Set amidst the serene backdrop of lush greenery and vibrant cultural heritage, this 10-day retreat offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore Kalaripayattu, the world’s oldest martial art, while rejuvenating your body, mind, and spirit through a harmonious blend of movement practices, cultural immersions, and Ayurvedic nourishment.
Whether you are a wellness seeker, a seasoned practitioner, or simply someone curious about this ancient tradition, this retreat promises to transform your perspective on wellness and movement.
14 – 24 July 2025
Shadow Puppets, Striking Moves, and Soothing Massages—Kerala’s Best in One Retreat.
When & Where
Hosted by: The Blue Yonder & Kommunity
Location: Clay Fingers, Vallachira, Thrissur, Kerala
Dates: 14–24 July 2025
Group Size: Limited to 15 participants
What Awaits You?
Morning: Begin with Somatic and Strength sessions by Swati, followed by a Kalari session with Vinod Gurukkal.
Midday: Indulge in wholesome Ayurvedic meals and rejuvenate with a Kalari therapeutic massage.
Evening: Participate in cultural storytelling, performances, and a second Kalari session before enjoying a leisurely dinner.
What's Unique?
Witness iconic art forms like Mudiyettu and Kathakali.
Explore ancient rituals and shadow puppetry.
Immerse in local festivals and traditions, providing a deeper understanding of the region’s artistic soul.
Who Should Join?
Yoga practitioners seeking deeper movement integration.
Martial artists and fitness enthusiasts looking for a new dimension of training.
Cultural explorers curious about the intersection of tradition, wellness, and art.
Beginners and seasoned practitioners who wish to immerse in authentic Kalari training and wellness practices.
Practical Details
Accommodation: Stay in the tranquil Clay Finger Pottery Studio and Residency, surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque paddy fields.
Meals: All meals are included, featuring fresh, organic Ayurvedic recipes.
Accessibility: Conveniently located near Cochin International Airport and Thrissur Railway Station.
Immerse yourself in the ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu under the expert guidance of Vinod Gurukkal, a master with over four decades of dedicated practice. Known for his profound understanding of Kalari’s physical, spiritual, and healing dimensions, Gurukkal brings a holistic approach to every session.
In addition to his mastery of martial techniques, Vinod Gurukkal is an expert in marma chikitsa (energy-point therapy), traditional medicine preparation, and Kalari massages, offering an unparalleled depth of knowledge to his students. His teaching blends discipline, precision, and an intimate connection to the roots of this ancient art.
With experience that extends to working in theatre and film, Vinod Gurukkal’s practice embodies the essence of Kalaripayattu as a living tradition. Join us at the July 2025 Retreat to strengthen your practice, improve agility, and experience the transformative power of this timeless martial art.
Somatic & Strength by Swati Prasad: Swati’s Somatic & Strength Sessions are designed to prepare your body to fully embrace and optimize the benefits of Kalari practice. Drawing on her expertise in dance, yoga, and strength training, these sessions emphasize alignment, flexibility, and spatial awareness. They aim to build resilience, balance, and readiness for deeper engagement with Kalari training and therapeutic practices.
Kalaripayattu for Beginners and Intermediates by Vinod Gurukkal: Under the guidance of Vinod Gurukkal, an expert in the Vadakkan (Northern) style of Kalaripayattu, participants will experience the distinctive fluidity and focus on upper body movements that set this style apart. Beginners will establish a strong foundation in essential stances (vadivugal), sequences (chuvadugal), and kicks (kalugal), while intermediate practitioners will refine their techniques and explore advanced movements, including stick fighting. The training progresses into meipayattu (body exercises), promoting strength, agility, and coordination, with personalized guidance for all levels.
Kalari Massages and Nourishment: Recovery and nourishment are integral to the Kalari experience. Daily Kalari massages, performed using the feet and herbal oils hand-prepared by Vinodji, are designed to relieve tension, enhance flexibility, and promote healing. These treatments are complemented by wholesome, locally sourced meals prepared with Ayurvedic principles. The carefully curated diet supports the demands of your movement practice, ensuring vitality, recovery, and holistic well-being throughout the retreat.
Dive into Kerala’s rich cultural fabric through intimate encounters with traditional performances such as Kathakali, Chavittunatakam, Mudiyettu, and shadow puppetry. These art forms are deeply rooted in and influenced by the ethnic and religious diversity of Kerala, reflecting the harmonious blend of traditions from Hindu, Christian, and Muslim communities. Engage with local artists and discover how Kalari influences these art forms. Through storytelling and rituals, you’ll connect with the vibrant heritage that makes Kerala truly unique.
YOUR STAY
Nestled amidst lush greenery and serene paddy fields, Clayfingers Pottery Studio and Residency provides the perfect retreat for your Kalari immersion.
This charming space combines artistic inspiration with natural tranquility, offering a nurturing environment to connect deeply with Kerala’s cultural heritage.With its rustic charm, artistic ambiance, and close proximity to the cultural hub of Thrissur, Clayfingers creates a serene and inspiring backdrop for your transformative journey into Kalaripayattu and Kerala’s traditional art forms.
Kalaripayattu, also known simply as Kalari, is an Indian martial art that originated in modern-day Kerala, a state on the southwestern coast of India.
It is believed to be the oldest surviving martial art in India, with a history spanning over 3,000 years. We explore its legendary origins, philosophy and step-by-step technique and practice.
Filmmaker: Priyanka Mukherjee
Commissioning Editor: Griesham Taan
FAQ for Kalari Wellness Retreat
A pioneer in responsible tourism, Gopinath Parayil has spent over two decades crafting transformative travel experiences that blend sustainability, community empowerment, and cultural preservation.
A revered master of Kalaripayattu, Vinod Kadangal has spent over four decades preserving and evolving this ancient martial art, blending its physical, philosophical, and healing traditions to inspire a new generation of practitioners.
A movement artist and wellness practitioner, Swati Prasad Pyda integrates the disciplines of Odissi, Kalaripayattu, and Yoga into her platform, Kommunity, fostering holistic health through ancient practices and modern science.
Gopinath Parayil
Travel Curator
Naomi Clark
Travel Curator
Pooja Nataraj
Travel Curator
Swati Prasad Pyda
Travel Curator
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