Watch the Kathakali dance drama

Kathakali is Kerala’s very own classical dance-drama form which combines facets of ballet, opera, masque and pantomime. Kathakali illuminates ideas and stories from the Indian epics and other story books. Presented in the temple precincts after dusk falls, Kathakali is heralded by the Kelikottu, or the beating of drums, which is accompanied by the Chengila (gong). The rich blend of colour, expressions, music, drama and dance are unparalleled in any other art form. If you are interested you can arrive a little early so as to see the artistes being made up, which is considered to be a full-blown art in itself and regarded as important as the dance-drama.