Cochin Cultural Centre
Kathakali performances in the air-conditioned room of the Cochin Cultural Centre start daily at 6 pm, though you should arrive an hour before the show to see makeup being applied.
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Dating back to the 17th century, Kathakali is an art form in which elaborately made-up and costumed dancers tell epic stories using stylized hand gestures. For centuries, Kathakali performances were the only after-dark entertainment in Kerala; shows began at sundown and lasted all night. Today, for the benefit of tourists, performances are often shortened to one or two hours. Many centers also offer the chance to watch dancers being made up, which can be as entertaining as the show. Larger hotels all over the state organize impromptu and abridged performances of Kathakali and Mohiniyattam on their premises, either for free or for a small fee.
Kathakali performances in the air-conditioned room of the Cochin Cultural Centre start daily at 6 pm, though you should arrive an hour before the show to see makeup being applied.
This is a pleasant outdoor venue, where makeup starts at 5 pm and Kathakali shows follow at 6 pm daily. Indian classical dance classes are held on Saturday beginning at 8 pm. There are also martial arts shows, yoga, and meditation classes.
The former home of the Parishith Thampuran Museum now houses the Kerala Lalita Kala Akademi Gallery. There's not much here by way of explanation, but the traditional tile-roof building is cool and airy, and the interesting collection features contemporary works by Indian artists.