Top Things to do in Kochi (Cochin)
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Things to do in Kochi (Cochin), Kerala: The Best Concerts & Shows
A blending of several small villages on the southwestern coast created the current incarnation of Kochi (or Cochin), where sunset strolls, sampling fresh fish from seaside vendors and boat rides through the islands just offshore top visitors' to-do lists. Art centers showcase the traditional dance, Kathakali. European influences are seen in the 16th-century Portuguese-built churches and forts, while the mark of early Chinese traders is visible in the unusual fishing nets dotting the shoreline.
Restaurants in Kochi (Cochin)
1. JT Performing Arts Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
JTPac is conceptualized as an ecosystem to preserve, sustain, promote and nurture the performing arts traditions of India and the world. It is a habitat where art dwells in the soul of everyone associated with it.
2. PVR Cinemas
3. See India Foundation Kathakali Theater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
4. Cochin Cultural Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 72 reviews
This is one of the pioneer centre for ethnic culture and traditions.
Reviewed By hawkes2an - Cranbrook, United Kingdom
When in Keral, watching a Kathakali performance is a "must see" experience. Kathakali is one of the major forms of classical Indian dance. It is a 'story play' distinguished by elaborate costumes and face masks and colourful make-up. Arrive at the Cochin Cultural Centre early enough and you will see the actors applying their make-up. Each colour has a significance: red is for someone who has an evil streak; black for forest dwellers and hunters; a white beard signifies a divine being; yellow signifies a woman and green with lips painted brilliant coral red portrays noble characters and sages. During a performance the actors speak a sign language where words are expressed through hand signs, while emotions and mood are expressed through facial and eye movements. There are 24 main hand signs and 9 facial and eye movements. After the make-up has been applied comes the costuming (an art in itself) and the performance. All in all an extremely interesting experience and not to be missed.
5. Greenix Village
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 222 reviews
Wonderful demonstration Kathakali make-up; short demonstration of 9 facial expressions depicting particular moods/actions ideas/places; performance, Martial arts (KAlaripayattu Show), Theyyam, a temple ritual art form, performance, Mohiniyattom dance, Bharathanatyam Dnace etc. Other facilities - A Cultural Museum, Restaurant-Dosas and Pancakes, Ayurvedic massage centre, Buddha art Gallery, Noana Souvenier Shop etc.
Reviewed By 154brigidf
I have seen my share of cultural performances and this one by far is the most professional - from the makeup session to the quality of the costumes to the engagement of the actors. This was a session for tourists and having ridden in a car for hours that day - a long performance in a language unknown to me would have been good visually but hard to sit through. This was a concise performance which included a description of the kathakali dance form, visual and vocal explanation of the facial expressions and amazing use of the actor's eyes, included a martial arts piece and a short performance of a 'play' - say a one act play. Amazing. The Greenix Village has a 'museum' room which gives greater detail about what you will see and the history of the art form. Silly me, I assumed it was a 'dinner performance' - how American is that? But we had time to see the museum, catch a quick dinner nearby and still be back in time to seethe end of the makeup application before the show began. Contrary to what another viewer said about not a good event for kids- there was a japanese couple with 2 under 6 year old girls - the children loved it. The actors were so expressive with their faces and their hand movements - that the children were imitating/copying them. It helped that the girls sat in the first row of chairs - nothing to distract them from the stage. HIghly recommended. If I was alone - I would check out the other kathakali center in Cochin also - as reviews say there is music there nightly.
