See India Foundation

Kochi (Cochin)


One of the oldest Kathakali theatres in Kerala, this snug venue has small-scale shows with an emphasis on the religious and philosophical roots of Kathakali, though it was closed for renovation work at research time.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kochi (Cochin) attractions

1. Mattancherry Palace

2.07 MILES

Mattancherry Palace was a generous gift presented to the Raja of Kochi, Veera Kerala Varma (1537–65), as a gesture of goodwill by the Portuguese in 1555…

2. Pardesi Synagogue

2.1 MILES

Originally built in 1568, Mattancherry's synagogue was partially destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662, and rebuilt two years later when the Dutch took…

3. Jewish Cemetery

2.22 MILES

Just southwest of Mattancherry's synagogue, the undisturbed Jewish Cemetery contains ancient tombstones marked with Hebrew script.

4. Kerala Folklore Museum

2.36 MILES

Created in Kerala style from ancient temples and beautiful old houses collected by its owner, an antique dealer, the family-run folklore museum houses a…

6. Kashi Art Gallery

3.13 MILES

The pioneer of Fort Cochin’s art revival, Kashi displays changing exhibitions of local artists in a creatively restored Dutch heritage house, attached to…

7. Santa Cruz Basilica

3.15 MILES

Built on the site of an early-16th-century Portuguese church (demolished during the British Raj), Fort Cochin's imposing neoclassical Catholic basilica…

8. Chinese Fishing Nets

3.21 MILES

The unofficial emblems of Kerala’s backwaters, and perhaps the most photographed, are the half-dozen giant cantilevered Chinese fishing nets on Fort…