The Gandhi Seva Sadan Kathakali and Classic Arts Academy, widely known as "Kathakali Sadanam," is a prestigious institution dedicated to the training and promotion of Kathakali, the classical dance-drama of Kerala. Established in 1953, the academy is located in Perur village, Ottapalam, within the Palakkad district, on a scenic ten-acre campus. It is the third of its kind in Kerala, following the Kerala Kalamandalam and P.S.V. Natyasangham, and has become a significant center for learning and preserving this traditional art form.

Kathakali Sadanam offers a range of courses, from regular training programs to short-term courses tailored for foreign students. Over the years, the academy has nurtured numerous illustrious performers, such as Mattannur Sankarankutty, Sadanam Krishnankutty, Sadanam Ramankutty, Sadanam Balakrishnan, Sadanam Vasudevan, and Cherpalachery Sivan, who have made significant contributions to the art of Kathakali. The academy has also taken its art to the global stage, conducting tours abroad and representing India in countries such as the former Soviet Union and other parts of Europe.

The academy's facilities include a well-equipped auditorium, a library, and a comprehensive curriculum, all designed to provide an immersive learning experience in the classical arts. The institution's picturesque campus, combined with the dedication of its tutors and the rich legacy of the Gandhi Seva Sadan group, founded by the late freedom fighter Sri Kumaran, makes it one of the premier centers for Kathakali training in India.

Kathakali Sadanam remains a vital hub for those passionate about exploring and mastering the intricate and stylized art of Kathakali, characterized by its elaborate costumes, detailed gestures, and expressive music. The academy continues to uphold and propagate the rich cultural heritage of Kerala, making it a cornerstone in the world of classical Indian dance-drama.