Wed14Oct
💃 Dance
Experience Kerala - Kathakali, Kalari and Theyyam
₹1,300
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Kathakali, Kalaripayattu & Classical Shows in Kochi
2 events matching right now across Kochi — mostly dance (2).
Kathakali can be seen in Kochi on any evening of the year. The standard introduction is the daily programme at the Kerala Kathakali Centre on K.B. Jacob Road in Fort Kochi, near the Santa Cruz Basilica: visitors watch the performers apply their make-up, hear an explanation of the hand gestures and expressions, and then see an episode from the epics with live percussion and singing. The centre also presents Kalaripayattu, Kerala's martial art, and classical music and dance recitals, and other small theatres in Fort Kochi run similar evening shows aimed at travellers. For performances in their own setting, follow the city's Malayali audiences. Changampuzha Park in Edappally stages Kathakali, drama and classical concerts on its open-air platform, generally free. The Kerala Fine Arts Hall and JT PAC host Mohiniyattam and Bharatanatyam recitals, and Tripunithura, home of the RLV College of Music and Fine Arts, is the classical arts town: during the Vrischikolsavam at Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple in November–December, Kathakali, percussion ensembles and concerts are part of the festival. The Kerala Folklore Museum at Thevara has a theatre for folk and classical forms. This page lists upcoming shows.
Good to know
- Arrive for the make-up session before a tourist Kathakali show; it usually starts about an hour before the performance.
- Book ahead from mid-December to mid-January, when Fort Kochi's theatres fill with holiday visitors.
- Traditional temple Kathakali runs late into the night and has no introduction. Read the story beforehand.
- Photography without flash is generally allowed at tourist shows; ask before filming at temples and recitals.
- Check the Changampuzha Park and Kerala Fine Arts Hall programmes for free or low-cost classical evenings.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I watch Kathakali in Kochi?
The Kerala Kathakali Centre in Fort Kochi performs every evening. Changampuzha Park, temple festivals at Tripunithura and the city's auditoriums stage Kathakali for local audiences.
What time are Kathakali shows in Fort Kochi?
The long-standing pattern is make-up from about 5 pm and the performance from about 6 pm. Confirm the day's timings with the theatre.
Where can I see Kalaripayattu in Kochi?
The Kerala Kathakali Centre in Fort Kochi includes Kalaripayattu demonstrations in its regular schedule, and other Fort Kochi theatres offer them too.
Is Kathakali suitable for children?
Yes. The introductory shows are shortened versions of a full night's performance, and children usually enjoy the make-up, costumes and drumming.
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