in weeks, not years.
- Returning students who want to go deeper or build towards teacher training.
- Remote workers who can work from the apartments between sessions.
- People who want treatment too. Kalari massage and treatment packages can be added during your stay, after a consultation. See Kalari massage and rejuvenation.
The minimum age is 7. There is no maximum age, as long as you are willing and physically able. If you have a recent injury or a health condition, tell us before you book.
A stay here suits people who are happy with early mornings, simple food and quiet evenings. It is a place to train, not a holiday resort.
FAQs
Q: Is accommodation included in the training price?
A: Yes. Each residential program includes a dormitory stay and 3 meals a day. Other rooms change the total.
Q: When can I start?
A: There are no fixed batches. You start training the day you arrive.
Q: Do I need to speak Malayalam?
A: No. Commands are in Malayalam, but instructions are in basic English, and you pick up the commands quickly.
Q: How do I get from the airport?
A: Calicut Airport is 46 km away. A sedan cab has a fixed fare of ₹2,500. From Pattambi station, 18 km away, it is ₹1,000.
Q: Can I work remotely during my stay?
A: Yes. Our apartments, 1.5 km from the gurukulam, have stable Wi-Fi.
Q: How long should I stay?
A: Ashan Vipin Das recommends at least 2 months. Many people start with 1 month.
Check dates and book
When you are ready, you can check dates and book your stay. If you want a particular room or are not sure which program fits, message us first and we will help you choose.
