You can watch Kathakali performances at dedicated cultural centres in popular tourist destinations like Kochi, Munnar, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Trivandrum. While many centres cater to tourists, you can find authentic performances, including makeup demonstrations, at places with strong connections to the art form. For culture-minded travellers seeking the best places to watch kathakali in Kerala, below we explore each, highlighting location, history, schedules (where known), ticketing, and unique features.
Kathakali shows in Kochi
1. Kerala Kathakali Centre
The Kerala Kathakali Centre is one of the best and most popular places to watch Kathakali in Kerala. Located near the Santa Cruz Basilica, it hosts daily performances by artists trained at the prestigious Kerala Kalamandalam. In addition to shows, the centre also offers classes and other traditional art performances. Kathakali programs usually run from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with the fascinating makeup session beginning an hour earlier.
2. Cochin Cultural Centre
Cochin Cultural Centre offers daily Kathakali performances in a comfortable, air-conditioned theatre in Fort Kochi. For international guests, the performance often includes brief English explanations to help them understand the story.
Daily Performances
The Cochin Cultural Centre offers a regular evening program showcasing several traditional arts.
- Kathakali Makeup Demonstration (5:00–6:00 PM): Arrive early to witness the elaborate and time-consuming process of the Kathakali performers applying their intricate makeup.
- Kathakali Performance (6:00–7:00 PM): A narrated Kathakali performance is presented, with explanations to help the audience understand the hand gestures (mudras) and facial expressions.
- Location: KB Jacob Road, Fort Kochi.
3. Ernakulam Kathakali Club
Ernakulam Kathakali Club – For a more traditional, local experience, this club stages monthly night-long plays by leading actors at various venues in Ernakulam. Details about their shows can be found at local tourist information centres.
Details of traditional Kathakali
- Venue: Performances are most often held at the TDM Hall or the Ernakulathappan Temple hall, both in Ernakulam.
- Schedule: The club usually holds performances once a month, with shows running through the night, which is a key feature of traditional Kathakali.
Kathakali show in Thrissur
4. Kerala Kalamandalam
Kerala Kalamandalam is one of the best places to watch Kathakali in Kerala. Located in Cheruthuruthy, Thrissur district, this renowned public institution is dedicated to preserving and promoting Kerala’s traditional performing arts. Recognised as a Deemed-to-be University for Art and Culture, it stands as a major cultural landmark in India.
Founded in 1930 by the renowned poet Vallathol Narayana Menon, the institution played a pivotal role in the revival of classical art forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Koodiyattam
- Location: The campus is situated on the banks of the Nila River (Bharathapuzha) in the village of Cheruthuruthy, about 56 km from the Thrissur city centre.
- Education: The institution follows the ancient Gurukula system of teaching, offering rigorous training and formal degree courses (high school to postgraduate levels) in various disciplines.
- Art Forms: Training is offered in core Kerala art forms, including:
- Kathakali (acting, music, make-up)
- Mohiniyattam and Bharatanatyam (dance)
- Koodiyattam, Thullal, and Nangiar Koothu (traditional theatre)
- Panchavadyam, Chenda, and Mridangam (percussion and music)
Kathakali show in Munnar
5. Punarjani Traditional Village
Punarjani Traditional Village is one of the best places to watch Kathakali in Kerala. Located in Pallivasal near Munnar, this popular cultural centre is dedicated to showcasing Kerala’s traditional performing arts, including Kathakali and Kalaripayattu. It offers visitors an immersive evening experience of the region’s rich culture and heritage.
Highlights & Offerings
- Cultural Performances: The primary attraction is the daily evening show that features two distinct traditional art forms:
- Kathakali: A classical Indian dance-drama known for its elaborate costumes, vibrant makeup, and expressive storytelling based on mythology.
- Kalaripayattu: An ancient and dynamic martial art form of Kerala, involving skilled movements, weapon displays, and acrobatics.
Performance & Ticket Information
Performances run daily, and it is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
- Location: 2nd Mile, Pallivasal, around 8 km from Munnar town.
- Daily Show Timings:
- Kathakali: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Makeup preparation starts at 4:00 PM).
Kathakali show in Palakkad
6. The Gandhi Seva Sadan Kathakali and Classic Arts Academy
The Gandhi Seva Sadan Kathakali and Classic Arts Academy, popularly known as “Kathakali Sadanam,” is one of the best places to watch Kathakali in Kerala. Located in the Perur village of Ottapalam in the Palakkad district, this prestigious Kathakali training centre and residential school was founded in 1953 by K. Kumaran, a Gandhian and freedom fighter. It is one of the four oldest institutions in Kerala offering traditional Gurukula-style training in Kathakali.
Key Features
- Traditional Training: The academy is highly respected for maintaining the authentic Gurukula system, where students live with and learn from their gurus.
- Renowned Masters: Over the years, the institution has been guided by legendary Kathakali masters, including Padma Shri Keezhpadam Kumaran Nair, and has produced numerous illustrious performers.
- Courses Offered: It provides a range of courses, from rigorous long-term training programs to short-term and crash courses tailored for students, including those from abroad.
- Facilities: The campus features an 800-seat semi-circular indoor auditorium, library, and other facilities amidst a scenic, ten-acre campus.
Kathakali show in Thiruvananthapuram
7. Margi – Theatre & Kathakali Centre
The Margi School, officially known as the Gandhi Smarak Margi Society, is one of the best places to watch Kathakali in Kerala. This renowned institution in Thiruvananthapuram is dedicated to preserving and promoting classical Kerala art forms. It operates from two centres in the city, with a theatre in the Fort area that hosts regular and authentic Kathakali performances, making it an excellent choice for an immersive cultural experience.
Margi Theatre (East Fort)
- Location: The Margi Theatre is situated near the East Fort area in Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram.
- Kathakali Performances: Visitors can experience authentic Kathakali at this centre. Unlike tourist-oriented venues, Margi is a dedicated training ground, providing a serious atmosphere for art enthusiasts.
- Other Performances: In addition to Kathakali, the centre also presents other traditional art forms like Koodiyattam and Nangiar Koothu.
- Performance Schedule: The schedule of performances is not fixed and varies each month. For the most up-to-date schedule, it is best to check the “News and Events” section of their website. Notifications are also often posted on their Facebook and Instagram pages.
Margi Valiysala Centre (Koodiyattam & Temple Arts)
- Location: A second centre for Margi is located in the Valiyasala area of Thiruvananthapuram.
- Focus: This location is dedicated to showcasing and teaching ancient temple art forms, including Koodiyattam, Nangiar Koothu, Chakyar Koothu, and Pathakam
Conclusion
Across Kerala, Kathakali reveals itself in many vibrant layers—touristic, educational, and profoundly traditional. In Fort Kochi, accessible performances welcome first-time viewers, while esteemed institutions such as Kerala Kalamandalam and Kathakali Sadanam uphold the classical purity and discipline of the art. In Munnar and Thiruvananthapuram, cultural centres offer immersive theatrical settings that echo Kerala’s rich heritage. Together, these venues celebrate the living legacy of Kathakali, allowing every visitor to experience its beauty, drama, and spiritual depth.
This cultural journey is made seamless by Travelbug India, founded by Mr. Pratheesh Thomas, a visionary and one of South India’s leading tour operators. Based in Cochin, Travelbug India is a trusted inbound travel company known for crafting memorable South India experiences.
For travel assistance or Kathakali bookings, you can reach Mr Pratheesh Thomas at +91 99625 79919 or email mail@travelbugindia.com.
FAQ – Best Places to Watch Kathakali in Kerala
1. Where can I watch the best Kathakali performances in Kerala?
You can watch high-quality Kathakali performances in major cultural hubs like Kochi, Thrissur, Munnar, Palakkad, and Thiruvananthapuram. Each location offers unique experiences ranging from tourist-friendly shows to traditional all-night performances.
2. Which place in Kochi is best for a Kathakali show?
The Kerala Kathakali Centre and Cochin Cultural Centre in Fort Kochi are popular choices. Both offer daily performances and live makeup demonstrations. For traditional, night-long shows, the Ernakulam Kathakali Club is highly recommended.
3. Does Kochi offer makeup demonstrations before the Kathakali show?
Yes. Both Kerala Kathakali Centre and Cochin Cultural Centre allow visitors to watch the elaborate Kathakali makeup process, usually starting an hour before the performance.
4. Where can I watch Kathakali in Munnar?
The Punarjani Traditional Village near Pallivasal hosts daily Kathakali and Kalaripayattu shows. Makeup starts at 4 PM, and the Kathakali performance runs from 5 PM to 6 PM.
5. Is it necessary to book Kathakali tickets in advance?
In tourist areas like Kochi and Munnar, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season. For training centers like Kerala Kalamandalam or Kathakali Sadanam, schedules may vary, so checking beforehand is advisable.
6. Are the performances tourist-friendly?
Yes, especially in Kochi and Munnar. These venues often include English explanations, story narration, and introductions to gestures (mudras) for easy understanding.
