Aranmula is famous for the ancient Parthasarathi Temple on the banks of the holy river Pamba. The well-known Aranmula boat race is held on the last day of the week along Onam Festival in Kerala. The Vijnana Kalavedi at Aranmula imparts training in the traditional arts like kathakali, classical music, classical dances as well as Kalaripayattu. This is a major tourist location. The foreign tourists stay here for long periods to get a basic knowledge of Kerala's culture. The Parthasarathi Temple is fully known for its fine murals from the 18th century.