Kalaripayattu Ancient Martial Art Performance in Bangalore

Visit: Wandertrails, Bengaluru 560068 India

An ancient art form that has survived the ravages of time, touted as the oldest martial art in the world, Kalaripayattu traces to legends like sage Parashurama. After reclaiming the land that we now know as Kerala, the sage is supposed to have established 108 ‘kalaris’. In chronicled history, the origins are cloaked in mythology and mystery, much like Yoga. You get an insight into what makes it special and the reason why it has survived all these years right here in Bangalore.The technique is a combination of quick steps and strong stances that quickly shift based on our opponent's movement. The way each stance has its own effectiveness and function, it also has a unique style and power. Performing the art seems like a task of precision and expertise and watching it being performed is something that will leave you in awe. In this experience, you will be doing just that. Following a brief history of the ancient art by the Kalari Gurukkal, or the performing master, you get to witness the magnificence of movement as the master launches into a mesmerizing performance with his disciples.The 'Kalari' or training hall where the art form is practiced is a dug out mud pit with soft earth, usually wet red soil that is supposed to have a cushioning effect to prevent injuries. It is also enclosed to avoid draft from interfering with the posture of the performers. The traditional dug out mud pit is where Kalaripayattu is practiced. Apart from bare hand combat, Kalaripayattu fighters also use swords, odd shaped wooden weapons, daggers and the deadly urumi, the flexible whip-like sword that unless used with fierce concentration can decapitate the warrior’s own head. It is claimed that learned warriors can disable or kill their opponents by merely touching the vital nerve point.Kalaripayattu is said to have given birth to the rest of the martial arts like Karate and Kung Fu. If the latter is absolute fighting techniques, Kalaripayattu looks more like a dance, lethal when in combat but performed like a magical skill in a demonstration. You get to witness the precision and expertise with which the enduring art form is performed even as you get a glimpse into the history of this martial art.Start by learning a brief history of Kalaripayattu by the 'Kalari Gurukkal', (master or guru), before witnessing a high-energy performance conducted by the guru’s disciples. Apart from bare hand combat, Kalaripayattu fighters also use swords, odd-shaped wooden weapons, daggers, and the lethal ‘urumi,’ a flexible whip-like sword. Kalaripayattu adherents claim that experienced fighters can disable or kill their opponents by merely touching the correct ‘marmam’ (vital point) on an enemy’s body.

After the performance, join your warrior hosts for an authentic ‘Kerala Sadya,’ a traditional Kerala banquet feast served on a green banana leaf in a tree house. You’ll enjoy a sumptuous spread of rice and more than 14 delicious vegetable dishes, followed by different varieties of ‘payasams’ (freshly-prepared vegetarian dishes).

You'll enjoy this traditional meal while learning more about its origins and the unique method of serving used by hosts. Sadya meals are always served in a specific fashion, with the banana leaf placed before each guest with its narrow part pointing to the left side. Each individual dish is served from the top left corner of the leaf and placed in a pre-set order designed to accentuate the overall gastronomic experience. 

When the tour concludes, you will receive a drop-off back at your hotel in Bangalore City.

Duration: 1 hour