The culture of Kerala is a true representation of diversity, which is synonymous with the Indian culture on the whole. It is a rich mix of Dravidians, Hindus, Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Jews and many more religions. The picture postcard perfect locales set an ideal backdrop for a culture rich in various art forms, rituals, festivals, cuisines and even ancient Indian medicinal therapy.

Kerala or God's Own Country, as people like to call it, is nestled lovingly within the lap of nature, bedecked by the Western Ghats and more essentially by the backwaters and crisscrossing rivers that make the lifeblood of its history, culture and heritage.

The official language of the state is Malayalam and Kerala has long enjoyed the status of being the only state in India with 100% literacy rate. This has given the people of Kerala a cosmopolitan outlook. For long the world knew it only as rice bowl of India since it is one of the largest producer of rice in the world but in the wake of more liberal and global economy, the tourism sector saw a major boost with the state opening its doors to the medical tourists who throng its resorts for the traditional ayurvedic treatments, beaches, backwaters and wildlife resorts.

The luxuriant landscapes invite the visitors in the land of mysticism where the centuries old culture is still meticulously preserved within the seams of contemporary attire. Kerala is known for its performing arts especially Kathakali, Mohiniyattam and Kalaripayattu.

Kathakali most beautifully combines performing art forms of opera, ballet, masque, and pantomime with traditional way of displaying the 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. Over the centuries, many music forms have also evolved in Kerala. Kalaripayattu is an ancient form of martial arts that hails the gods and the warriors. It is quite a spectacular sight to watch a Kalaripayattu performance.

Besides the performing arts, Kerala also has a rich tradition of visual arts, especially mural painting. It has been generously used in temples, palaces and churches. Dhuleechitram is a traditional art form that depicts mythical figures on floor. It is made using natural pigments and rice powder. These paintings are extensively used in traditional religious rituals.

Traditional Kerala Architecture is a blend of natural elements found aplenty in the region. The thatched houses with richly carved wooden doors and brass handles and their extensive outer verandahs, inner courtyards, open roof bathrooms and octagonal or quadrangular main house structure are the chief characteristics that can be observed in a number of Kerala resorts. Other wonders of extensive Kerala architecture are its temples and churches.

Description of Kerala culture is incomplete without mentioning the Onam festival and the elaborate snake boat races. Nehru Trophy Race is the most popular snake boat race.

Kerala also boasts of lip smacking cuisine that is rich in taste and health. The platter comprises a variety of pancakes and steamed rice cakes that are prepared from pounded rice. Owing to its proximity to the sea and backwaters, the seafood delicacies include both the freshwater as well as seawater fishes. Kottayam, Pala and Ishtew with Appam are staple for every marriage reception. The traditional liquor or fermented drinks include kallu (toddy) and patta charayam (arrack). Arrack is an extremely intoxicating drink. It is served with spicy pickles and boiled eggs that are locally called patta and mutta.

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