Varikkasseri Mana

After more than a month of busy schedule, I happened to travel through Thrissur and Palakkad districts in the Indian State of Kerala. The recent floods has caused untold  damages to roads and houses. It was saddening to see the places affected by landslides which took the lives and livelihood of many people.  On my way to Ottapalam from Shoranur, I stopped at Varikkasseri Mana. It is situated just one kilometer from Manisseri. Visitor car parking inside the compound is not allowed. I parked my car on the road side. Entry ticket is Rs.20. The entry is actually through the back side of the building.

I was walking towards the house which I had seen only in Malayalam cinema till date.  'Theertham' was the first Malayalam film shooted here. But director IV Sasi's  Malayalam film 'Devasuram' made this house an important location in Malayalam cinema.

Actually known as Varikkumanchery Mana, it was constructed 112 years back by Varikkasseri Ravi Namboothirippad. The family owed its allegiance to the Zamorin of Calicut.  The yellow painted structure including Poomukham is constructed after 30 years. The design of Poomukham is different with long pillars. One member of the family -  Krishnan Namboothiripad also known as 'Shilpy Thampooran'   designed this building.  He studied fine arts in Madras and his influence is reflected in the design of Poomukham.

And I  sat on the steps of the  'Poomukham' trying to imagine the unforgettable scene of Devasuram - Mangalasseri Neelakandan sitting in a chair and the dance performance of Bhanumathy. I made a conscious decision to wear a blue shirt and 'Mundu' and I wanted to be photographed like Neelakandan.

'Poomukham', Varikkasseri Mana

As you wander around the Verandha (hallways) and various halls, you will step into artworks on every corner. The  main door is facing western side and the art work on the door is awesome. The Verandha is elevated differently. You can watch wooden roofing and pillars with art work. Red hand cut bricks are used on the boundary wall.

The main door is open to Padijattini - the place for entertainment. It is spacious and the roof is designed in solid wood with art work. The main attraction of this house is the main Nalukettu.

'Nalukettu',  Varikkasseri Mana

There is a wooden stair to reach the  first floor. There are two other stairs like this. There is a big hall and a bed room next to the hall on the first floor. Roof are made up of wood and all rooms have enough ventillation. You can watch many exit doors and most of the doors are not opened for public . You can have the view of 'Nadumuttam' from all rooms . I spent hours just wandering around, enjoying the wooden work on the roof  and view from rooms.  Rooms are cool enough and this is how ancient people lived here. This is really a palace.

And I came out of the main building and walked towards the building left to the main building. This building has two pathayappura and the main pathayapura is constructed in Victorian style. Earlier there was a bridge connecting this building with the main building and removed it later. You will get a good view from the balcony. The Malayalam film 'Thooval Kottaram'   was also shot in this building. You can also see this building in the film 'Devasuram'.

'Pathayappura', Varikkasseri Mana

It also has a Sreekrishna temple, a marvelous large pond with kulappura (a building at the pond-entrance). Entry to the temple is not allowed to visitors. Some scenes  in the Malayalam films 'Aaram Thampuran' and 'Drona'  shot here.

Total 170 films shot here in all languages. Visiting time is restricted between 9.30 am to 3 pm. Do not miss this place if you are traveling between Shoranur and Ottapalam.