RangakalaKendram to add tourism attraction to Varkala

Friday, November 6, 2020

Varkala is synonymous with the sun, sand and sea. The popular tourist destination will also becomefamous for traditional folk arts.

RangakalaKendram, or the Centre for Performing Arts, is expected to be inaugurated in January. An initiative of Vision Varkala Infrastructure Development (Vivid) Corporation Ltd, chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the centre aims to popularise the culture and heritage of Kerala’s traditional folk and martial arts.

It will be set up on a two-acre land on the premises of the government guest house, allotted by the Tourism Department.“The RangakalaKendram is an initiative of the state government under Vivid to revive art forms and turn Varkala into a world cultural centre. The centre will also give importance to martial arts like kalaripayattu,” said V Ramachandran Potty, managing director, Vivid. The centre has amenities like kalarithara, an amphitheatre, kavu, koothambalam, and a lotus pond. “Almost 95 per cent of the work is complet,” he added.

“Varkala is a popular tourist destination. Several foreign tourists reside here for nearly four months. We intend to introduce short-term courses for folk and martial art forms,” said V Joy MLA, who is also among the board directors of Vivid.

“Varkala has already made its presence in pilgrimage, medical, backwater, and geo-tourism sectors. RangakalaKendram will attract more tourists to the area. Already, more than 60 art students across the country have chosen the centre as their topic for graduate thesis projects. This is a huge achievement for us,” said Ramachandran.

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