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Written by Mark Davis » Updated on: February 25th, 2025
Travelling to a place shouldn’t be just about clicking selfies and making reels. A travel experience should also challenge your old belief-systems, enlighten, as well as delight you. This is why along with sightseeing and adventure activities, it is significant to gain some gratifying cultural experiences. When you visit a destination like Kerala, an award-winning tourist destination in India, these experiences aren’t hard to find. It is highly unlikely that a tourist’s Kerala trip itinerary won’t have some cultural experience.
Having cultural experiences in a place allows you to broaden your perspective and be more empathetic. When you travel, you see how other people operate within their cultures. What are the do’s and don’ts and how their worldview is different from yours. All the cultural experiences enriches your character both as an individual and a tourist. You also learn that if you don’t understand something (about a culture or its people), there is also no reason to misunderstand—just let it be!
Kerala has been a hub of culture and tradition, carefully preserved and promoted by its people. These cultural experiences give a distinctive touch to tourism in Kerala which cannot be replicated anywhere else. Without further ado, here are the top 6 cultural experience to have in Kerala:
1. Watch a Kathakali/ Mohiniyattam Performance
2. Cruise the Backwaters in Kerala
3. Visit Vellinezhi, The Art Village of Kerala
4. Get an Ayurveda Experience in Kerala
5. Learn Kalaripayattu
6. Attend a Theyyam Ritual
Get enamored with enthralling and expressive performances of Kathakali and Mohiniyattam. Kathakali is a traditional form of Indian Classical Dance. In this art form, performers use theatrics, dance movements and facial expressions, including eye movements to emote and act. The dance, expression, costume, and music are all combined together to present in a highly stylized manner to evoke emotions among the audience.
Mohiniyattam, is a graceful traditional dance originated in Kerala. It got its name from Lord Vishnu’s female incarnation Mohini. Mohini was an enchantress who used her charm and grace to take back the elixir back from demons and offered it to gods. Just as the name and story, Mohiniyattam dancers use graceful and feminine movement to emote and act. The performances are absolutely beautiful to watch.
You can also visit early at a cultural centre to watch dancers applying elaborate makeup on their faces for performances. Watching them applying makeup and performing is one of the best cultural experiences to enjoy in Kerala.
Where to watch Kathakali performance?
There are many cultural centres dotted in Kerala where you can catch a Kathakali or Mohiniyattam performance. However, the most popular ones and famous amongst tourists are:
Have you ever seen a photo of Kerala? It’s often a houseboat cruising on the backwaters of Kerala that is bordered by paddy fields or coconut trees. But why is cruising the backwaters in Kerala a special cultural experience? The answer is simple. It allows you to experience the tropical charm of the backwaters. Tourists can enjoy a slow, laid-back and soothing rest session. Plus, the houseboat cruise packages in Kerala come with cook, captain, and staff, providing incredible amenities. You can enjoy delicious local food, get an ayurveda massage and even enjoy fishing at some points. If you want to do stargazing, pick an overnight cruise in Kerala. Alleppey (Alappuzha), Kumarakom, and Kollam are the best places for houseboat cruising in Kerala.
Vellinezhi is a small art village in Kerala’s Palakkad district. This village, also known as Kalagram, has contributed massively to the lively cultural scene of Kerala. It is said that at least one family member from each family residing in this village becomes a Kathakali dancer. In face of trendy pop culture, traditional art forms always take a hit and slowly recede into obscurity. However, that’s not the case in Vellinezhi. The artists of Vellinezhi Kalagram are keeping the tradition alive. You can visit this village to learn about Kathakali, watch the making of Kathakali Koppu (the headgear) and ornaments for performances.
You cannot visit Kerala on holiday and not have an opportunity to go for an Ayurvedic spa/ massage. It is one of the most accessible Kerala experiences a tourist can enjoy. In fact, Kerala is a hub of Ayurvedic Tourism, where most tourists fly in, and receive alternative treatments and therapies for their well-being.
But what’s so special about getting an Ayurveda Experience in Kerala, you ask? Well, Kerala is the birthplace of Ayurveda. It is home to the most authentic Ayurvedic practices you can find in this world. Here you can receive rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments and therapies from trained practitioners. Therapies like Shirodhara, Panchkarma and herbal baths are most popular for holistic treatment. Kovalam, Varkala, and Kumarakom are top spots in Kerala for Ayurvedic experiences. Only visit government-approved and accredited Ayurvedic centers in Kerala for authentic treatments.
Kalaripayattu is one of the oldest surviving martial arts in the world. It is believed to be around 3000 years old and given by deity Parshurama. It is also believed that Kalaripayattu has also influenced some of the shaolin martial arts. Although there isn't any concrete evidence or written texts to support this claim.
Kalaripayattu martial arts is a combative style of martial arts. It uses swift hand, leg movements and sharp reflexes along with the use of weaponry. Unlike regular martial arts which includes combative training, Kalaripayattu also combines yoga and oil massage to strengthen muscles and bones. The movements of Kalari are based on the style and fighting techniques of animals. If you are interested in learning more about Kalaripayattu, some centers give beginner classes for hands-on experience.
Where to watch or learn Kalaripayattu in Kerala?
Taking place in North Kerala around the Malabar region, Theyyam ritual is an amalgamation of music, dance and mime. This folk tradition and cultural practice is a spectacular display of artistry and reverence towards the deity Theyyam. The North Malabar communities believed that a divine power descends into the chosen performer and deity directly listens to the sorrows of its people and offers protection. The early morning performances are particularly atmospheric. Theyyam is an indispensable part in the lives of Malabar communities. There are around 400 types of Theyyam performed in Kerala.
Witness the Theyyam ritual in Kerala, it one of the most revered cultural experiences to have on your Kerala tour. Attend it with a local to understand the meaning and symbol behind the performance.
Where to see Theyyam Ritual?
You can watch the Theyyam ritual taking place in the temples in North Kerala, especially in Kannur and Kasaragod (October to April.)
There are many more cultural experiences to have in Kerala. The ones mentioned above in the blog are easily accessible and often included in Kerala trip packages. Gain newer perspectives and learn about a culture totally different from yours by visiting Kerala!
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