Olappamanna Mana , one of the centuries old feudal
Namboothiri (Kerala Brahamin) Illam (house) , have a glittering cultural
heritage in the field of Kathakali (classical dance form) , Carnatic
Music, Melam and Thayampaka (classical percussions) , Literature and Rig
Veda.
The Mana (house) is located at Vellinezhi, a small village 40 kms (25
miles) away from Palakkad town, less than 100 kms(60 miles) away from
Cochin / Coimbatore / Calicut airports. Vellinezhi surrounded by the
unpolluted river Kunthi on northern and western side is literarily known
as Thourathrika Gramam (village with perfect blend of Music, Rhythm and
Dance.) |
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The twist of events in the course of history will
make certain happenings inevitable. The latter half of Twentieth century
witnessed unbridled sweeping changes in the socio-cultural and economic
life in Kerala. Kerala's splendor in varied forms of fine arts is an
internationally acclaimed one. No adjective is enough to describe the
contributions made by the then Feudal Namboothiris. Olappamanna is the
family name of feudal lords. They belong to priestly Brahmin Caste of
Kerala, namely Namboothiris. Mana means Home of Kerala Brahmins in
Malayalam. They were immensely rich till the land reforms act was
implemented in Kerala during 1965-70. They were patrons of art forms
like Kathakali, Percussions, Classical Music, Literature, Vedic and
Sanskrit education. |
| The present most popular form of Kathakali, namely
Kalluvazhi Chitta originated in Olappamanna Mana, nearly 150-200 years
back. The Olappamanna Kaliyogam (School of Kathakali) was just
transplanted in Kerala Kalamandalam by Vallathol for perfection of
teaching the Art form. Similarly a magazine exclusively for Poetry was
published from this Mana during early 20th century. O.M.C. Narayanan
Namboothiri Pad has translated the whole Rig Veda (consisting of ten
thousand and odd four line stanzas) into Malayalam from Sanskrit.
Olappamanna Mana has given birth to famous Malayalam poet Olappamanna
Subramanian Namboothiri Pad, Malayalam poet Dr. O.M.Anujan, Children's
book writer Mrs. Sumalgala and others. World famous Carnatic Musician
Chembai Vaidya Natha Bhagavathar was a teacher in this Mana. The unique
Rig Vedic institution at Thrissur namely Brahmaswam Madham is very
closely connected with the members of this family for the last 200 years
and also now. |
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Since the land ceiling act came, they had to leave
all spledidness, as their thousands of acres of land were taken over by
Government, without any compensation. Such a stringent land ceiling law
was implemented only in Kerala State in India. It has become impossible
for the owners to stay in such a big house with out sufficient servants
and inmates. Now the main building is kept under lock and key, except
for opening it every day morning and evening for conducting rituals to
their family deity. Now the maintenance of the building itself is very
costly and the present owners are struggling for want of funds. |
| Tourists can plan their holiday stay in this heritage
complex and enjoy the very different and unique atmosphere here in this
remote village. Tourists can also extend their peaceful and relaxed stay
here, if they desire so, at attractive discount rates. |
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Now the tourists can see the architectural marvel of
the old construction mainly using rosewood, teak wood and Jackfruit tree
wood. They can understand the specialties of construction used to safe
guard from summer heat/ from thieves etc. They can see the large Bathing
tank, the Snake temple, the old utensils used, the old large Chinese
porcelain pots, the old wet grinders, the elephant costumes, the bronze
large lamps, swards, old balances, old fire proof iron Safe etc. Every
thing will be explained well so that the tourist can really imagine the
life style we had.In the early morning, they can see a lot of different
kinds of birds here, depending up on the season. If any tourist is
specifically interested, video C.D showing functions / festivals we had,
can be shown, to see the Mana in lively form. |
| Olappamanna Mana, in a 20-acre eco-friendly
atmosphere, would be an interesting place for tourists who want
something out of the ordinary, for those who want to explore the Kerala
countryside and the way of life there, for those who want to know more
about the cultural heritage of the State, and for those who want to
learn the nuances of Kathakali as performing art form. Olappamanna Mana
is for those on the look out for a real heritage home-stay as different
from star hotel accommodation. Olappamanna Mana is also for those who
want to savor the nuances of wholesome, delectable vegetarian cuisine,
as only the traditional Namboothiri household can deliver. |
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Even though the members of family may be around six
to seven people, there were more than fifty to sixty people taking food
from Mana every day belonging to servants, staff, poor people and
guests. Every day more than 50 Kg of rice was served and on special days
it may go beyond 100 Kgs. |
| Here comes the importance of architecture of the
building. The main building is known as Ettu Kettu (Eight structures
with two open quadrangle), having two each Halls on Eastern side,
Western side, Southern side, one at Central portion and one at Northern
side. The names of the halls are also based on the position- for example
Eastern Hall is called Kizhakkini, Kizhakku means East. Similarly Thekku
means South and Southern hall is named Thekkini. |
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Nalira
Three sub buildings known as Pathayapuras surround the building. Even
the sub buildings are too large and can accommodate a large number of
people. Very spacious ground, similar to playgrounds of schools are
provided around the Main Building to accommodate a very big crowd during
marriage like functions.
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Kitchen always will have a position at the North-
East corner of all Namboodiri Houses according to Vasthu Rules. There
are three kitchens. The smallest is for ladies only. The second one is
for daily cooking and the third one; a large one is used during special
days. Only the Western side of the building is having three stories and
the first floor is being used as bedrooms and rest rooms.
Pure Vegetarian Home made Kerala Style food. No non –vegetarian stuff,
alcohol or any intoxicating drinks. Fresh fruits and vegetables . Water
supplied will be filtered, boiled and cooled or mineral water. Usually
stainless steel utensils washed and dipped in boiled water and fresh
banana leaves are used for serving food. |
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There are two options
Option One: A team of 25 to 40 can come to Olappamanna, say by 11 Am,
see the whole Mana and surroundings and have a lunch at Olappamann Mana
in typical old style. Return back to their lodging place.
Option Two: A team of 25 to 40 can come to Olappamanna Mana, say by 5PM
in the evening (before Sun Set), see the whole Mana and surroundings.
Then watch the entertainment at extra cost, which should be booked
earlier, just after sun set and have a typical old style dinner at Mana.
Return back to their lodging place.
Details on charges, on request. |
| Tariff Valid till 31-03-12
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| Type of Room |
Size |
Description |
No. of Rooms |
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| Double |
12ft*12ft |
Full fledged airy room. Bath & Closet attached with 2
single cots. Common kitchenette sharing with Family room. No a/c. |
One |
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| Family |
12ft*18ft |
-do- with one double cot, one single cot and
one Swing cot. Common kitchenette sharing with Double Room. No a/c. |
One |
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| Suite Like Large Room |
12ft* 32ft |
-do- with one double cot and two single
cots. very spacious- Exclusive Kitchenette. No a/c. |
One |
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| All prices are in Indian Rupee per Night.
Tariff includes Full Vegetarian Board, consisting of Lunch, After Noon
Eatables & Coffee/Tea, Night Dinner and Next day Breakfast. Bed coffee
to be made by guests themselves in the Kitchenette provided. |
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| Room |
Single |
Twin Sharing |
Three Sharing |
Four Sharing |
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| Double |
Rs 3530 |
Rs 4706 |
N.A |
N.A |
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| Family |
N.A |
Rs 5000 |
Rs 6000 |
Rs 6765 |
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| Suite Like Large Room |
N.A |
Rs 6000 |
Rs 7060 |
Rs 7765 |
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| Fully Automatic Washing Machine and
Electric Iron for Pressing of Cloths are available. Free Room and Full
Board for Accompanying Driver. The rates include Luxury Tax also. We
have the right to change rates with out notice and hence please verify
with us the prevailing rates before you book. |
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Events Free of Charge: Kalam
Ezhuthi pattu a rare Hindu ritual, in which the picture of Goddess Kali
will be drawn, using organic, natural colours, followed by a series of
rituals, including an oracle with sward rounding the picture. The
drawing starts at 5:30 pm and every thing will be over by 8pm. (See The
Video Clip In Our Website)
It can be seen free on several days. Dates of year 2011 on which Kalam
Ezhuthi Pattu can be seen free is noted below. Sometimes it will be
there on other dates also, depending up on new offerings by devotees
March-9, 10, 11, 13, 19; April-2; May- 8, 23, 26, 30; Jun-6,
8,11,12,20,30; Jul-7, 13, 23,26,28; Aug-1, 3, 9, 10, 12, 13, 22, 23, 27,
28, 30; Sep-27, 29; Oct-2, 17, 27, 29; Nov-4, 10, 15, 28; Dec-8, 10.
We have this ritual every day from 15th Jan12 to 26th Feb12.
However please verify with us the dates, before you book.
Events At Extra Cost:
1. Kalam Ezhuthi Pattu: On days when it is not available free, the guest
can book at the actual cost is Rs.1200/-. More than 6/7 local people
involved and hence the cost.
2. Kathakali: 3-31/2 hours Kathakali (One Story) can be performed at the
Birth Place of Kathakali (Kalluvazhichitta) at a nominal actual cost of
Rs.20000/- More than 20 local people involved. Performance just after
sun set.
3. Thayampaka: This is a performance with Chenda (Drum) by one person
mainly showing a lot of miracles on this instrument. More than 8/10
local people involved. Performance just after sun set. See Video Link in
our Website. This also will cost Rs.20,000/-
4. All these events are to be booked before one month or earlier to
arrange the persons involved, especially during high season for the
artists. |
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