5 BEST PLACES TO CATCH A KATHAKALI PERFORMANCE IN KOCHI

Kathakali, the iconic traditional dance of Kerala, is one of the most famous art forms in the world. While the dance form is celebrated and performed across the globe, for an absolutely authentic experience of watching a Kathakali dance, one should head to Kochi. Book cheap flights to Kochi if you haven’t already been to this amazing city and come watch some of the best Kathakali performances ever. Note that if you land up half an hour early for a performance, you may get the chance to watch the elaborate makeup which the Kathakali dancers put on. You can book last minute flights with Indian Eagle travel agency in case you do not have time to book flights in advance.

1. Kerala Kathakali Center

This is by far the most popular place to watch a Kathakali performance in Kochi. The performances are done by those who’ve graduated from the renowned Kerala Kalamandalam. The dance shows are held in an air-conditioned hall from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. The Kerala Kathakali Center is located near the Santa Cruz Basilica at Fort Kochi and is easily accessible. Book cheap flight tickets to Kochi and come watch a Kathakali performance in one of the most famous Kathakali Centers in Kerala.

2. Folklore Museum

Folklore Museum is a little pricey but the luxury is well worth the money spent on it. This is also famous for being the places where Prince Charles watched a Kathakali performance when he visited India. This is a great place to catch a Kathakali performance seated comfortably in an air-conditioned hall decorated with murals of Kerala and traditional Kerala wooden architecture. The Folklore Museum is located in South Ernakulam near Thevara ferry.

3. Rhythms Theater to Greenix Village

Situated at Kalavathy road at Fort Kochi, Rhythms Theater to Greenix Village is the costliest place to watch a Kathakali performance in Kochi. The place is grand on a massive scale but is high on the entertainment value as well. Apart from regular Kathakali dances the performances on Sundays are even more special. They involve a combination of excerpts from various art forms such as Kathakali, Theyyam, Mohiniyattam, and Kalaripayattu which is an incredibly famous martial art form birthed in Kerala.

4. Ernakulam Kathakali Club

The Ernakulam Kathakali Club is another popular place to catch a Kathakali performance. The dances/plays are staged all night long and are a treat to watch when visiting on direct flights to Kochi. Leading actors in Kerala perform these once a month and draw large crowds. The venue fluctuates between the Ernakulathappan Hall near the Shiva Temple and the TDM Hall in Ernakulam. Details about the performance, timings, venues and other things are available with all tourist centers in Ernakulam.

5. Dr. Devan’s Kathakali

One of the oldest tourist Kathakali shows in Kerala, it was named after its founder Dr. Devan. The venue of the show is near Ernakulam Junction Railway Station with performances being held from 6:45 pm to 8:00 pm. Book business class flights and come watch a Kathakali performance here. The show begins with a lengthy discourse on philosophy and Indian Mythology, both of which play a major part in Kathakali.