Kerala Kathakali Centre - Dance school in Kochi - Ernakulam, India

Most reviews here seem to be about kathakali. But I want to add a note that the classical indian music performances are also incredible! Top tear artists from around south India performing beautiful raga improvisations, every night except Saturdays 8-9pm. Each day is different (me my partner and my friends have already been to 3 amazing performances, and we're not done), and definitely recommend checking this out too!

Easily my most favorite experience in Fort Kochi and something which is unmissable for anyone visiting this place. Located in proximity to all tourist attractions, schedule 2 hours in the evening specifically for this place. Trust me you will not regret it. At a very affordable price, you will get to experience the beautiful artform of Kathakali, it starts off with a demonstration of how the performers apply the unique make up, the various expressions and steps in Kathakali followed by a performance of a mythological story. I was enthralled and left speechless by the end of the performance. This is followed by a brilliant performance of Kerala Martial arts, how they train and apply their skills. Support this endeavor and encourage local artforms. Do visit this place without fail

This place was easily the highlight of our 3-day stay in Fort Kochi. We visited it on all 3 days, attending the South Indian classical music, North Indian classical music, Kathakali, Odissi dance and Kalaripayattu martial art performances. Every single performance was simply outstanding. Huge respect for all performers and for Mr. Sujeendran, who comperes for the whole set of performances as well as lends his voice to the Kathakali performance. The performances are held 365 days a year. While the Kathakali performance was houseful, the classical music performances sadly had very low attendance. Despite there being only 3 members in the audience, the performers performed just as they would for a houseful attendance - a clear sign of love for their art. The set-up is a rather non-descript building that is not obvious from outside, but is actually quite a big auditorium on the inside. I would strongly recommend attending all 5 performances on different days, and supporting the center and the preservation of these wonderful forms of Indian art.

Note: If published show timing is not working out for you then call them to enquire if exclusive show could be arranged. This center offers best experience of Kalaripayattu. The spirit of maintaining the age old martial art, keeping it alive and bringing it to public is commendable. We were group of 20 plus people including kids and everyone enjoyed the show. Towards the end they invited us to learn basic self defence techniques. While I could learn few of them I saw how passionate they were explaining the techniques. If you are in Kochi then do visit this center.

Nous avons passe une tres bonne soiree. Durant la premiere heure, nous avons pu assister a la preparation des 3 acteurs et de la scene. Par la suite, nous avons recu des informations sur le maquillage et les positions. Enfin, nous avons pu admirer une representation ecourtee a une scene. Prix du billet : 500 INR La demonstration de kalaripayatt dure environ 40 minutes. Differentes formes de l'art martial sont presentees et illustrees chacune par une demonstration. Prix du billet : 400 INR

A must visit place. The show begins with the makeup of the artists and then they showcase what are the expressions and hand gestures for different emotions. Last part is they enact a small story. The whole experience is so good that you can actually see the hardwork and the cultural creativity.

I have been to many rock and heavy metal concerts, but the volume of this show made them seem like chikdren whispering. I was sitting in the last row digging my fingers deep into my ears to stop the noise. Think i got brain damage. The master of ceremonies sings beautifully and plays the cymbals very loudly in front of a microphone. The result is that your mind can comprehend nothing beyond that sound. I saw dozens of people covering their ears in agony. But master was oblivious. With eyes closed he kept on grating the cymbals. Me and my friends needed to step out and hear the traffic to get that sound out of our ears. Everyone else performed beautifully but it was impossible to focus because of the shrill noise. My recommendation is please go somewhere else. Also please avoid the barebodied man in the background. He is the cymbal guy and veryy loud and annoying.

Tres interessant. Representation impressionnante. Assister a la seance de maquillage est reposant et interessant. Les explications donnees sur les gestes et mimiques sont indispensables. 2 acteurs accompagnes de musiciens. Le lendemain nous sommes venu profiter du Raga du matin et nous avons eu 1h de musique privee (nous etions seulement tous les 2), c'etait tres agreable. Tres planant !