Kerala holds a place of honour among the people of India who have enriched
Indian Cultural Heritage and helped the cause of national integration. The
culture of Kerala is also a composite and cosmopolitan culture to which several
people and races have made their significant contributions. Kerala's population
comprises of a large number of the people from the Dravidians race, who also
inhibit most of the southern part of India. Hinduism is the principal religion
with considerable percentages of Muslims and Christians.
The cultural heritage of Kerala is revealed in its varied dance forms, martial
arts and cuisine. Kathakali is a 300-year-old dance form developed exclusively
in Kerala combining the performing art forms of opera, ballet, masque, and
pantomime. Other dance forms of Kerala are Krishnanattom, Mohiniyattom, Thullal,
etc Kerala has a distinctive cuisine, very unusual and different from the
rest of India. During your tour to Kerala you get to be a part of the tradition
and culture of the native people.
Cooking in Kerala is all about discoveries, aromas and colors.The state is
known for its variety of pancakes and steamed rice cakes made from pounded
rice. In seafood, mussels are a favourite. Amongst the many forms of martial
arts of Kerala are Kalaripayattu, Parisa Kali, Kunderu and Njaninmel Kali.
There is a lot to explore while you are on a tour to Kerala. Some of the well
known performing art forms of Kerala are; Kalaripayatt, Mohiniyattom, Chakyar
Koothu, Theyyam, Ottam Thullal, Loodiyattom,Bharathanatyam, Chavittunadakam,
Poorakkali, Theyattu.
Thus, in its totality, Kerala's culture represents the triumph and success
of it's people in every sphere, be it art and architecture, education or it's
multifaceted religion. The present culture of Kerala is the result of the
unique process of cultural synthesis and social assimilation.
