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…
Must-see entertainment in India
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…
Jaipur
Just off MI Rd, Raj Mandir is the place to go to see a Hindi film in India. This opulent cinema looks like a huge pink cream cake, with a meringue…
Gangtok
Gangtok's most happening music bar bathes its drinkers in a tsunami of sound Wednesday to Friday evenings, when live bands typically crank out rock or…
Delhi
An entertainment extravaganza, Kingdom of Dreams offers live Bollywood-style shows that are out-and-out sensory assaults. Performances are supported by…
Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts
New Delhi
A hub of cultural and artsy seminars, exhibitions and performances housed in a well-located, landscaped sprawl not far from India Gate. Frequented by…
Kolkata (Calcutta)
This nightclub has been steadily promoting live music in Kolkata since the mid-1990s. Acts perform nightly, although you'll have to be lucky to catch some…
Udaipur
The beautiful Bagore-ki-Haveli hosts the best (and most convenient) opportunity to see Rajasthani folk dancing, with nightly shows of colourful, energetic…
Kolkata (Calcutta)
This state-run cultural melting pot is a large, multilevel operation that regularly hosts exhibitions, dance shows, recitals and lectures in its many…
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…
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…
Delhi
A restaurant and bar with comedy nights every evening, usually from around 7.30pm. Some nights are free. Bigger names bring a cover charge (from ₹500)…
Delhi
This is an important Delhi cultural address, with art exhibitions, performances and concerts, mostly free. Check the website for events.
Bengaluru (Bangalore)
A mecca for cricket-lovers, hosting many matches per year. Check online for the schedule of tests, one-dayers and Twenty20s.
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…
Jaipur
Chokhi Dhani, meaning ‘special village', is a mock Rajasthani village 20km south of Jaipur, and is a fun place to take kids. There are open-air…
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…
Kolkata (Calcutta)
This complex is made up of the auditoriums and theatre halls at Rabindra Sadan, Sisir Mancha and the central Nandan Cinema. Apart from sundry cultural…
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…
Kolkata (Calcutta)
The vast Eden Gardens hosts international cricket matches, and is the home ground of the Kolkata Knight Riders IPL team. Until some years ago, when a…
Seagull Arts & Media Resource Centre
Kolkata (Calcutta)
Owned by the same management that operates Seagull Bookstore, this acclaimed institution regularly organises art and media exhibitions, film screenings,…
Kolkata (Calcutta)
The Victoria Memorial provides a beautiful backdrop to this colonial-era racecourse, from whose 19th-century grandstands you can watch some of India’s…
Kolkata (Calcutta)
This state-of-the-art auditorium and performance venue is located within the Birla Mandir complex, although access is from a side road. It hosts a number…
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…
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…
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…
Periyar Tiger Reserve
Kathakali shows at this cultural centre are highly entertaining. Make-up and costume starts 30 minutes before each show. Arrive early for a good seat; use…
Delhi
Next door to the extravagant, more well known Kingdom of Dreams, this modest open-air theatre puts on free traditional-music performances every Saturday…
'Ancient Futures' Film Screenings
Leh
The still-relevant 1993 documentary Ancient Futures: Learning from Ladakh or the similarly thought-provoking film The Economics of Happiness are screened…
Kadathanadan Kalari & Navarasa Kathakali Centre
Periyar Tiger Reserve
Hour-long demonstrations of the exciting Keralan martial art of kalarippayat, as well as Kathakali, are staged here every evening. Timings may change…
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…
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…
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…
Delhi
The IIC is a key location for a sector of Delhi society, usually elderly intellectuals. Although the club is for members only, the public is welcome to…
Munnar
Entertaining (though aimed at tourists) daily performances of Kathakali and kalarippayat, 7km southwest of Munnar. Same-day tickets are usually available…
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…
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…
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).
Kolkata (Calcutta)
This branch of the popular Inox multiplex chain is located on the top floor of South City Mall, and screens brand-new titles from Hollywood, Bollywood and…
Mumbai (Bombay)
A faded art deco masterpiece – Mumbai's oldest – that’s good for Hollywood and Indian blockbusters.
