Kerala's rich cultural past finds expression in dance forms like Kathakali and Mohiniattam, while Kalaripayattu the traditional martial art form of Kerala has been practiced for ages.

Art and cultures of kerala
Kerala lovely state of swaying palms and surf washed beaches is the home of several dance, music and arts forms some of which have originated in the region and some of which have been adopted from other areas and, over the centuries transformed into a local expression typical to Kerala. Most of these are unique to the land and reflect the love for life of its people. Some of them are..

Kathakali is perhaps the only dance form in which the entire body is used to portrayastory. The Kathakali artistes wear elaborate costumes ornaments and facial makeup .This dance drama has been referred to as ' the first theatre of imagination in the world '.

Koodiyattam is the form of Sanskrit drama which is associated with temple rituals is perhaps the oldest form of classical arts in Kerala. Performances of Koodiyattam unlike most dance forms in Kerala and other parts of India, include women participants.

Theyyam,the dance form glorify the goddess and there themes revolve around thetriumph of the goddess over the demon Daruka and other devil characters. The dance is always performed by men and they are often decked up as women in exotic makeup and costumes

Kerala Culture Tour

From the ancient times of Kings, the classical rituals and performing artisans received rich patronage, which has been the major reason for ther grandeur and creativity of Kerala's performing art forms. Traditional dances such as Kathakali and Mohiniattam are an unmissable part of the cultural tourism experience in Kerala.

Kerala has a fascinating heritage of art and culture. 'Kathakali', a rhythmic dance based on ancient epics and 'Kalarippayattu' the worlds oldest martial art are known all over the world. Kalarippayattu is said to be the origin of all other marital arts in this world. Tourist flock the shores of Kerala to learn these art. Some of the other art forms are 'Koothu', 'Koodiyattam', 'Mohiniyattam', 'Ottamthullal'.

Kerala stands as an example for religious harmony. All the temples, churches, Mosque stand shoulder to shoulder that sometimes one fails to distinguish between them. All the festivals like Christmas, Ramzan, Onam, Diwali is celebrated here same pomp and gaiety. Another interesting example of religious harmony is celebration of Pooram festival at Thrissur. Malayalees from all over the world irrespective of religious sentiment reach this district to watch this festival. This festival is known for the elephant march and fire-crackers.

Bharathanatyam is normally practiced by women. The dancers artistically tells storiesand events from the epics through mudras (movements of the hand and feet) and facial expressions. Training in Bharathanatyam starts at a very tender age. The dancer should have a strong and supple body, good expressive face and eyes and an in-born, natural sense of rhythm. Kalashetra has emerged as one of the the foremost training centre for Bharathanatyam

Mohiniyattom the dance of the celestial enchantress ,came into being when four female Bharathanatyam dancers came from a neighbouring province of Tamil nadu to the court of Trivandrum. Later Swathi Thirunal Maharaja, King of erstwhile Travancore, breathed fresh life into the dance form making it popular. Mohiniyattom along with other dance forms enjoyed royal patronage during his regime. It is performed as a solo dance and is very lyrical in its rendering

Ottam Thullal, this dramatic form was staged as a solo performance in which the actor in a colourful costume recited the verses in a ringing tone, besides acting and dancing to the accompaniment of drums and cymbals and a singer who repeated exaggerated impact. This dramatic form was created in 18th century by Kunjan Nambiar, known variously as the 'people's poet par excellence' and the censor of his age who had a powerful influence on society.

Kalaripayattu is one of the performing arts of Kerala lay great emphasis on physical skill and fitness. This form evolved out of the practice of regular combat exercises designed to strengthen the body and impart suppleness to the muscles . It is widely believed that the origin of Karate lies in the martial dance of Kerala and that technique was carried to south Asia by Buddhist monk.