Must-see entertainment in South India

  • Royal Opera House

    Mumbai (Bombay)

    India's only surviving opera house reopened to suitably dramatic fanfare with a 2016 performance by Mumbai-born British soprano Patricia Rozario, after a…

  • Shisha Cafe

    Pune

    It's a magical atmosphere anytime, but live jazz Thursday nights at alfresco Shisha are a Pune institution. Snuggle up on Iranian-style lounges downstairs…

  • Liberty Cinema

    Mumbai (Bombay)

    The stunning art deco Liberty was once the queen of Hindi film – think red-carpet openings with Dev Anand. It fell on hard times in recent years, but is…

  • Humming Tree

    Bengaluru (Bangalore)

    This popular warehouse-style venue has bands (starting around 9pm), DJs and a rooftop terrace. The cover charge is anything from zero to ₹300. There's a…

  • M Chinnaswamy Stadium

    Bengaluru (Bangalore)

    A mecca for cricket-lovers, hosting many matches per year. Check online for the schedule of tests, one-dayers and Twenty20s.

  • Portrait of Kathakali dancer in full costume

    Kerala Kathakali Centre

    Kochi (Cochin)

    In an intimate, wood-lined theatre, this recommended long-running arts centre provides a useful introduction to Kathakali. It also hosts performances of…

  • National Centre for the Performing Arts

    Mumbai (Bombay)

    This vast cultural centre is the hub of Mumbai’s highbrow music, theatre and dance scene. In any given week, it might host experimental plays, poetry…

  • Quarter

    Mumbai (Bombay)

    The Royal Opera House's signature entertainment venue (besides the Opera House itself, that is), the Quarter counts unique spaces like an airy, glass…

  • Prithvi Theatre

    Mumbai (Bombay)

    A Juhu institution that’s a great place to see both Hindi- and English-language theatre or an art-house film, with the Prithvi Cafe for drinks. Its…

  • Deltin JAQK

    Panaji

    Deltin JAQK has three floors with 50 tables. Admission includes gaming chips to the value of ₹2000, or ₹4000 with the premium ticket. There’s a lavish…

  • Kala Academy

    Panaji

    On the west side of the city, in Campal, is Goa’s premier cultural centre, which features a program of dance, theatre, music and art exhibitions…

  • Canvas Laugh

    Mumbai (Bombay)

    A popular comedy club that hosts around 50 shows per month, with twice-nightly programs on weekends (most comedians use English). It’s 900m west of Lower…

  • Wankhede Stadium

    Mumbai (Bombay)

    Test matches and one-day internationals are played a few times a year here in season (October to April). Contact the Cricket Association for ticket…

  • Deltin Royale

    Panaji

    Goa’s biggest and best luxury floating casino, Deltin Royal has 123 tables, the Vegas Restaurant, a Whisky Bar and a creche. Entry includes gaming chips…

  • Punarjani Traditional Village

    Munnar

    Entertaining (though aimed at tourists) daily performances of Kathakali and kalarippayat, 7km southwest of Munnar. Same-day tickets are usually available…

  • Indigo XP

    Bengaluru (Bangalore)

    Always buzzing, this huge venue hosts bands, DJs, acoustic musicians and stand-up comedy. On the upper floor there's a large terrace for dining and…

  • Ranga Shankara

    Bengaluru (Bangalore)

    All kinds of interesting theatre (in a variety of languages and spanning various genres) and dance are staged at this cultural centre. Hosts an annual…

  • NCPA Box Office

    Mumbai (Bombay)

    Box office for Mumbai's National Centre for the Performing Arts. You can also book online at Book My Show (https://in.bookmyshow.com).

  • Regal Cinema

    Mumbai (Bombay)

    A faded art deco masterpiece – Mumbai's oldest – that’s good for Hollywood and Indian blockbusters.

  • B Flat

    Bengaluru (Bangalore)

    Popular pub and performance venue that features some of India’s best blues and jazz acts, alternative and indie bands, comedy, and even experimental…

  • INOX Cinema

    Panaji

    This comfortable, plush multiplex cinema shows Hollywood and Bollywood blockbusters. Book online to choose your seats in advance.

  • Music Academy

    Chennai (Madras)

    Chennai’s most popular venue for Carnatic music and bharatanatyam. Check the website for upcoming events (some free).

  • Bangalore Turf Club

    Bengaluru (Bangalore)

    Horse racing is big in Bengaluru and can make for a fun day out. Races are generally held on Friday and Saturday afternoons.

  • Metro INOX

    Mumbai (Bombay)

    This grande dame of Bombay talkies, formerly known as Metro Big, has been renovated into a multiplex cinema.

  • Sterling

    Mumbai (Bombay)

    Shows first-run English-language movies, and has a food court.

  • Ens Kalari

    Kochi (Cochin)

    To see real professionals practising kalarippayat, seek out this renowned 65-year-old training school 6.5km southeast of central Ernakulam. There are…

  • Greenix Village

    Kochi (Cochin)

    Primarily aimed at tourists, this 'cultural village' seeks to put the full gamut of Keralan music and arts under one roof, with a small cultural museum …

  • Ooty Racecourse

    Ooty (Udhagamandalam)

    Ooty’s racecourse dominates the valley between Charring Cross and the lake. Racing season runs from mid-April to mid-June, and on the two or three race…

  • Casino Pride

    Panaji

    These two casino boats are loosely modelled on Mississippi-style paddle boats. Pride I has 40 gaming tables, kids’ play room and an outdoor party deck…

  • Sound & Light Show

    Telangana & Andhra Pradesh

    This show at the Chandragiri Fort complex lasts approximately 45 minutes. It was suspended at the time of research but there are plans to run it again…

  • 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…

  • DY Patil Stadium

    Mumbai (Bombay)

    A modern, 55,000-capacity stadium that hosts the ISL’s Mumbai City FC (football/soccer team), plus occasional IPL cricket matches. It’s 21km east of…

  • El Diablo - Asian Steakhouse & Movie Bar

    Palolem

    Recent release and classic movies are shown at this restaurant-bar on a midsized screen. Settle in for free as long as you're having a drink or meal.

  • Cooperage Football Stadium

    Mumbai (Bombay)

    Home to Air India FC and ONGC FC, this ground hosts local football (soccer) matches between September and April. Many local matches are free.

  • Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan

    Chennai (Madras)

    This cultural and educational Mylapore-based institute is a major classical-music and dance venue. Check the website for upcoming shows.

  • Inox

    Pune

    A multiplex where you can take in the latest blockbuster from Hollywood or Mumbai.

  • Laser Show

    Hyderabad

    Popular evening show in Lumbini Park, though the sound quality is poor.

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