With vivid dance forms, delectable cuisine, distinct clothing styles, traditional architecture, and colorful festivals, Kerala is a unique blend of rich culture, heritage, and traditions that make it known as God’s Own Country!
Let’s dive into the vibrant culture of Kerala that sets it apart and offers visitors a plethora of memorable experiences!
ALSO SEE – 75 Best Things To Do In Kerala (With Photos)
1. Witness the vibrant dance forms of Kerala
Mohiniattam and Kathakali are the most popular classical dance forms in Kerala and an important aspect of the culture of Kerala.
While Kathakali is known for its dramatic costumes, expressions, and inspired storytelling, Mohiniyattam relies more on the graceful and fluid movement of the body to recount ancient folklore.
ALSO SEE – Where to watch Kathakali in Kerala?
Other prominent folk dances of Kerala include Kuthiyottam, Kaikotti Kali, Thiruvathira, Thirayattam, Pulikali, and Kanniyar Kali which are performed during festivals, religious ceremonies, stage performances, temple rituals, and more.
Where to watch Kathakali and Mohiniattam in Kerala:
- Kerala Kalamandalam, Thrissur
- Kathakali Center, Kochi
- Sree Chitra Art Gallery, Trivandrum
- Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady
- Margi Theatre, Kochi
ALSO SEE – Top 10 Traditional Kerala Dance Forms
2. Go on a houseboat cruise on Kerala backwaters
The jade-colored canals, lagoons, and backwaters of Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Kollam bring travelers to Kerala from every corner of the world! Houseboat Cruise in Kerala is the most popular symbol of Kerala Tourism.
The rich tapestry of Kerala backwaters with its rustic villages, lush greenery, coconut trees, and dreamy houseboats truly represent the earthen, down-to-earth culture of Kerala and Kakkathuruthu a village in Kerala was also featured in NatGeo’s list of world destinations
Interested in Backwater Cruise? Choose from 50+ Kerala Houseboat Packages
These homely houseboats not only offer a glimpse into Kerala’s local way of life at a slow pace but also let guests relax and unwind amid natural surroundings while enjoying the comforts and luxuries of a household.
Where to sail the backwaters of Kerala:
- Alleppey backwaters
- Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom
- Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam
- Canoli River, Kozhikode
- Poovar Island
ALSO SEE – Backwaters of Kerala Trip- What to Know?
3. Be part of the lively festivals of Kerala
If you’re looking for a rich cultural experience in Kerala deeply rooted in its history and traditions, you must attend its festivals!
Visit Kerala during August-September to witness Onam, a grand 10-day harvest festival with fairs, food, dance performances, music, lights, and laughter!
ALSO SEE – Onam Festival -Celebrations and the Legend of Mahabali
You can also visit around March-April and partake in Vishu celebrations to mark the Malayalam New Year with temple ceremonies, ritualistic processions, feasts, and much more.
For a grand procession of caparisoned elephants with percussion music, vivid colors, Sadya feasts, and dance performances of Kathakali, visit the Thrissur Pooram festival in April in Thrissur.
Thrissur is known as the cultural capital of Kerala.
ALSO SEE – Thrissur Tourism-Top things to do, Sightseeing & Tips
And if you’re looking for the most entertaining and exciting festivals in Kerala, you must witness its boat races like the Aranmula Boat Race and the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race!
Where to celebrate the festivals of Kerala:
- Onam, Trivandrum
- Vishu, Kottayam
- Nehru Trophy Boat Race, Alappuzha
- Thrissur Pooram, Thrissur
- Theyyam, Kannur
- Attukal Pongala, Trivandrum
ALSO SEE – 10 Most Famous Festivals In Kerala to attend thsi year
4. Gorge on finger-licking Kerala cuisine
The food culture of Kerala is infused with rich flavors, spices, and coconut milk, and served on a plantain leaf, constitutes a diverse array of vegetarian and nonvegetarian dishes with several seafood options.
Everything from idli, dosa, puttu, appam, idiyappam, vada, parotta, payasam, sambar, meen curry, fish molee, Kerala biryani, beef fry, karimeen pollichathu, kadala curry, and Sadya will take you on a roller coaster ride of flavors!
Where to try local food in Kerala:
- The Rice Boat, Kumarakom
- Arippa, Trivandrum
- Dhe Puttu, Kochi
- Rahmathullah Hotel, Kozhikode
- Paragon Restaurant, Kozhikode
- Saravana Bhavan, Kochi
- Malabar Café, Kannur
ALSO SEE – Top 9 Food In Kerala To Try When You Visit
5. Experience the spiritual culture of Kerala
With tons of Hindu temples, churches, and mosques spread across the state, the religious diversity of Kerala is commendable!
Known for their rich history, distinct rituals, vibrant festivals, and a mix of different architectural styles, including the unique Kerala style of architecture (mostly seen in Hindu temples here), these religious sanctums in Kerala are a must-visit for all kinds of travelers.
Usually nestled in serene surroundings and amid lush greenery, these ancient shrines are known to offer a sense of calm and peace to all who visit!
Which religious sites to visit in Kerala:
- Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Trivandrum
- Guruvayur Temple, Guruvayur
- Sree Krishna Temple, Ambalappuzha
- St. Francis Church, Fort Kochi
- St. Mary’s Cathedral, Trivandrum
- Cheraman Juma Masjid, Kodungallur
- Kottakkal Juma Masjid, Malappuram
Checkout 20 Famous Temples In Kerala & 20 Famous Churches in Kerala
6. Discover Kerala’s unique crafts & art forms
The traditional art forms and craftwork of Kerala are a testament to its rich artisan heritage, the skills and creativity of its craftsmen, and its intriguing history.
Everything from its vibrant temple murals, coir products, brass figurines, stone-studded jewelry, ancient paintings and sculptures, traditional lamps, as well as the intricate carvings on temples architecture and church interiors speak volumes of the vivid culture of Kerala!
Even the colorful costumes, makeup, and headgear worn during dance performances like Kathakali, Mohiniattam, Koodiyattam, and Ottamthullal are crucial elements of the vast Kerala culture!
Where to acquire Kerala’s traditional art and craftwork:
- Durbar Hall Art Gallery (Kochi) – traditional mural paintings
- Kerala Kalamandalam, Thrissur – Kathakali masks and headgear
- Kumbalangi village (Kochi), Coir Board Sales Emporium (Alleppey) – coir products
- Jew Town (Kochi), Siva Brass Works (Thrissur) – antique brass items and elephant figurines
- Local markets (Thrissur) – antique brass items, traditional oil lamps, coconut shell products
- Mangalya Jewellers (Kozhikode), Regal Jewellers (Thrissur) – stone-studded jewelry
- Poomkavu Art Gallery (Changanassery) – ancient paintings, sculptures, and traditional oil lamps or ‘Nilavilakku’
- Aranmula town – Aranmula mirror and miniature snake boats
- Kollam Craft Village – bowls, coasters, and home decor items made out of coconut shells
- Nettur local markets (Kannur) – Nettur petti (traditional caskets)
Note: You can also find these articles at the Kerala Arts and Crafts Village in Kumarakom and the Kochi Biennale Foundation which often host exhibitions of traditional artwork and handicraft to promote local artists and homemade brands. Check their websites to see if they’re organizing one within the duration of your trip!
ALSO SEE – 18 Best Things To Buy In Kerala & Where To Buy Them
7. Wear the traditional dresses of Kerala!
The traditional clothing of Kerala is the most visually appealing element of its cultural heritage.
Symbolizing purity and simplicity, Kerala’s traditional attire tells a great deal about its deep-rooted historical influences and social conventions.
The local Malayali people wear a range of traditional attire on different occasions and an everyday basis ranging from the Mundu and Melmundu worn by men as well as Kasavu sarees, Settu Mundu, and Pavada worn by women and young girls.
Where to buy the Kerala traditional clothing:
- Pothys, Kochi
- Kasavu Kada, Kochi
- Southloom, Trivandrum
- Kasavu Aalayam Handlooms, Mullakkal
- A R Handlooms, Thrissur
- Kaithari Kada, Kovalam
8. Explore the unique architecture of Kerala
Kerala architecture is different from the Dravidian style of architecture prominent in other places of South India.
It represents a blend of influences from cultural (Portuguese, Dutch, British), to religious (diverse religious beliefs, customs, and traditions), and geographical.
Kerala’s temple architecture consists of intricate carvings, tall gopurams, exquisite woodwork, and murals. The traditional homes in Kerala have sloping roofs and a square courtyard in the center.
Several places like Fort Kochi, Kochi’s St. Francis Church and Mattancherry Palace, Bekal Fort, and old colonial bungalows in Munnar bear colonial as well as native architectural influences.
While Kerala’s churches exhibit a mix of Indian, European, and neo-Gothic architectural styles, the mosques in Kerala showcase a blend of Islamic and local styles.
Where to see the brilliant architecture of Kerala:
- Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Trivandrum
- Sree Sankaracharya Temple, Kalady
- Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple, Sabarimala
- Fort Kochi, Kochi
- St. Francis Church, Kochi
- Chinese Fishing Nets, Kochi
- Santa Cruz Basilica, Kochi
- Cheraman Juma Masjid, Kodungallur
- Jama Masjid, Kochi
- Kerala Kalamandalam, Thrissur
- Briar Tea Bungalows, Munnar
ALSO SEE – 11 Most Unique Places To Visit In Kerala
Now all you need to do is plan your trip and experience the kaleidoscopic culture of Kerala with the help of our range of customized Kerala tour packages! Happy tripping!
