Aranmula
possesses all the attributes of rural Kerala. The local craftsmen
engage in traditional crafts such as Arunmula metal mirror(
Kannadi) , mural paintings and construction of boats which
are taken to the river Pamba for the annual Palliyopdam boat
race. The local dance centre exhibits old Kathakali dance
dramas performed in traditional costumes.
Parthasarathi
temple
 The
famous Parthasarathi temple on the banks of the holy river
Pamba dedicated to Lord Krishna attracts large number of devotees.
The annual commemoration of the installation of the deity
falls on the last day of the Onam festival. It is to coinside
with this celebration that the aranmula boat race is held
on that day.
Boat
Race
 The
river Pamba at Aranmulla is the venue of this famous snake
boat race .The snake boats present an extraordinary shape
with a length of about 100 ft., the rear portion towering
to a height of about 20 ft., and the front portion tapering
gradually.The boat resembles a snake with its hood raised.
The race is held on the last day of the week long Onam Festival
to commemorate Lord Krishna's crossing of the river. The participants
cheerfully row up and down the river to the tune of songs
known as vanchipattu.
Vinjana
Kalavedi - Arts Training Institute
 The
Vinjana Kalavedi at Aranmula imparts training in the traditional
arts and crafts of Kerala.Kathakali, classical dance, classical
music as well as kalaripayattu (the martial arts of Kara)are
taught here.
The
centre is frequently visited by a number of foreign tourists
who can stay here for varying periods and have a first hand
knowledge about Kerala and its culture.
The
Vijnana Kala Vedi Cultural Centre was founded and registered
as a Charitable Association in 1977, by Louba Schild,
a French artist who has been living in Kerala since 1968.
VIJNANA
KALA VEDI CULTURAL CENTRE - A traditional school for Kathakali,
Mohiniattam, Bharatanatyam, Karnatic Music, Tabla, Maddalam,
Hatha Yoga, Mural Painting, Wood Carving, Cooking, Kolam and
Kalarippayatt. A Language school also exists for learning
Sanskrit, Hindi , Malayalam and a Centre for volunteers to
Teach English in India.
How to reach
By
Rail - Nearest station -Chengannur
By Road - Aranmula , Tharayil Mukku
Aranmula
Mirror
 Aranmula
is also famous for its metal mirrors made of bell metal.This
is a unique art which is not to be found any where else in
the world .
It is believed that a divine visitation inspired a widow of
this village to discover a mysterious blend of bronze which
could be waxed bright into crystal clear mirror.
The
mystery of its production is a family held secret and handed
down through family generations.
How
to reach
Nearest
Railway Station - Chengannur
Chengannur to Aranmual - 11kms.
Patthanamthitta (Headquarters )to Aranmula - 16kms.
Cochin & Trivandrum to Aranmula- 128 kms
Chengannur
is easily accessible by road or rail. All major trains stop
at Chengannur. If you wish to arrive directly in Kerala, then
try for flights to Kochi (Cochin) or Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
airports.
Fast
Facts
Site:
Aranmula
District: Pathanamthitta
State: Kerala
Site Location: Chengannur 12 km; NH 47 link
with Kochi (NW) airport, sea port, Konkan railway & highway;
Thiruvananthapuram (SE) also via NH 47 [
Map
]
Major Attractions: Metal mirror Kannadi;
mural paintings; Parthsarathi temple; Pampa Palliyodam boat
race; Kathakali; Vastu Vidya Gurukulam |
www.pathanamthitta.com
