Cultural experiences in Kerala for the traveller in you

Kerala is truly deserving of the sobriquet “God’s own country”. From natural beauty to the best of food and culture, Kerala is indeed a great place to go for a holiday all by yourself or with family and friends. Either way, you are going to have fun.Read more: 10 beautiful trips to take in South IndiaSome of the most vibrant festivals and iconic rituals take place in Kerala and we are here for it! From Ayurveda to the fading martial art form of kalaripayattu to men in flamboyant costumes walking on hot coals, there’s so much of culture and traditions in Kerala that you need to explore.

Plan your visits to Kannur and Kasargod to coincide with theyyam rituals in the region. Theyyam is a traditional dance ritual that narrates the legends and mythological stories of Kerala. This spectacular performance will have men performing dance, music and even mime. Fire walks by men dressed in elaborate costumes is something you should look forward to. These performances mostly take place in temple complexes. Please keep in mind, photography and videography is not allowed within the temple complexes. Some things are best kept for the eyes and soul only, isn’t it?

Theeyaattam or Theeyaattu is a traditional dance form of Kerala you cannot miss. Theeyattu is performed only by two communities in Kerala – Theeyattunnis brahmins and Tiyyadi Nambiars. Two types of Theeyattu are performed – Bhadrakali Theeyaattu by the Theeyattunnis and Ayyappan Theeyaattu by Tiyyadi Nambiars. This traditional dance form is one of the strictest in the state, it cannot be altered or changed as per one’s wish. The dance comprises various strict traditional rituals. Theeyattu is prevalent in central and north Kerala and is considered a living cult. This needs to find a place in your bucket list!

One of the oldest forms of Indian martial art, kalaripayattu has moved from popular and prominent to performances in select places. This dying art of traditional martial art needs to be a part of your Kerala itinerary. Not many, but there are still small groups of people who practice this form of martial art and you need to go see them. There are kalaripayattu centres in various parts of Kerala where you can witness a session or even learn a few techniques.

Ayurveda in Kerala dates back to more than 2000 years. This ancient treatment is world-famous and is great for the whole body. This traditional form of healing uses traditional techniques along with a lot of natural ingredients in the form of oil, whole spices or essence.

In 2013, the Kerala government declared Vellinezhi in Palakkad district as Kalagramam (art village). Vellinezhi village holds a very special place in Kerala culture scene. The headgears used during Kathakali performance get made here and you can watch the process. Known as Kathakali koppu, the headgear-ornament-making process has gained a lot of attention since 2013.

Did you know that Koodiyattam dance form is recognised as a form of Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO? Its history goes back more than 2000 years. Koodiyattam also comes under religious performance. While it resembles Kathakali dance form, there are obvious differences too. For instance, a Kathakali performance will have a separate vocalist while a Koodiyattam performance requires the dancer to sing along. There are special temple auditoriums for these Koodiyattam performances.

Every year in the months of August and September, especially during Onam, there’s a different kind of energy in Kerala. Everyone is pumped up for the grand Aranmula Boat Race, one of the oldest and most popular boat races in Kerala. Various teams prepare for their race aboard the traditional snake boats, and the race is worth the visit.