Founded by Vaidyaratnam P. S. Varrier in 1902 is a pioneer center for Ayurveda. The Kottakkal Vaidyasala also cultivates medicinal plants, manufactures medicines, conducts research and publishes books on Ayurveda. It also has a Kathakali academy and a renowned Kathakali troupe. Besides the Ayurveda hospital, there is a college of Ayurveda with research facilities.