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A majority of the people of Kerala are Dravidians, who also inhibit most of the southern part of India. Hinduism is the main religion with significant percentages of Muslims and Christians. Kerala is also known for Kathakali - a 300-year-old dance form developed exclusively in the state combining the performing art forms of opera, ballet, masque, and pantomime. The dance is a beautiful blending of color, dance, music, drama, and expressions. Other dance forms of Kerala are Krishnanattom, Mohiniyattom, Thullal, Koodiyattom, Kolkkali, Thiruvathirakali, Kakkarishi Natakom, Oppanna, and Chavittunatakom. Panchavadyam, Nadanpattu, Omanathinkal Kidavo and many more music forms have evolved over the centuries in Kerala.
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Onam is a time for sports and festivities and in Kerala-where one third of the area is low lying, covered with canals, lakes, and backwaters-the people take to their boats and country crafts to celebrate. Christmas is another festival that is celebrated with much vigor and enthusiasm in the state. |
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Raja Ravi Varmas paintings, Kathakali and Mohiniattam dance forms, Sculptures, temple architecture, handicraft items etc are great attractions of Kerala. During Kerala tour , you will have a chance to visit all the Cultural centre in Kerala. |
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Spectacular visual effects and stunning music are hallmarks of Kerala's performing arts. In a land which cannot boast of monumental architectural feats, unlike many other parts of India, the performing arts, both individually and collectively, make up for the lost magnificence. No other State in India can match the grandeur and creativity of Kerala's performing arts. The classical and ritual arts of Kerala have always enjoyed a rich patronage, from the former kings who ruled the state to the latter day democratic governments.
Some of the well known performing art forms of Kerala are: Kalaripayatt, Mohiniyattom, Chakyar Koothu, Theyyam, Ottam Thullal, Koodiyattom, Bharathanatyam, Chavittunadakam, Poorakkali, Theyattu. |
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| Bolghatty Palace |
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Built by the Dutch in 1744, the Bolghatty palace in Ernakulam is on an island, off Cochin in the Arabian Sea. The building was once a Governor's palace for the Dutch and later the home of the British Residents.
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| Cheraman Juma Masjid |
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Cheraman Juma Masjid in Kodungalloor is the first mosque in India. It was built in 629 A.D. and resembles a temple in appearance. This was rebuilt recently. |
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| Cheruthuruthy |
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Cheruthuruthy (Kerala Kalamandalam) north of Trichur. Mahakavi Vallathol founded Kerala Kalamandalam at Cheruthuruthy, in 1930. Its main objective is to revive, preserve and develop the traditional art form of Kerala, particularly Kathakali. Now the Kerala Kalamandalam is functioning at Vallathol Nagar, in Cheruthuruthy with its new building complex the Natyagraha.
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The old Kerala Kalamandalam is still at Cheruthuruthy on the shore of Nila River (Bharathapuzha). The Samadhi of Poet Vallathol, the founder of the institution,It is in the premises of the old Kalamandalam.The best of Kerala's Kathakali performers get their rigorous training. The institution also offers training in music, drama, and other dance forms including Mohiniyattom, Koodiyattom and Ottan Thullal. |
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| Alwaye palace |
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The Alwaye palace is situated on the banks of the Periyar River with beautiful circular verandas overlooking the river. This old palace building is now The Alwaye Guest House, which is one of the loveliest in this State.
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| Aranmula Temple |
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Dedicated to Lord Krishna is another pilgrim place for Hindus. The temple Aranmula can be reached from Chengannur on the Thiruvananthapuram - Kottayam route. A major attraction is the snake boat races held as part of the Uthrettathi festival in August /September. Aranmula is famed for its hand-made mirrors of polished metal called the "Aranmula Kannadi". |
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| St. Sebastian Church |
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Portuguese missionaries established one of the most important pilgrim centers of the Christians in Kerala, popularly known as St. Sebastian Church, 22 kms; north of Alleppey. This church is near Sherthallai. The feast of St. Sebastian is held here every January.
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| Guruvayur |
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Thrissur is a good base for a pilgrim trip to Guruvayur. It is among India's most important pilgrimage centers and is also known as the Dwaraka of the South. The Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, which attracts thousands of pilgrims is said to date prior to the 16th century. Tradition has it that Guru-the preceptor of the Devas, and Vayu-the Lord of the Winds created the temple. The temple is dedicated to Krishna known here as Guruvayurappan or the
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| Guruvayur, the extreme grounds of Punnathur Kotta near Guruvayoor houses the elephants of Guruvayoor temple. The building was once the palace of a provincial chieftain Punnathur Nambidi |
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| Padmanabhapuram Palace |
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Though located at Thuckalai in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, (65 kms south of Thiruvananth-apuram) this former palace of Travancore is a splendid example of Kerala architecture. It is a protected monument of the Kerala State Archaeology Department. The palace is noted for its excellent wood architecture and murals.
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