Day 02: Cochin - KATHAKALI DANCE SHOW
After breakfast at hotel visit Mattancherry Palace -The Dutch Palace exhibits beautiful mural paintings that depict the scenes from Ramayana. Fort Kochi -Fort Kochi is inhabited by Anglo-Indian community. The whole of the region presents a different aura and ambience. The culture is quite unique and represents the Eurasian culture. St Francis Church -This church was built by the Portuguese in the year 1503 A.D. It is said that Portuguese explorer Vasco-da-Gama was originally buried here and his remains were later brought to Lisbon. Santa Cruz Basilica -Built by the Portuguese around 500 years back, the Santa Cruz Basilica is known for its Gothic exterior with soaring spires. Also visit Chinese fishing net.
Later in the evening visit to watch traditional Kerala
Kathakali dance Show. Overnight at hotel.
Kathakali dance - It is Kerala's very own, much celebrated dance drama. Kathakali evolved in the 8th century from 'Ramanattam' a dance drama created by Kottarakkara Thampuran, a great admirer and promoter of traditional art forms. Kathakali draws its theme from the wealth of Indian mythology and folklore. The performer is assisted by vocal and percussion accompaniments while the dancer through 'hasta mudras' or hand gestures expounds the theme. Expressions of face and eyes hold the key to perfection. Unique among the Indian dance forms, Kathakali ranks high among the Indian dance forms. Noted for its archaic costumes, weird make up, the elaborately painted faces often mistaken for masks and grand headgears, Kathakali is perhaps the only dance form in India in which the masculine aspect of the dance is preserved in its elemental vigor.