The second phase was the Kerala section, from which begins Mr Benny Kuriakose's association. The different buildings located here are the Syrian Christian house, the Calicut house, the Nair house and a typical house, which is fully made of wood. A traditional gateway and a stream running through, as you would find in Kerala, give an appropriate authenticity. At the outset of the work here, a major process of transplantation of the timberwork had to be undertaken, as wood is extensively used in all the structures. Then, labour skilled in timber work was employed and experienced craftsmen, carpenters and polishers worked to achieve the aesthetic Kerala elements.

Another traditional Kerala characteristic is the use of exposed brick for the arches and walls, adding to the character of "naturalness". The archways give the structures their strength and an aura. It is the use of natural materials, such as brick and stone for the columns, that once again evokes the sense of tradition. The courtyards bring light and ventilation into the buildings with the wide verandahs, which connect the garden outside to the inside and provide open interactive corridors, protected from the tropical weather. It is evident that throughout the design of this contemporary transplantation, Mr. Benny has persevered to adhere to the principles of sustainable architecture.

The next areas to be built were the Reception and the Restaurant - both very contemporary concepts, blending easily with the traditional strucatures. The Reception, at the entrance to the main building hosts the Administration Wing, the Craft Shop, the Seminar Hall and the Invocation Centre.

The elements and features of the Restaurant echo those of the main building. Extensive roof s, sharply sloping over the traditional Chettinad pillars is one such feature. At the approach is a large pavilion reminiscent of the "thinai" in old Chettinad houses in Tamil Nadu, which serves as a waiting area or a general seating place. The roof overhangs that cover the wide verandahs are lined with large mats, which are the traditional "pai" woven mostly by women. It seems to give a rhythm to this surrounding periphery of the restaurant. The adjacent landscaped area is used for hosting functions with ceremonies, luncheons and dinners.

Guest houses, a canteen, an activity centre and an open-air performance space have been added. While moving through this unique concept called Dakshinachitra, one becomes aware of a striking feature of the design - the flow of spaces to give the connectivity between the many units. An example is a consciously designed pathway that leads the visitor from the Reception via the Store, the Library and the Carpentry area, where one comes upon the Crafts Bazaar and then ends at the Restaurant.