Varikkassery Mana

One of the oldest traditional aristocratic Namboothiri family houses (Illam) in Kerala is Varikkassery Mana, alternatively known as Varikkumanchery Mana. Crafted in the architectural style of Kerala on a plot of land measuring about 4 acres, the house is situated in Manissery, a village in Palakkad in Ottapalam. For Malayalam films, it is a popular shooting location and many commercially successful films have been filmed on its premises, such as Devasuram, Aaraam Thampuran, and Rappakal.

At a Glance

History and Architecture

It is claimed that the Varikkassery family has a history of over 1000 years and the family is considered to have held a sovereign role among the Namboothiri families of Ashta Gruha (Eight Families). The Mana was built in or around 1902, using locally available red brick, by Varikkassery Ravi Namboothirippad.

The Mana was built by Krishnan Thampuran of the Varikkassery family, also known as Shilpi Thampuran, who had previously studied architecture in Chennai, and his exposure to western architecture is seen in the construction of the structure, especially in the long, slender columns surrounding the building’s portico. Built of oak, the beams, doors, and windows are decorated with exquisite carvings.

The enormous Padippura (entrance gate) provides entrance to the three-story building complex consisting of a Nalukettu with 74 houses, two Pathayappuras, a large pond, and the adjoining bathhouse, a family temple complex consisting of three Shiva, Krishna, and Ayyappan temples, and an Oottupura (dining hall) that has since been demolished. The Mana features a central courtyard, spacious rooms with wooden ceilings, doors, and windows, and antique furniture, paintings, lamps, and artifacts reflecting the cultural richness and heritage of Kerala. The premises also include a pond, a temple, a well, and a granary.

Plan Your Visit to Varikkassery Mana

One can visit Varikkasseri Mana throughout the year, the best time to visit is from October to March. This is the cool and dry season in Kerala, making it the most popular time to visit. This is the best time to participate in cultural activities and temple festivals as well. The Mana is a frequent movie shooting location hence it’s highly recommended to call them in advance and enquire about the visiting hours of the day before you start, the contact number for Varikkassery Mana is 097441 53057.

The entry fee to the Varikkassery Mana is INR 20 per person. One can reach the Mana easily by road as it situates at Manissery, just 1 kilometer inside the Ottapalam – Pattambi main road. The nearest railway station is Ottapalam which is 5 kilometers away and the nearest airport is Cochin international airport which is 88 kilometers away from the Varikkassery Mana.

Varikkassery Mana is a place that showcases the beauty and history of Kerala in a splendid way. It is a must-visit for anyone who wants to learn more about the culture and lifestyle of Kerala.

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