Tyn-y-parc Kalari and Studio, Llanarth, West Wales

The Tyn-y-parc C.V.N. Kalari/Studio was inaugurated in July 2001. It is the first proper kalari to be opened outside Kerala, India. Traditional kalari are pits dug out of the ground, and with a palm-leaf roof. They are oriented on a property in an auspicious direction, and the interior houses a space that is as much temple as a place of martial exercise and healing. As much as is possible in the often hostile environment of west Wales, the Tyn-y-parc kalari is modelled on a traditional Kerala, India kalari. The kalari is located in a very private, but not remote setting just outside the village of Llanarth in Ceredigion between New Quay and Aberaeron. This very private and restful location is only a ten minute walk from the village of Llanarth, has three small gardens (one with a pond), and two with distant views of Cardigan Bay. The centre is only 2½ miles from the beautiful beach, Cei Bach, and near numerous coastal walkways such as Cym-Tydu, all part of the National Trust.

Tyn-y-parc C.V.N. Kalari/Studio: inaugurated July, 2001

Access to the kalari is on a private (shared) drive, down a lane near the village school. The final part of the drive is completely private, and provides access to the one-acre site of the house, and kalari. The property is surrounded by grazing fields for a local farmer’s cattle. An old farm house constitutes the main residence on the property.

The interior of the kalari with pounded earth floor.

The kalari has been adapted from an old Welsh stone milking parlour. Inside the main entrance is a small treatment area and bathroom. Upstairs is a sleeping loft. From the entry area/treatment room, one steps down into the kalari proper--a sacred space. The interior of the kalari measures approximately 17 feet x 34 feet - about the size of many kalari in Kerala. Importantly, the kalari has a pounded earth floor --ideal for putting oil on the body during training and for massage. Given the West Wales climate, the heating for the kalari is under the floor to ensure working on a warm surface. The kalari houses some of the traditional deities of a Kerala kalari, and simple daily puja is offered. The centre offers intensive residential workshops for approximately eight to twelve students at a time, as well as full body and therapeutic massages. In addition, other occasional workshops/courses, or rehearsals, take place in the studio.

Participants are housed on the premises in one private room (single or double) in the house proper, one single garden house room and the loft, or in near-by accommodation. Those staying on-site share access to the lounge and dining room. Since the main house is the main and private residence for Phillip Zarrilli, participants are expected to treat the premises with respect, and to observe quiet periods as indicated. Other local accomodation within walking distance (15-30 minutes) include several bed and breakfasts, a pub with B&B accomodation serving meals, local camping sites, self-catering 'chalets' at Woodlands Village etc. The seaside towns of New Quay and Aberaeron provide a variety of amenities and activities, especially in the summer. Weather permitting, walks and work sessions occasionally take place along coastal areas nearby.

The puttara and the pitham.

Cei bach- the beach 2 miles from Tyn-y-Parc

ADDITIONAL HOUSING/RESIDENTIAL OPTIONS IN THE AREA

LLANARTH VILLAGE:

1. Woodlands Village: Located approximately 1.2 miles from the kalari on the road to New Quay fromLlanarth, Woodlands Village is a holiday resort consisting of small, self-catering, two bedroomed 'chalets' with small sitting/dining room, and bathroom. Sleeping three to four (usually a double and one twin), these privately owned 'chalets' offer the cheapest self-catering accommodation within easy walking distance of the kalari. For residents there is an on-site bar and small swimming pool. Woodlands Village is located exactly half way between the kalari and Cei Bach [Reservations for this accommodation can be booked when registering for the course. The cost is between £50-£60 per week based on shared accommodation with three or four people sharing.]
2. Gwesty Llanina Hotels: 5 en suite rooms available above the local pub, the Llanina Arms, all B & B. Ten minute walk from the kalari. On the somewhat busy main A 487 coastal highway. Eurfyl & Ann Evans, Proprietors. Address: Gwesty Llanina Hotel, Llanarth, Ceredigion, Wales, SA47 0NP. Telephone: 01445-580732.
   Room prices: 20 pounds/night per person (single or double available). If staying 7 nights reduction from 140 pounds to 120 pounds/7 nights.
3. Beechwood B&B: 3 ensuite rooms available in the middle of the village, just off the A487. 6-7 nights is £180 for two people sharing, £120 for one person. Telephone: 01545-580280.
4. Camping/Caravan in Llanarth: Just off the A487, a ten-twelve minute walk from the kalari. One and one-half miles from the Irish Sea.
5. Cei Bach Country Club. Camping site, pub, restaurant. Located just at the top of the hill above the closest beach, Cei Bach. Quiet location, but popular campsite. 2 miles from the kalari.
6. Wern Mill Camping/Caravan site: camping site located ½ mile from Cei Bach, near a stream in quiet location. Approximately 1½ miles from Tyn-y-parc.

ABERAERON:

4 miles north of Llanarth. Beautiful seaside town with many Georgian homes, a number of which are B & B accomodation. Several restaurants, shops, etc. Regular bus service available. Trip takes 10-15 minutes.

1. Coedmor B & B, 2 Cadwgan Place, Aberaeron SA46 0BU, telephone: 01545-571615. Proprieter: Lynne Griffiths. Harbour views. [All prices less 10% if 7 nights or more].
   Costs: £20 single with shared bath (one only); £23 ensuite double, per person.
2. Gwesty Arosfa, Harbourside, Abaeron, telephone: 01545-570120, email: arosfabandb@aol.com. Harbour views. Welsh Breakfast. Top graded with AA. No Smoking. All prices less 10% if 7 nights or more.
   Costs: Double, en suite, £30 per person; Single, en suite, £25 per person.

Related Pages:

• Kalarippayattu Home
• Kalarippayattu Bibliography
• Kalarippayattu Papers
• Kalarippayattu Workshop
• Phillip Zarrilli & Kalarippayattu
• Kalarippayattu Video