Places to Visit Near Ottapalam, Kerala
Explore aristocratic heritage manors like Varikkasseri Mana, peaceful Nila riverbanks, eco-tourism hills, and cultural institutions around Ottapalam.
Quick Table of Contents
- 1. Varikkasseri Mana (Manissery)
- 2. Olappamanna Mana (Vellinezhi)
- 3. Bharathapuzha (River Nila) Sunset Points
- 4. Ananganmala Eco-Tourism & Viewpoint
- 5. Kerala Kalamandalam (Cheruthuruthy)
- 6. Chinakkathoor Bhagavathy Temple (Palappuram)
- 7. Killikkurussimangalam & Kunchan Smarakam
- 8. Mangalamkunnu Elephant Shelter
- Where to Stay Near Ottapalam
Situated along the historic banks of the Bharathapuzha (River Nila), Ottapalam has long served as a cultural hub for Kerala's classical performing arts, literature, and cinema. The surrounding region is renowned for aristocratic manors (Manas), temple poorams, and scenic rural landscapes.
Below is a verified guide to notable places to visit in and around Ottapalam, complete with approximate distances and practical travel details.
Note: Information last checked: September 2026. Entry guidelines and visiting hours may vary during festival seasons or private film shoots.
1. Varikkasseri Mana (Manissery)
Historic Aristocratic Manor House
What it is: Varikkasseri Mana is a late 19th-century traditional three-storey wooden aristocratic manor (Tharavadu) built in classical Kerala architectural style. Spanning several acres, the estate features extensive wooden carvings, a central open courtyard (Nadumuttam), and an expansive private temple pond (Kulam).
Why visitors go: It is one of the most recognizable filming locations in Malayalam cinema, featured as Mangalassery Neelakandan's ancestral home in Devasuram, and appearing in films such as Aaram Thamburan, Chandrolsavam, and Madampi. Architecture enthusiasts visit to study the intricate timber joinery and layout.
Approximate distance from Arena Gardens: ~19 km (~6 km from Ottapalam town).
Approximate travel time: ~25 to 30 minutes by car.
Varikkasseri Mana: celebrated for classic Kerala wooden architecture and cinema history.
2. Olappamanna Mana (Vellinezhi)
Heritage Home of Performing Arts & Scholarship
What it is: A centuries-old ancestral manor in the cultural hamlet of Vellinezhi, historically famous for patronage of Kathakali, Carnatic music, and Sanskrit scholarship. The mana nurtured the renowned Kalluvazhi Chitta tradition of Kathakali.
Why visitors go: To appreciate traditional feudal architecture, explore heritage rooms preserved with period artifacts, and learn about classical performing arts history in Kerala.
Approximate distance from Arena Gardens: ~10 km (~14 km from Ottapalam).
Approximate travel time: ~15 minutes by car.
Olappamanna Mana in Vellinezhi, historically connected to Kathakali and classical arts.
3. Bharathapuzha (River Nila) Sunset Points
Kerala's Second-Longest River
What it is: The sacred Bharathapuzha river is a cultural artery that has inspired generations of Malayalam poets, novelists, and filmmakers.
Why visitors go: Broad sandy riverbeds offer peaceful evening viewpoints, breezy strolls, and sunset views over the water. Popular access points are found near Ottapalam town and Mayannur Bridge.
Approximate distance from Arena Gardens: ~20 km.
Approximate travel time: ~25 to 35 minutes by car.
The riverbanks of Bharathapuzha near Ottapalam during golden hour.
4. Ananganmala Eco-Tourism & Viewpoint
Rocky Hill Range with Trekking Trails
What it is: A rocky hill range maintained by Kerala Eco-Tourism, associated with Ramayana folklore as a piece of the Sanjeevani hill.
Why visitors go: Well-paved stone steps lead to breezy viewpoints overlooking the lush canopy of Palakkad. The site also contains natural rock shelters and diverse plant life.
Approximate distance from Arena Gardens: ~16 km (~12 km from Ottapalam).
Approximate travel time: ~25 minutes by car.
Ananganmala Eco-Tourism: rocky trails and panoramic valley viewpoints.
5. Kerala Kalamandalam (Cheruthuruthy)
Deemed University for Classical Performing Arts
What it is: Founded in 1930 by poet Vallathol Narayana Menon, Kerala Kalamandalam is an internationally recognized institution teaching Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam, Thullal, and Panchavadyam under the traditional Gurukula system.
Why visitors go: Visitors can book the guided 'A Day with the Masters' tour on working weekdays to observe master artists training students in traditional dance and percussion classrooms.
Approximate distance from Arena Gardens: ~28 km (~22 km from Ottapalam town).
Approximate travel time: ~35 to 45 minutes by car.
6. Chinakkathoor Bhagavathy Temple (Palappuram)
Famed for Chinakkathoor Pooram
What it is: An ancient temple located in Palappuram, famous for its annual pooram festival featuring 16 massive decorated wooden horse figures (Kuthiras), caparisoned elephants, and percussion concerts.
Why visitors go: To admire classical temple architecture, sacred groves, and festive heritage.
Approximate distance from Arena Gardens: ~22 km (~4 km from Ottapalam).
Approximate travel time: ~30 minutes by car.
7. Killikkurussimangalam & Kunchan Smarakam
Birthplace of Kunchan Nambiar
What it is: Killikkurussimangalam (Lakkidi) is the birthplace of 18th-century Malayalam poet and satirist Kunchan Nambiar, creator of the traditional solo dance-theatre art form Ottamthullal.
Why visitors go: The memorial complex (Kunchan Smarakam) preserves the poet's ancestral home, an auditorium, and a library celebrating Malayalam folk literature.
Approximate distance from Arena Gardens: ~22 km (~8 km from Ottapalam).
Approximate travel time: ~30 minutes by car.
8. Mangalamkunnu Elephant Shelter
Temple Elephants in Sreekrishnapuram
What it is: A private ancestral shelter housing well-known temple elephants in Sreekrishnapuram.
Why visitors go: To see elephants up close in their natural open-air shelter during resting months.
Approximate distance from Arena Gardens: ~500 meters (~20 km from Ottapalam).
Approximate travel time: ~5 minute walk from Arena Gardens.
Where to Stay Near Ottapalam
Arena Gardens Farm Stay in Sreekrishnapuram
When touring heritage sights around Ottapalam, many travelers prefer staying in the peaceful rural setting of nearby Sreekrishnapuram rather than town-center transit hotels.
Arena Gardens is situated approximately 20 km from Ottapalam town (about 25 minutes by car). The farm stay offers 5 private bedrooms with attached bathrooms, kitchen facilities for self-catering, secure parking, and an outdoor campfire area on a green estate.
Experience Countryside Living at Arena Gardens
Looking for clean, comfortable, and tranquil accommodation in Sreekrishnapuram near Ottapalam? Arena Gardens offers 5 spacious bedrooms, kitchen access, campfire pit, high-speed Wi-Fi, and complete private property bookings.
The region surrounding Ottapalam holds some of Kerala's most evocative heritage sites. With careful planning and an early start, visitors can explore historic manors, scenic rivers, and cultural institutes at a comfortable pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tourists visit Varikkasseri Mana?
Yes, Varikkasseri Mana is open to visitors on most non-shooting days, typically between 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM. A small entry ticket is required at the gate.
How far is Ottapalam from Arena Gardens?
Arena Gardens in Sreekrishnapuram is approximately 20 km north of Ottapalam town, typically a 25 to 30 minute drive along state highways.
What is the best way to travel around Ottapalam sightseeing spots?
Because heritage sights like Varikkasseri Mana, Olappamanna Mana, and Ananganmala are spread across rural roads, traveling by private car or booked taxi offers the greatest flexibility.
Arena Gardens Editorial
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