Varkala Cultural Center
A serene center showcasing Kerala's vibrant performing arts through stunning murals and traditional architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch bi-weekly performances
Varkala Cultural Center
Best Time
Catch bi-weekly performances
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene center showcasing Kerala's vibrant performing arts through stunning murals and traditional architecture.
"This place had my heart. It promotes local art in Varkala and is well-maintained."
🎟️ Performance Tickets
Catch a show for Rs 200. Check the schedule for bi-weekly performances to experience the magic!
📸 Camera Fee
Entry is just Rs 10, but there's an extra charge for using your camera.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.5 · 104 reviews
Type
Performing Arts Theater
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vibrant Mural Art
Entrance, interior, and exterior walls
Walls come alive with over 2,000 sq. ft. of murals depicting Kerala's rich performing arts.
Traditional Architecture
Nalukettu, Koothambalam, Amphitheatre
Experience the serene ambiance of traditional Kerala architecture, including a Nalukettu and Koothambalam.
Kalarithara & Lotus Pond
Outdoor areas
Explore the Kalarithara (martial arts space) and a tranquil lotus pond, offering a natural, artistic setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Performances
Embrace the Local Art Scene
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Performance Tickets
Catch a show for Rs 200. Check the schedule for bi-weekly performances to experience the magic!
📸 Camera Fee
Entry is just Rs 10, but there's an extra charge for using your camera.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Wander through the Nalukettu, Koothambalam, and organic garden for a peaceful experience.
🎨 Admire the Murals
Don't miss the stunning murals depicting various Kerala art forms all over the center.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Performance Tickets
Catch a show for Rs 200. Check the schedule for bi-weekly performances to experience the magic!
📸 Camera Fee
Entry is just Rs 10, but there's an extra charge for using your camera.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Wander through the Nalukettu, Koothambalam, and organic garden for a peaceful experience.
🎨 Admire the Murals
Don't miss the stunning murals depicting various Kerala art forms all over the center.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Varkala Cultural Center for its serene ambiance, beautiful traditional architecture, and vibrant murals depicting Kerala's performing arts. While some note the lack of live performances on weekdays, the low entry fee and the artistic merit of the center make it a worthwhile visit for cultural enthusiasts.
"A Delight for Dancers! When we reached Varkala, we got to know about this Centre for Performing Arts and as I'm a classical dancer, I couldn't resist myself from visiting this place once. The aesthetics and the aura of this place had altogether a different vibe. Unfortunately there wasn't any show to watch that day, but glad that we could make it to this gem of a place."
Megha Shah
"Centre for Performing Arts(Rangakala Kendram),an emerging tourist destination& an initiative of Vision Varkala Infrastructure Development Corporation (VIVID),is situated on the premises of Varkala Government Guest House.
Located on a two-acre plot&designed by Architect B Sudhir,the Centre provide a natural environment comprising of Nalukettu, Koothambalam, Amphitheatre, Lotus pond,Kalarithara, Organic Garden etc.
Aimed at popularising culture,heritage,arts& tourism , "Teach, Learn&Perform” is the operational concept behind the Centre.
About 2,000 sq.ft have been painted with murals by renowned Muralist Suresh Muthukulam depicting numerous performing arts particular to the State at the main entrance, interior&exterior walls of the kalari thara& the upper floor of one of the buildings.
Theyyam, Padayani,Mohiniyattam,
Thiruvathirakali,Ottanthullal, Kalaripayattu, Kathakali& more can be seen on the walls of the Centre for Performing Arts at Varkala.
108 karanas of Indian classical dance is drawn on the upper walls of the Malika.
Hope the centre will popularise the culture &heritage of Kerala’s traditional folk and martial arts ."
DEEPI ASHOK
"Aww...this place had my heart. This place promotes local art in varkala. There is place for theatre acts and kalaripayattu...I visited this during weekday hence there was no activity. This place is well maintained, clean and neat. I hope this place gets more famous so that art can be promoted."
Omita Jain
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Varkala Cultural Center is located on the premises of the Varkala Government Guest House. It's easily accessible by local auto-rickshaws or taxis from Varkala town.
It's a short drive from Varkala beach, making it a convenient addition to your beach day.
Varkala is well-connected by train and bus. The nearest railway station is Varkala Sivagiri.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The general entry fee is a nominal Rs 10. However, there's an additional charge if you plan to use your camera.
Tickets for performances are priced at Rs 200 per person.
Yes, an annual membership is available for Rs 5000, which allows two people to enjoy performances and is transferable.
The center is open for exploration during daytime hours, but performance schedules vary. It's best to check for specific timings.
Advance booking details for performances are not widely advertised, but it's advisable to inquire at the venue or check their official channels if available.
🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience
You can admire murals depicting Theyyam, Padayani, Mohiniyattam, Thiruvathirakali, Ottanthullal, Kalaripayattu, and Kathakali, among other performing arts.
The center organizes bi-weekly programs for performing arts enthusiasts. It's recommended to check the schedule beforehand.
The center features traditional Kerala architecture, including a Nalukettu, Koothambalam, and an amphitheater, designed to provide a natural environment.
Visitors often praise the center for being well-maintained, clean, and neat, with staff making efforts to keep the premises tidy.
This is the operational concept behind the center, aimed at popularizing culture, heritage, and arts through education and performance.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Currently, there are no specific food stalls or restaurants mentioned within the Varkala Cultural Center itself. You'll find numerous dining options in Varkala town and near the beach.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally good practice to avoid consuming outside food within cultural or artistic venues. Check for specific signage upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is allowed, but there is an additional fee for using a camera.
The vibrant murals, traditional architectural elements like the Nalukettu and Koothambalam, and the serene lotus pond offer excellent photo opportunities.
While general photography is permitted with a fee, it's always wise to be respectful of performers and other visitors, and avoid intrusive photography during any live events.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit