Cherai Kalari

Cherai Tharavad [ancestral home] was very famous in South Malabar for the Kalari it maintained. It was there for ages and produced a lot of legendary warriors. The Kalari was known for its tradition, high standards and discipline.

It is believed that the legendary kalarippayattu warrior Thacholi Othenan himself came to this ancient Kalari [training arena] to hone his martial skills. Thacholi Othenan spent two years at Cherai Kalari to take forward the martial arts that he learned at his native place. He learned some unique tricks. Othenan was known for his valour and chivalry.

Although the Kalari has ceased to function, the temple close to it is still in existence. The remains of the Kalari can be still seen in Cherai.

Kalarithara

This is a very ancient Kalarithara, situated in Punukkavil at the twelfth ward of the panchayat. It is more famous as the Kalari of Punnur Kurupachan. Punnur Kurupachan was an expert practitioner in Kalari.

The Kalari centre was famous in the region and its training was widely appreciated. People from far-off regions used to train at the Kalari. A Kaavu is preserved in the neighbourhood.

Mavinchuvadu Kalari

Muhammedunni Gurukkal was a renowned Kalari exponent at Mavinchuvadu in Punnayurkulam. He was also widely appreciated as a great teacher. Under his stewardship, Mavinchuvadu Kalari centre was in existence.

He has produced several skilled Kalari practitioners. A lot of people, even from foreign countries, used to come here to learn Kalaripayattu from him.