This small town, 13 Kms from Malappuram is the home of the famed Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala, one of the pioneer institutions of Ayurveda in India. Ayurveda, Indian’s unique science of life and medicine, has a major role in attracting tourists to Kerala. In a large number of cases, Ayurveda is responsible for persuading foreign travelers to visit the State.
Vaidyaratnam P.S. Warrier founded the Arya Vaidyasala in 1902. People from different parts of the world, from Haly, Germany, Holland, Britain, France and USA, come here seeking Ayurveda treatment. The Vaidyasala runs an Ayurveda research center, a nursing home, a hospital, an Ayurveda college and a medicinal herbal garden.
Kottakkal is also the abode of art and culture. The PSV Natyasangham, the blessed Kathakali group runs a Kathakali school. Venkata Theva temple near the Vaidyasala is noted for natural paintings. Kottakkal Pooram festival attracts thousands.