Kerala Arts & Crafts Village
Kerala Arts & Crafts Village things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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The Kerala Arts and Crafts Village in Kovalam, located in the village of Vellar in the Thiruvananthapuram district, is a commendable initiative by the Kerala government to preserve and promote the state's rich artistic and handicraft traditions. Spread across 8.5 acres of lush greenery, this vibrant village serves as a living museum, offering an immersive experience into the world of traditional Kerala craftsmanship. A Showcase of Kerala's Artistic Heritage: The village is home to numerous studios where skilled artisans from across Kerala practice their crafts. Visitors have the unique opportunity to witness these artisans at work, gaining insight into the intricate techniques involved in creating traditional items. The variety of crafts on display is truly impressive, encompassing: * Wood Carving: Intricate sculptures, furniture, and decorative pieces showcasing Kerala's rich wood carving heritage. * Metalworking: Traditional lamps, utensils, and other metal artifacts, often with religious or cultural significance. * Pottery and Clay Modeling: Demonstrations of traditional pottery techniques and the creation of clay figures and utilitarian items. Visitors might even get a chance to try their hand at the potter's wheel. * Textiles and Weaving: Exhibits of handloom products like the famed Balaramapuram handlooms, showcasing the weaving process and the beautiful fabrics produced. * Painting: Traditional Kerala mural art and other forms of painting, reflecting the state's vibrant cultural narratives. * Coir and Coconut Husk Crafts: Sustainable and eco-friendly products made from coconut fibers and husks. * Jewellery Making: Traditional Kerala jewellery designs. * Other Crafts: Including items made from bamboo, reeds, and palm leaves. Experiencing the Village: Beyond just observing the artisans, the Kerala Arts and Crafts Village offers a multifaceted experience: * Studios and Workshops: Visitors can walk through the various studios, interact with the artisans, and learn about their craft directly. Some studios might even offer workshops for those interested in trying their hand at a particular art form. * Art Gallery and Museum: The village houses a well-curated art gallery and possibly a small museum showcasing a collection of traditional Kerala arts and crafts. * Sales Emporium: A dedicated emporium allows visitors to purchase authentic, handcrafted souvenirs directly from the artisans, supporting the local community and taking home a piece of Kerala's heritage. The prices are generally considered reasonable. * Cultural Performances: The village often hosts cultural programs and live demonstrations, providing a glimpse into Kerala's vibrant performing arts traditions. There is an amphitheater for such events. * Restaurant: A restaurant within the village offers traditional Kerala cuisine at affordable prices, allowing visitors to savor the local flavors. The Kerala Arts and Crafts Village in Kovalam is a significant cultural destination that offers a valuable and enriching experience for tourists and locals alike. It provides a platform for artisans to showcase their skills and for visitors to connect with Kerala's rich heritage. The opportunity to witness the creation process, interact with the artisans, and purchase authentic handicrafts makes it a unique and worthwhile visit. The well-maintained premises, cultural events, and dining options further enhance the overall experience. While some visitors have noted potential challenges with transportation to the village and occasional maintenance work, the overwhelming sentiment is that it is a "must-visit" destination for anyone interested in the traditional arts and crafts of Kerala. It's a place where art, culture, and heritage come alive, offering a memorable glimpse into the soul of Kerala.
anshad ry
00
Kerala Arts and Crafts Village is located in Cellar, Kovalam, Trivandrum. This Arts and Crafts Village was inaugurated on 16th January,2021 by honourable Chief Minister of Kerala, Mr. Pinarayi Vijayan. The whole area is spread across in 8.5 acres which aims to rejuvenate Kerala State's handicraft culture. Though main entrance of this Village cannot be viewed from a normal traffic, there is enough indication (banner) to lead the way from NH bypass to Main entrance gate. There is an entry amount to be paid at the entrance. Also, parking fee is also charged along with the entrance fee. The ticket should be retained until you come back. There is a QR code printed on the ticket. Whenever you purchase any handicraft from each stall, you can choose to either pay at individual stalls or scan the QR code printed on the ticket at individual stalls. This QR code will help you to make entire payment (Centralised Payment) in one go at the Emporium instead of you pay at individual stalls. Currently, most of stalls accepts only Cash payment and few stalls/emporium accepts Google pay as well. Credit and Debit Cards are not accepted here and the arrangement to accept Credit/Debit Card shall be done in Future. Enough parking space is available inside the premise. At the entrance, atleast 10-20 cars can be easily parked. If this is filled, there is another Parking lot near to the amphitheatre, where few cars can be easily parked. It would take about 3 hours to see the whole village. I would recommend visiting this place during evening hours around 3:30-4 pm so that Sunset can be viewed from here. There are about 25 - 30 stalls, which showcases different handicraft items. The Stalls showcases the items and also Sells the items. Most of the handicraft items are expensive and few falls within our budget. You can see Mural paintings, cane products, jewellery, Wooden handicrafts, wooden statues made of redwood,teak, mahagony etc., clothing, coir products, home decors etc. In emporium building, you can see paintings of various artists from all across Kerala (Trivandrum to Kasargod). The paintings are also pretty expensive. The children Park area is still under construction. They plans to slowly start traditional dance shows during Saturday and Sunday evening hours to attract the crowd. Also, this village is opened (from morning 10 am) until 7 pm in the evening currently. The timings may be extended in the future once they start traditional dance shows like Kathakali, kolkali etc. There's only one restaurant available inside, which is near to Amphitheatre. This is a very good tourist destination in Trivandrum and visitors can appreciate various art forms and handicraft of Kerala. I would recommend every tourist to drop in at this place and enjoy various art forms of Kerala.
Sanil Madathil
00
Beautiful Venue but Frustrating Management We held our engagement at the concert mini hall in Kerala Arts and Crafts Village, and the place is absolutely gorgeous. The manicured gardens provided stunning photo opportunities, and the pricing was very reasonable. The food was fantastic, with an elaborate salad bar and a buffet chosen from an extensive list. Everything was delicious, well-made, and beautifully arranged. Full compliments to Chef Biju for the amazing food—a lot of our guests couldn’t stop praising it! For event arrangements, we initially hired their empaneled event manager, 'Signature,' for a hassle-free experience. While they initially assured us that our ideas could be executed within our budget, their tune changed as the day approached. They demanded a considerable hike and expressed doubts about executing our theme. This forced us to bring in outside decorators, which was stressful enough. To make matters worse, the executive in charge created unnecessary obstacles. Although we were initially told the hall would be free the day before the program, the decorators were informed upon arrival that the hall was occupied and would only be available at 5 PM. When 5 PM came, the executive claimed the hall was needed for training due to rain. The irony? We were at the venue, and it wasn’t raining. Finally, we had to escalate the issue to the top management to gain access to the hall by 6 PM. This delay resulted in overtime charges for our decorators, making the entire experience incredibly frustrating. While the venue is stunning and the food is exceptional, the mismanagement and poor communication significantly marred our experience.
Kalyani Sai Reju
00
Kerala Arts and Crafts Village is a vibrant hub where creativity knows no bounds. It serves as a melting pot for artists, craftsmen, designers, and enthusiasts to collaborate and bring their artistic visions to life. This dynamic space hosts a diverse array of events, from literary and film festivals to art exhibitions, design workshops, and music shows, creating enriching experiences for all who visit. As a testament to its inclusive nature, the village has welcomed renowned musicians showcasing the rich cultural tapestry woven within its bounds. The recent program by Yukta Artists without Borders on 30th December 2023 further exemplified the Village's commitment to fostering international cultural exchange and artistic exploration. Moreover, the presence of a quality restaurant offering delectable meals at an affordable cost adds to the appeal of the Village. This culinary offering enhances the overall experience for visitors, providing a place to savor delicious cuisine amid the vibrant atmosphere of creativity and cultural exchange. As a testament to its growing international appeal, the Village frequently attracts a diversity of visitors, including a significant number of foreigners who come to witness the diverse and enriching programs it offers. Having been taken over by Kerala Tourism, the Village is set to further blossom into a cornerstone of artistic expression and cultural celebration within the region. Its diverse array of events, from hackathons to food festivals and flea markets, solidifies its position as a must-visit destination for locals and travelers alike.
Dr. ABILASH SYMON
00
Last week, I visited the Kerala Arts and Crafts Village, and it was truly a mesmerizing experience. This place is a treasure trove of Kerala's rich cultural heritage, showcasing the finest privileges of the state’s arts and crafts. The village is thoughtfully designed to preserve and promote traditional craftsmanship. Walking through the beautifully curated pathways, I explored several art and craft shops that featured exquisite handwoven textiles, wooden sculptures, pottery, jewelry, and more. Each item reflects the dedication and skill of artisans who have preserved these crafts for generations. The live demonstrations of artisans at work were especially fascinating. Watching them create masterpieces out of simple materials gave me a new appreciation for their craft. There are also workshops where visitors can try their hand at making some of these crafts, adding a personal touch to the visit. A special mention goes to Ms. Indu, our guide during the visit. She was excellent, explaining everything with great enthusiasm and depth, making the experience even more enriching and memorable. The serene ambiance of the village, combined with its vibrant art displays, makes it an ideal spot to relax and immerse oneself in Kerala’s cultural ethos. It is not just a marketplace but a hub for learning, appreciating, and preserving the state’s artistic legacy. I highly recommend the Kerala Arts and Crafts Village as a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the soul of Kerala through its art and culture.
Rajiv Shankar
00
Must visit place for everyone who loves art and craft works, especially those which are indigenous to our own Kerala. The whole ambience is endearing, with a calming music playing in the background all throughout. There were numerous shops displaying the handicrafts done using wood, paper quills, clay, coconut husk, terracotta, thread, jute, dry flowers, glass arts, paintings, ivory, bronze and what not! Everything under one roof, indeed!! Such a soothing experience to watch these art works, and the dedication and craftsmanship deserve big applause!! Great collection available to buy and these would be perfect for home decors, though prices are a bit high it is reasonable considering the effort spent on the handmade products. Staff/Artists are very friendly with a smiling face and they explain the art works and about the materials used for intricate detailing in their works. There is a peak point on top (you can drive your way up) where you can watch the horizon, best time to visit is towards evening, where one can enjoy the slow breeze amid the greenery. Alongside is an amphitheatre and a small children's park too. There is a restaurant also where food was really good. The place is beautifully constructed and maintained exquisitely. Really clean and not a speck of dust anywhere. Overall really nice experience visiting this place, for an evening outing and also to buy beautiful genuine art works, worth having to beautify your home!!
Vidya Vijayan
00
Nearby Attractions Of Kerala Arts & Crafts Village
Kunnumpara Sree Murugan Temple

Kunnumpara Sree Murugan Temple
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Nearby Restaurants Of Kerala Arts & Crafts Village
Bait
The Chef's Studio
Sea Gull Restaurant
Natesh Cafe
Jasmine Bay Restaurant
Reunion - The Gastro Pub & Wine Bar
The Courtyard
Neera Bar
GRASS HOPPER
The Curry Pot

Bait
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The Chef's Studio
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Sea Gull Restaurant
4.4
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Natesh Cafe
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Basic Info
Address
Vellar, Vazhamuttom, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695527, India
Map
Phone
+91 92880 01155
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Website
kacvkovalam.org
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Reviews
Overview
4.6
(1.3K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
entertainment
relaxation
scenic
family friendly
accessibility
attractions: Kunnumpara Sree Murugan Temple, restaurants: Bait, The Chef's Studio, Sea Gull Restaurant, Natesh Cafe, Jasmine Bay Restaurant, Reunion - The Gastro Pub & Wine Bar, The Courtyard, Neera Bar, GRASS HOPPER, The Curry Pot

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