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How Alleppey Houseboats are promoting Kathakali to Global tourists

Posted On February 11, 2025 by ATDC

Alleppey also known as the Venice of the east in Kerala is among the most popular and visited tourist destinations. Famous for its mesmerizing backwaters and luxurious houseboats it offers much more with its scenic beauty and soothing experiences. They are also a City in particular that values their tradition like Kathakali which is one of the finest forms of performing art. Tourist specifically comes to experience this over anything Alleppey has to offer. Travel consultancies have combined the houseboat and kathakali in their packages for more convenience to tourists given their growing demand. Let’s see how Alleppey Houseboats are promoting Kathakali to global tourists due to the demands or the rise of interest for two different areas.

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On-stage Kathakali performance

Alleppey Houseboats are promoting Kathakali to Global tourists

 

Numerous Alleppey Houseboat packages offer live Kathakali performances as a part of entertaining their tourists. This gives them an experience of both Alleppey Boathouse and the cultural feast of the Kathakali performance. Tourists find convenience in this as they wouldn’t require finding an artist or performance and a premium houseboat separately. The art form of kathakali in House Boat is a fresh and exquisite experience as it is performed in a traditional setting with oil lamps colorful costumes and expressive storytelling of the performers. This is accompanied by the scenic views adding to the great time they spend here. 

Exclusive Cultural packages

Houseboat operators or Travel consultancies collaborate with local Kathakali troupes and offer cultural trips for a completely traditional and artistic experience. They also include:

  • Instruction or introduction from an expert or experienced guide with info regarding their history, significance, and themes.
  • Visits to Kathakali schools or cultural centers to monitor how they prepare or practice.
  • Also letting tourists wear make-up or costumes to let them know how it feels and grant them an immersive experience.
  • Guiding tourists walk through the evergreen natural landscapes and backwaters. 
  • They are also introduced to something new, such as helping them wear traditional attires and embrace more culture-oriented tourism. 

Promotional Videos and Campaigns

These houseboat operators create short videos or documentaries that feature performances by Kathakali artists. These videos are then shared on their websites or social media like YouTube and grab the attention of global audiences including tourists. Art lovers and much more. It increases awareness, keeps the art alive, and welcomes more tourists to the Alleppey city. 

Fusion Arts of Kerala

For added entertainment, the versatility of Kathakali is expressed or represented by combining other traditional art forms in Kerala. They are combined and offer you a fusion art experience to the tourists. They are:

  • Mohiniyattam: This is Kerala’s beautiful classical dance.
  • Kalaripayattu: Kerala’s martial art which is also amongst the oldest in the world.
  • Theyyam: A ritualist drama performed like Kathakali with a dance

Houseboats with Kathakali decor

Due to the demand, Alleppey Houseboats are promoting Kathakali and this can be seen in their designs and decors as well. Many houseboats come with murals of Kathakali dancers as well as masks or artworks. They tend to be thematic as well with staff dressing traditionally for a much immersive experience.

Storytelling or Interactive Workshop 

For a more knowledgeable travel experience, houseboat operators arrange interactive workshops or storytelling sessions for tourists to learn about Kathakali and its history. These are assisted by trained professionals and they teach:

  • Mudras: These are the hand gestures used in Kathakali
  • The significance of expressions visible on their face along with the body movements.
  • Kathakali’s storytelling is a deep-rooted chapter in Indian mythology.

Promoting Kathakali as a UNESCO Heritage Art

The immense popularity of Kathakali and its increase in demand for aspiring learners, performance art admirers, and tourists have gifted Kathakali global recognition. Through houseboats and cultural trips as well as Overnight stays in Alappuzha houseboats for global tourists they intend to promote growth or in some cases keep the art alive and get the deserved accolade it needs. Kathakali to be recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural heritage is a mission for its admirers.

VR Campaigns

Today, advancing digital technologies are also used to promote Kadhakali to global tourists. Technologies like Virtual Realist where an immersive video or digital experience is presented so they can view and evaluate the Alleppey boathouse packages and have a detailed insight.

Promoting via Live streams

Above the VR feature. Houseboat operators also offer live streaming of Kathakali performances, which tourists can use for reference or entertainment. All these methods create a much bigger bond and emotional connection to Kathakali with the tourists. 

Evenings With Cultural Shows

Evenings have been a great time for tourists to relax and find calmness around the Allepey houseboat culture. With cultural shows rounding up for a comeback after their previous day’s show, tourists get excited for the next masterpiece. The tourists also feel free to interact with artists and curiously learn about the eye, hand and other body movements and the rhythm of Kathakali performances with music, which is a soothing delight of traditional arts. 

Conclusion

Is the houseboat experience in Alleppey Kerala worth it? is a question asked by numerous wanderlust who have Alleppey houseboat packages on their bucket list? The answer is yes, and if you are planning to make a visit, do it at the earliest since it’s a unique experience. Though Alleppey has a lot to offer their houseboat cruises, Kathakali is always the highlight like the cherry on top of the cake. 

 

Why is Kathakali an important cultural element in Alleppey houseboats?

Kathakali represents Kerala’s rich artistic heritage. Houseboats incorporate this performance to offer tourists a deeper cultural experience alongside the scenic beauty of backwaters.

Why is there a push to get Kathakali recognized as a UNESCO Heritage Art?

Due to its historical significance and growing global interest, efforts are being made to preserve and promote Kathakali as an intangible cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO.

Can tourists learn Kathakali on houseboats?

Some houseboat packages offer interactive workshops where tourists can learn Kathakali mudras, expressions, and storytelling techniques from trained professionals.

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