Traditional Kathakali Dance Theatre
by ranger49
Kathakali as a theatrical dance form was unknown to me so I had no idea what to expect when I learned that arrangements had been made for an internationally known group to give a performance for us on board while we were docked in Kochi.
A member of the team would present a short lecture by way of introduction to the art and anyone who wished to watch their preparations - which take several hours - would be welcome.
Kathakali originated in Kerala centuries ago and is a complete theatrical experience of music, drama, movement, costume, mime, body language and special effects make -up.
An ancient form of sign language is used for commnication between the actors - who are all men playing both male and female roles.
Traditional Hindu stories of the exploits of the Gods in their battles with evil form the basis of the plots enacted to the accompaniment of music and singing.
It is a rigidly stylised art form with costume and make-up effects rigourously adhered to. Applying the make up and donning the ornate, heavy costumes appears to be an exhausting exercise lasting several hours before the performance begins..
A fascinating experience .
Prepaid Taxi at Cochin International
by cochinjew
As you leave the Customs area, directly in front of you is the Pre Paid Taxi office. They have set fees to take you to Cochin, fares depending upon where you wish to go. I am told there is a bus running to downtown ernakulam but after a flight with some luggage, i opted for the taxi
510 indian rupees slightly over ten dollars for the air conditioned white ambassador car to Hotel Metropolitan near the Railway station in Ernakulam
Fort Cochin....Harbour Cruise...Kathakali Dancing
by TracyLB
We took the ferry to Fort Cochin where we saw the Chinese Fishing nets, which are really cool.As well walked around and watched the fisherman clean and sell their fish (as well as other street vendors selling things)..But i must admit, the street vendors are not near as pushy as they were in Rajasthan!! Also visited the 17th century Jewish Synagogue....Walked around the spice market and shopped..Lots of really cool things and the store keepers were so friendly and not pushy at all...After that we took a harbour cruise and from there went to see a performance of Kathakali dancing..The actors depict characters from the Puranas and the Mahabharata..superhuman beings...demons and ordinary men and women...The dancers are all male and are wearing these huge skirts and headdress with their faces all made up...And they dance around and make these really strange facial movements..It was something to see, but rather strange!!
Dutch Cemetery
by Willettsworld
Consecrated in 1724, making it one of the oldest in India, the tombstones here are the most authentic record of the hundreds of Europeans who left their homeland on a mission to expand their colonial empires, an event which eventually had changed the course of history of this land.
Ernakulam
by PierreZA
Ernukulam has such a different feeling to Fort Cochin. It is more like what you will find in other typical Indian cities.
Altough it does not have as many historical sights, the hussle and bustle makes it an experience in itself.
There are also some great restaurants and shops.
Sign in with Facebook
Handpainted Chinese Tiles
Jack Fruit
Ginger
Winsome smile of a young Kada
