Kerala Kathakali Centre
Kerala Kathakali Centre, Kochi (Cochin): Hours, Address, Kerala Kathakali Centre Reviews: 4.5/5
Kerala Kathakali Centre
Kerala Kathakali Centre
4.5
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Admission tickets
from ₹2,840.58
All you need to step foot in the door.
Top ways to experience Kerala Kathakali Centre
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1,677
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234
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Popular mentions
4.5
2,052 reviews
Excellent
1,134
Very good
644
Average
199
Poor
38
Terrible
37
Staney Pullolickel
Dubai, United Arab Emirates106 contributions
Dec 2021
Now I am amazed, that folks don’t take the time to review such a gem. If you are visiting Kochi. This should be on the top of your list.
Practically this is a 2 hour show. One hour of make up- which is a must to see and one hour of the show. We visited this place in December and due to COVID19, the place had shows only on the weekend. I am originally from Kerala and I was dissuaded by many locals and relatives, that this would be a boring experience. However let me tell you- this was mind blowing. During the application of the make up, one could go up close and take pics and observe.
Once the show started, there was an explanation of the story, this was also provided as a print out for us to read. There was then a demo of the expressions and nuances of the art form. Including the makeup kit and what goes into it. We needed water to drink and this was provided free of cost to us.
Our hotel Forte Kochi had booked our tickets for us in advance.
The performance by itself was super authentic and not just something to cater to tourists. Very few people seem to know of this gem of a place. I am not sure, why this is not on the top of every tourist. Friends- if you are interested in true art forms, this should be on the top of your list.
One key point: Remember if you are buying tickets at the counter. You need to pay in cash.
Practically this is a 2 hour show. One hour of make up- which is a must to see and one hour of the show. We visited this place in December and due to COVID19, the place had shows only on the weekend. I am originally from Kerala and I was dissuaded by many locals and relatives, that this would be a boring experience. However let me tell you- this was mind blowing. During the application of the make up, one could go up close and take pics and observe.
Once the show started, there was an explanation of the story, this was also provided as a print out for us to read. There was then a demo of the expressions and nuances of the art form. Including the makeup kit and what goes into it. We needed water to drink and this was provided free of cost to us.
Our hotel Forte Kochi had booked our tickets for us in advance.
The performance by itself was super authentic and not just something to cater to tourists. Very few people seem to know of this gem of a place. I am not sure, why this is not on the top of every tourist. Friends- if you are interested in true art forms, this should be on the top of your list.
One key point: Remember if you are buying tickets at the counter. You need to pay in cash.
Written 19 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Vasudha
6 contributions
Dec 2021 • Couples
Excellent experience at the Kathakali Center. We watched the Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performance and would highly recommend both!
The artists do a great job of explaining the Kathakali dance form and the meaning behind various emotions/actions. Their ability to alter their facial and eye movements depending on the scene is truly astounding. As is their makeup, with each character represented by a single colour (all of the makeup is done using naturally found ingredients!). Even the story of the performance was intriguing - we didn’t realise when the one hour was up!
This was my first martial arts experience and it was incredible to say the least. Each fighter had trained for 25 years and their skills shone - whether through bamboo sticks or swords. Would highly recommend for an authentic Kerala martial arts experience, although it may not be for the weak hearted!
Overall, this was one of our favourite things to do in fort kochi. Don’t think twice about it, just go!
The artists do a great job of explaining the Kathakali dance form and the meaning behind various emotions/actions. Their ability to alter their facial and eye movements depending on the scene is truly astounding. As is their makeup, with each character represented by a single colour (all of the makeup is done using naturally found ingredients!). Even the story of the performance was intriguing - we didn’t realise when the one hour was up!
This was my first martial arts experience and it was incredible to say the least. Each fighter had trained for 25 years and their skills shone - whether through bamboo sticks or swords. Would highly recommend for an authentic Kerala martial arts experience, although it may not be for the weak hearted!
Overall, this was one of our favourite things to do in fort kochi. Don’t think twice about it, just go!
Written 20 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Adithya
Bengaluru, India74 contributions
Nov 2021
This is must visit place in fort kochi. Call and ask them if they hve show or not on weekdays. Weekends they have for sure. Now they have increased the ticket price 500rs per person. But defiently worth it. We can see make up which takes and hour and half. They explain make up, expressions, hand symbols and many thing before starting the show. This theater has AC and fan. They perform show even if people are less. Really felt amazing by seeing their dedication towards the arts. Execellent !!!!
Written 9 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
nbhaseen
Jalandhar, India5 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
Nice performances of kathak and kathakali dances by expert dancers was the highlight of the show. We were mesmerized by the cultural heritage of South. Indeed a great experience.
Written 21 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Vaibhav Yadav
Navi Mumbai, India4 contributions
Feb 2021 • Family
Was really good experience and artist was really good.
Not much expensive. You can see the south indian culture here
Not much expensive. You can see the south indian culture here
Written 27 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Pramod skandha
Mysuru (Mysore), India65 contributions
Jul 2019 • Solo
Traditional local performance- Kathakali. The ticket includes the make up and the preparations before the show and little expensive for locals. It is nice and interesting, I would just recommend to come not more then 1 hr. Also would recommend to get your ticket a bit in advance.
Written 4 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Travel-1-Facts
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada269 contributions
Feb 2020
It was interesting to see the performers applying their makeup and gluing on their paper face pieces before the performance.
The theater is is small with hard chairs, and no place to buy beverages during the intermission.
You have a good view, but it was far too loud for many of us in our tour group. Some left at the intermission.
The theater is is small with hard chairs, and no place to buy beverages during the intermission.
You have a good view, but it was far too loud for many of us in our tour group. Some left at the intermission.
Written 1 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Deepak Mallyk
Bengaluru, India18 contributions
Jul 2019
An amazing performance. Good stories of Mahabharata. Most importantly mind-blowing facial expressions. Reasonable fee. Through out the show, I was wondering about the levels of dedication and hard-work the artists have put in. I am glad, this place is trying to educate and promote about Kathakali and stopping this ancient and classical art form from having a slow death.
One can visit a bit earlier than the actual showtime to observe the process of makeup and dressing. The place was sparsely filled and most of them were foreigners.
I had to visit Kochi on work. That day, I completed my work and got myself free by evening. With an intention to best utilize the time, I tried this place over Lulu mall, marine drive etc, I felt it was a good decision after the end of the show.
One can visit a bit earlier than the actual showtime to observe the process of makeup and dressing. The place was sparsely filled and most of them were foreigners.
I had to visit Kochi on work. That day, I completed my work and got myself free by evening. With an intention to best utilize the time, I tried this place over Lulu mall, marine drive etc, I felt it was a good decision after the end of the show.
Written 3 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
HMN19
London, UK176 contributions
Mar 2020
Although it is lengthy, I would recommend arriving early to see the performers applying their make up. The transformation unfolding added an extra dimension to the performance.
A complete play would take many hours, so a small excerpt is what they show. Even without the demonstration of the conventional poses it would have been easy to follow the story, but the demonstration set the scene for this mix of mime and dance.
Having learned about it as a drama student but never dreamed I would actually see, it was something I could not have missed and I was enthralled throughout. My husband, in fairness, found it a bit longer than he really wanted. That is why I have not rated it 5* although for me it was.
A complete play would take many hours, so a small excerpt is what they show. Even without the demonstration of the conventional poses it would have been easy to follow the story, but the demonstration set the scene for this mix of mime and dance.
Having learned about it as a drama student but never dreamed I would actually see, it was something I could not have missed and I was enthralled throughout. My husband, in fairness, found it a bit longer than he really wanted. That is why I have not rated it 5* although for me it was.
Written 20 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Annabelle A
Chorley, UK203 contributions
Feb 2020
We had no idea what to expect but it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Saw the artists applying their make up, a mime presentation which was fabulous and then the main act. Well worth a visit and can highly recommend
Written 2 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Shinjan P
Kolkata (Calcutta), India61 contributions
Hello i have got some specific queries regarding this attraction.
1. Does it needed to be pre-booked? or do we need to buy tickets before the show? When should we reach there to buy the tickets to watch the complete make up & dance?
2. Is it happening in all days of a week?
sujheesh
Kochi (Cochin), India33 contributions
Namasthe sir..
You can get the tickets when you come for the show.. you can also make an online reservation or even call over phone to make a reservation. If you reserve you can get good seats as sometimes the kathakali show would be crowded..
Pre booking is advised..
If you are buying tickets at the spot, reach 10 minutes before showtime..
Make up starts at 5 and show starts at 6.. you can come anytime..
The performances are happening everyday..
Martial arts 4PM to 5 PM..
Kathakali, 5 pm to 6 pm makeup and 6 pm to 7pm performance..
We hope you would visit us..
Regards .
Kerala kathakali centre
ShreenivasYenni
Hampi, India3 contributions
do they allow to photograph the make up process of kathakali dancers? i am a hobby photographer and love to shoot the process of makeup. Let me know whoever photographed this event.
sujheesh
Kochi (Cochin), India33 contributions
Hello sir
Namaste
There are no restrictions for taking photos..
You can click.pictures or make video during the makeup and dance session .. also you can have a snap of urself with the artists after the performance at the greenroom..
The theatre has a balcony ..so you can click from there too..
ShreenivasYenni
Hampi, India3 contributions
do they allow to photograph the make up process of kathakali dancers in kerala kathakali centre? i am a hobby photographer and i want to click. kindly let me know.
thank you
JanC377
Basingstoke, UK279 contributions
I’m so sorry as just picked this up and it’s probably too late but yes you can photograph but no flash during performance
MUKHARITRA
Kolkata (Calcutta), India166 contributions
What is the ticket price for kathakali dance and martial art? and what is the duration?
Johnadh
Dalyan, Turkey148 contributions
Dance ticket is 350 IR per person. Duration is two hours approx. Ticket price for martial art is 300 IR per person. Duration is one hour approx.
timings of show is it available in day tym
sujheesh
Kochi (Cochin), India33 contributions
no shows in day time ...
Schedules:
6:30 A M - Yoga
6 A. M - Meditation with live music
4 PM - Kalaripayattu [Martial arts]
5 PM - Kathakali
8 pm - various Musical shows
9 PM - classical dance
NehaMittal
Bengaluru, India36 contributions
Would you advice to go for the dance performance with a one year old? Or in other words is the audience expected to remain silent and sit at one place?
chilipepa
Lagos13 contributions
I did not feel there were any expectations of the audience other than for us to enjoy the performance. However, if your child scares easily you may want to avoid this performance.
Gautam
Toronto, Canada
Hi, This is Gautam Sinha
How did you do the booking for the Kathakali Show ?
gomathi s
Singapore, Singapore5 contributions
Hi Gautam
I got it at the Centre itself, about 30 mins before the show. You could also get it most other places especially at Fort Cochin area, and remember to reserve seats if getting it earlier in the day. It does not cost extra.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kerala Kathakali Centre
- Kerala Kathakali Centre is open:
- Sun - Sat 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Kerala Kathakali Centre admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost ₹ 2,780.34, while a popular guided tour starts around ₹ 5,882.35 per person. See all 27 Kerala Kathakali Centre tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- Kerala Kathakali Centre can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 27 Kerala Kathakali Centre tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Kerala Kathakali Centre:
- Skip the Line: Kathakali Cultural Show Ticket (From ₹ 2,780.34)
- 14 Days Golden Triangle tour with enchanting Kerala South India tour (From ₹ 90,990.32)
- Highlights of Fort Kochi (From ₹ 8,339.54)
- Kerala Nature & Pilgrimage Tour (12 Days) (From ₹ 1,39,079.67)
- 15 days culture tour of South India in private car & flight with guide & hotels (From ₹ 1,94,589.72)
- Hotels near Kerala Kathakali Centre:
- (0.00 km) Church View Homestay
- (0.00 km) Wilson Homestay
- (0.00 km) Mary Ann Homestay
- (0.03 km) Sapphire A
- (0.05 km) Hana's Haven Homestay
- Restaurants near Kerala Kathakali Centre:
- (0.04 km) Tibet Kitchen
- (0.06 km) Rose Garden Restaurant
- (0.15 km) Qissa Cafe
- (0.12 km) Old Harbour Hotel Restaurant
- (0.10 km) Kashi