Kochi: Kathakali, Theyyam, and Kalaripayattu Evening Show

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Kerala with a 3-hour evening show in Kochi. Watch a Kathakali performance, a Kalari martial arts demonstration, and a Theyyam dance.
Embark on an unforgettable cultural evening in Kochi with this immersive 3-hour showcase of Kerala’s most iconic art forms—Kathakali, Theyyam, and Kalaripayattu (Kalari)—complete with round-trip transfers from your hotel in Kochi or Ernakulam, ensuring a seamless, comfortable, and enriching experience.

Begin your experience with a convenient hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, transporting you through the bustling city to one of Kochi’s leading cultural theatres where authenticity and tradition come alive.

Witness the Kathakali makeup demonstration, where you can observe the mesmerizing transformation of performers into epic characters through layers of natural pigments and intricate facial painting—a ritual that blends spiritual symbolism and fine artistry.

Then, the Kathakali performance unfolds under the warm glow of traditional oil lamps, immersing you in dramatic stories from ancient Indian epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana.

Through expressive hand gestures (mudras), elaborate costumes, exaggerated facial expressions (navarasas), and graceful, stylized movements, the dancers narrate tales of gods, demons, heroes, and destiny, accompanied by powerful live percussion and vocalists who bring each scene to life.

Next comes the dynamic martial art of Kalaripayattu, known as the mother of all martial arts. This live Kalari performance showcases extraordinary agility, speed, and strength as trained fighters demonstrate ancient combat techniques, weapon mastery, and acrobatic moves that leave the audience in awe.

Witness the divine and surreal energy of Theyyam, a ritualistic dance form that originates from North Kerala but is now brought to stages for cultural appreciation. Often described as the ‘dance of the gods,’ Theyyam is a spiritual performance where the dancer, dressed in elaborate headgear, dramatic makeup, and vibrant costumes, embodies a deity and channels divine power.

Accompanied by hypnotic drumbeats and ritual chants, the performer’s trance-like movements and piercing expressions create an atmosphere that is both sacred and spine-tingling.

After the final performance, there is time to interact with the performers, take photographs, and learn more about the spiritual and physical dedication behind their crafts. Your driver will be waiting at the end of the event to take you back to your hotel in comfort, giving you time to reflect on the mesmerizing stories, rhythmic beats, and awe-inspiring skills you’ve just witnessed.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.