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{{short description|Overview of tourism in Kerala, India}}
{{Fanpov|date=June 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
[[File:Kerala God's Own Country Logo.svg|thumb|right|The official logo of Kerala Tourism]]
[[File:House Boat DSW.jpg|thumb|A [[Houseboat|house Boat]] floating on [[Vembanad Lake]]]]
[[File:Light house in Ponnani.jpg|right|thumb|An evening view of [[Ponnani Lighthouse]] beach]] [[File:Indian Tiger Wayanad.jpg|thumb|[[Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary]]]]

[[Kerala]], a state situated on the tropical Malabar Coast of southwestern India, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Named as one of the ''ten paradises of the world'' by ''[[National Geographic Traveler]]'',<ref name="Kerala Tourism">{{cite news|title=Kerala Tourism: Paradises in the world|url=http://www.hindu.com/edu/2004/05/11/stories/2004051100040100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040904094648/http://www.hindu.com/edu/2004/05/11/stories/2004051100040100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 September 2004|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=20 February 2012}}</ref> Kerala is famous especially for its [[ecotourism]] initiatives and beautiful backwaters.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/edu/2004/05/11/stories/2004051100040100.htm
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040904094648/http://www.hindu.com/edu/2004/05/11/stories/2004051100040100.htm
|url-status=dead
|archive-date=4 September 2004
| title= Tourism beckons
| date=11 May 2004
|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]
| access-date=9 August 2006
}}
</ref> Its unique [[Culture of Kerala|culture and traditions]], coupled with its varied [[Demographics of Kerala|demography]], have made Kerala one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Growing at a rate of 13.31%, the tourism industry is a major contributor to the [[Economy of Kerala|state's economy]].<ref name="stats">
{{cite web
| publisher=Kerala Tourism Development Corporation
|work=Tourism Statistics and lpu
|url=http://www.keralatourism.org/php/media/data/tourismstatistics/TOURISTSTATISTICS2005.pdf
| title=Tourist statistics for Kerala
| access-date=9 August 2006
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060701140613/http://www.keralatourism.org/php/media/data/tourismstatistics/TOURISTSTATISTICS2005.pdf  |archive-date = 1 July 2006}}
</ref>

Until the early 1980s, Kerala was a relatively unknown destination, with most tourism circuits concentrated around the north of the country. Aggressive marketing campaigns launched by the [[Kerala Tourism Development Corporation]]—the government agency that oversees tourism prospects of the state—laid the foundation for the growth of the tourism industry. In the decades that followed, Kerala Tourism was able to transform itself into one of the niche holiday destinations in India. The tag line ''[[God's Own Country|Kerala – God's Own Country]]'' was adopted in its tourism promotions and became a global [[Superbrands|superbrand]]. Kerala is regarded as one of the destinations with the highest brand recall.<ref name="superbrand">{{cite web
| publisher=Government of Kerala|
work=Superbrand status of Kerala Tourism brand
|url=http://www.superbrandsindia.com/superbrands2003/kerala-tourism/index.htm
| title=Kerala Tourism – Superbrand
| access-date=9 August 2006
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060712040428/http://superbrandsindia.com/superbrands2003/kerala-tourism/index.htm  |archive-date = 12 July 2006}}
</ref> In 2010, Kerala attracted 660,000 foreign tourist arrivals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/news/andhra-pradesh-top-tourist-destination-tourism-ministry/819071/0 |title=Andhra Pradesh top tourist destination: Tourism Ministry |publisher=Financialexpress.com |date=18 July 2011 |access-date=13 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221230710/http://www.financialexpress.com/news/andhra-pradesh-top-tourist-destination-tourism-ministry/819071/0 |archive-date=21 February 2014}}</ref>

Kerala is a popular destination for both domestic as well as foreign tourists. Kerala is well known for its beaches, backwaters in [[Alappuzha]] and [[Kollam]], mountain ranges and wildlife sanctuaries. Other popular attractions in the state include the [[Beaches in Kerala|beaches]] at [[Kovalam]], [[Muzhappilangad]], [[Bekal]] and [[Kappad]]; backwater tourism and lake resorts around [[Ashtamudi Lake]], [[Kollam]]; hill stations and resorts at [[Munnar]], [[Wayanad]], [[Nelliampathi]], [[Vagamon]] and [[Ponmudi]]; and national parks and wildlife sanctuaries at [[Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary|Wayanad]], [[Thekkady|Periyar]], [[Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary|Parambikulam]], [[Silent Valley National Park]] and [[Eravikulam National Park]]. The "[[Kerala Backwaters|backwaters]]" region—an extensive network of interlocking rivers, lakes, and canals that centre on [[Vembanad Lake]], also see heavy tourist traffic. Heritage sites, such as the [[Padmanabhapuram Palace]], [[Hill Palace]], and [[Mattancherry Palace]], are also visited. To further promote tourism in Kerala, the [[Grand Kerala Shopping Festival]] was started by the [[Government of Kerala]] in 2007.<ref name="GKSF begins">{{cite news|title=Shopping festival begins|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/shopping-festival-begins/article1959420.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=2 December 2007}}</ref> Since then it has been held every year during the December–January period.

The state's tourism agenda promotes [[ecotourism|ecologically sustained tourism]], which focuses on the local culture, wilderness adventures, volunteering and personal growth of the local population. Efforts are taken to minimize the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local people.

The state has also made deep inroads into [[Meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions|MICE Tourism]] mainly centered at [[Kochi]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Narayanan|first=Chitra|title=Kerala goes into MICE mission mode|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/kerala-goes-into-mice-mission-mode/article29301844.ece|access-date=2020-12-08|website=@businessline|language=en}}</ref>

==Historical context==
[[File: Resort calicut kerala.jpg|thumb|Resorts dot the lengths and breadths of Kerala.]]
Since its incorporation as a state, Kerala's economy largely operated under [[welfare economy|welfare]]-based [[democratic socialism|democratic socialist]] principles. This mode of development, though it resulted in a high [[Human Development Index]] and [[standard of living]] among the people, led to an [[economic stagnation]] in the 1980s (growth rate of 2.3% annually).<ref name="Mohindra_2003_8">{{Harvnb|Mohindra|2003|p=8}}.</ref> This apparent paradox—high human development and low economic development—led to a large number of educated unemployed seeking jobs overseas, especially in the [[Arab world|Gulf countries]]. Due to a large number of expatriates, many travel operators and agencies set up shop in the state to facilitate their travel needs. However, the trends soon reciprocated, with the travel agencies noticing the undermined potential of the state as a tourist destination. The first travel agency in Kerala, Kerala Travels, was founded by Col G.V. Raja of the Travancore royal family along with P.G.C. Pillai.

By 1986, tourism had gained an industry status. Kerala Tourism subsequently adopted the tagline ''God's Own Country'' in its advertisement campaigns. Aggressive promotion in print and electronic media was able to invite a sizable investment in the hospitality industry. By the early 2000s, tourism had grown into a full-fledged, multi-billion-dollar industry in the state. The state was able to carve a niche for itself in the world tourism industry, thus becoming one of the places with the "highest brand recall".<ref>[http://www.icmr.icfai.org/casestudies/catalogue/Marketing/MKTG047.htm Kerala Tourism - Branding a Tourist Destination] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927174926/http://www.icmr.icfai.org/casestudies/catalogue/Marketing/MKTG047.htm |date=27 September 2007 }}</ref> In 2003, Kerala, a hitherto unknown tourism destination, became the fastest-growing tourism destination in the world.<ref>[http://www.domain-b.com/industry/tourism/20040817_tourism_destination.html Kerala is the world's fastest-growing tourism destination says Renuka Choudhry]. Domain-b.com (17 August 2004).</ref>

Today, growing at a rate of 13.31%, Kerala is one of the most visited tourism destinations in India.<ref name="stats"/><ref>[http://www.ndtv.com/features/showfeatures.asp?slug=Govt+launches+campaign+to+pull+tourists&Id=1352 NDTV - God's own country: Govt launches campaign to pull tourists] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080317064251/http://www.ndtv.com/features/showfeatures.asp?slug=Govt+launches+campaign+to+pull+tourists&Id=1352 |date=17 March 2008 }}</ref>

==Major attractions==
[[File:Muzhappilangad Beach Sunset.jpg|thumb|[[Muzhappilangad Beach]], [[Kannur]]]]

===Beaches===
{{main|Beaches in Kerala}}
Flanked on the western coast by the [[Arabian Sea]], Kerala has a long coastline of {{convert|580|km|mi|abbr=on}}; all of which is virtually dotted with sandy beaches.
[[File:Kerala Houseboat (191490747).jpeg|thumb|right|Boating at [[Edappal|Biyyam]] [[Lake]] near [[Ponnani]]]]
[[Kovalam]] beach near [[Thiruvananthapuram]] was among the first beaches in Kerala to attract tourists. Rediscovered by back-packers and tan-seekers in the 1960s and followed by hordes of [[hippie]]s in the 1970s, Kovalam is today the most visited beaches in the state.<ref name="Book">Ayub, Akber (ed), ''Kerala: Maps & More'', ''Coastal Circuit'', 2006 edition 2007 reprint, pp. 96-112, Stark World Publishing, Bangalore, {{ISBN|81-902505-2-3}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.hinduonnet.com/mag/2005/06/19/stories/2005061900450800.htm
| title = Ramparts by the Arabian Sea | access-date = 8 January 2008 | last = Govind| first = M.Harish | work = Magazine | publisher = The Hindu, 19 June 2005
}}</ref><ref>[http://keralatourism.org/php/media/data/announcement/RT/kovalam.htm MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP ON RESPONSIBLE TOURISM FOR KOVALAM] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080103095222/http://keralatourism.org/php/media/data/announcement/RT/kovalam.htm |date=3 January 2008 }}</ref>

Other popularly visited beaches<ref>{{cite web | url=http://irisholidays.com/keralatourism/best-beaches-of-kerala/ | title = Best Beaches of Kerala |publisher=irisholidays.com |date=2015-02-14}}</ref> in the state include those at [[Kappad]], [[Alappuzha]], [[Kozhikode]]<ref>{{Citation|title=Kozhikode Beach|date=2019-07-24|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kozhikode_Beach&oldid=907668593|work=Wikipedia|language=en|access-date=2019-08-02}}</ref> Beach, Marari Beach (Mararikulam, Alappuzha), Nattika (Thrissur), Vadanappilly beach (Thrissur), [[Cherai|Cherai Beach]], [[Ponnani|Ponnani beach]], [[Bekal]], [[Kappad]] [[Beypore|Beypore beach]], Marari beach, [[Fort Kochi]], and [[Varkala]]. The [[Muzhappilangad Beach]] at [[Kannur]] is the only drive-in beach in India. Marari beach was rated as one of the world's top five Hammock Beaches by the National Geographic survey and has been cited<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.express.co.uk/travel/articles/757181/india-holiday-kerala-globe-travel-centre|title=New era in Indian getaways: Recharge your batteries with THIS safe-haven holiday to Kerala|last=Cuskelly|first=Claudia|date=2017-01-22|website=Express.co.uk|language=en|access-date=2019-08-14}}</ref> in the international press. Payambalam beach is one of the most beautiful beach in Kerala situated in Kannur. Other beaches in Kannur include Baby beach, Meenkunnu Beach, Azhikode Beach, Madaiparra Beach, Chootath Beach, Mermaid Beach.

===Backwaters===
{{main|Kerala Backwaters}}
[[File:Kottappuram-nileshwaram-house-boat.jpg|thumbnail|A ''[[Kettuvallam]]'' at [[Kavvayi Backwaters]], [[Nileshwaram]]]]
The [[backwater (river)|backwater]]s in Kerala are a chain of [[brackish]] lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the [[Arabian Sea]] coast (known as the [[Malabar Coast]]). ''Houseboat'' or ''Kettuvallam'' rides in the backwaters are a major tourist attraction. Backwater tourism is centered mostly around<ref>[https://irisholidays.com/keralatourism/best-places-to-visit-in-kerala/ Kerala Tourist Places]</ref> of [[Kerala]] like [[Alleppey]], [[Kumarakom]], [[Ashtamudi Lake]], [[Kollam]], [[Ponnani]], [[Kavvayi Backwaters]], and [[Bekal]]. Boat races held during festival seasons are also a major tourist attraction in the backwater regions.

The backwater network includes large lakes such as the [[Ashtamudi Lake]], the largest among them, linked by 1500 km of canals, both man-made and natural and fed by several rivers, and extending virtually the entire length of Kerala state. The backwaters were formed by the action of waves and shore currents creating low [[barrier island]]s across the mouths of the many rivers flowing down from the [[Western Ghats]] range.

Backwaters in Kerala for honeymoon and family holidays are quite popular. You may sort some of the best Kerala backwaters tour packages after reading about Kerala backwaters' reviews available on various websites.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://travelnewsindia.com/best-kerala-backwaters-explore/|title=7 Best Kerala Backwaters You Should Explore - Travel News India|publisher=travelnewsindia.com |date=2017-02-21}}</ref>

===Hill stations===
[[File:Munnar Hillscape.jpg|thumb|left|[[Munnar]] Hillscape]]
[[File:Sithar Kundu View Point 01.jpg|thumb|Sithar Kundu View Point at [[Nelliyampathy]], Palakkad Dist. Kerala, South India]]
Eastern Kerala consists of land encroached upon by the Western Ghats; the region thus includes high mountains, gorges, and deep-cut valleys. The wildest lands are covered with dense forests, while other regions lie under tea and coffee plantations (established mainly in the 19th and 20th centuries) or other forms of cultivation.

The Western Ghats rise on average to 1500 m elevation above sea level. Some of the popular hill stations in the region are [[Munnar]], [[Vagamon]], [[Paithalmala]], [[Wayanad]], [[Nelliyampathi]], [[Nilambur]], [[Elapeedika]], [[Peermade]], [[Thekkady]] and [[Ponmudi]].

[[Kurumbalakotta|Kurumbalakotta Hill]] in Wayand is becoming a great tourist attraction now.

===Wildlife===
{{main|Wildlife of Kerala}}

[[File:Lightmatter lion-tailed macaque.jpg|thumb|left|[[Silent Valley National Park]] in [[Palakkad district|Palakkad]] is home to the largest population of [[lion-tailed macaque]]. They are among the world's rarest and most [[threatened]] [[primates]].]]
[[File:The View of the Athirapally Falls during the onset of Monsoon.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Athirappilly Falls]] at [[Thrissur]]. The [[Wildlife of Kerala]] is mainly concentrated in the forests of [[Western Ghats]]]]
Most of [[Kerala]], whose native habitat consists of wet evergreen [[rainforest]]s at lower elevations and [[Highland (geography)|highland]] [[deciduous]] and semi-[[evergreen]] forests in the east, is subject to a humid tropical climate. However, significant variations in terrain and elevation have resulted in a land whose [[biodiversity]] registers as among the world's most significant. Most of Kerala's significantly biodiverse tracts of wilderness lie in the evergreen forests of its easternmost districts. Kerala also hosts two of the world's [[Ramsar Convention]]-listed [[wetland]]s: [[Sasthamkotta Lake|Lake Sasthamkotta]] and the [[Vembanad Lake|Vembanad-Kol wetlands]] are noted as being [[List of Ramsar wetlands of international importance|wetlands of international importance]]. There are also numerous protected conservation areas, including 1455.4 km<sup>2</sup> of the vast [[Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve]]. In turn, the forests play host to such major [[fauna]] as [[Asian elephant]] (''Elephas maximus''), [[Bengal tiger]] (''Panthera tigris tigris''), [[leopard]] (''Panthera pardus''), [[Nilgiri tahr]] (''Nilgiritragus hylocrius''), and [[grizzled giant squirrel]] (''Ratufa macroura'').<ref name="Sreedharan_2004_12">{{Harv|Sreedharan|2004|p=12}}.</ref> More remote preserves, including [[Silent Valley National Park]] in the Kundali Hills, harbour endangered species such as the [[lion-tailed macaque]] (''Macaca silenus''), [[Sloth bear|Indian sloth bear]] (''Melursus (Ursus) ursinus ursinus''), and [[gaur]] (the so-called "Indian bison"—''Bos gaurus''). More common species include [[Indian porcupine]] (''Hystrix indica''), [[chital]] (''Axis axis''), [[Sambar deer|sambar]] (''Cervus unicolor''), [[gray langur]], [[flying squirrel]], [[Jungle cat|swamp lynx]] (''Felis chaus kutas''), [[boar]] (''Sus scrofa''), a variety of [[Catarrhini|catarrhine]] [[Old World monkey]] species, [[gray wolf]] (''Canis lupus''), and [[common palm civet]] (''Paradoxurus hermaphroditus'').
Many reptiles, such as [[king cobra]], [[Viperidae|viper]], [[Pythonidae|python]], various turtles and crocodiles are to be found in Kerala—again, disproportionately in the east. Kerala's [[Bird|avifauna]] include endemics like the [[Sri Lanka frogmouth]] (''Batrachostomus moniliger''), [[Oriental bay owl]], large frugivores like the [[great hornbill]] (''Buceros bicornis'') and [[Indian grey hornbill]], as well as the more widespread birds such as [[peafowl]], [[Indian cormorant]], [[Jungle myna|jungle]] and [[hill myna]], [[Oriental darter]], [[black-hooded oriole]], [[Greater racket-tailed drongo|greater racket-tailed]] and [[black drongo|black]] [[drongo]]es, [[bulbul]] (''Pycnonotidae''), species of [[kingfisher]] and [[woodpecker]], [[jungle fowl]], [[Alexandrine parakeet]], and assorted ducks and migratory birds. Additionally, freshwater fish such as ''kadu'' ([[Catfish|stinging catfish]]—''Heteropneustes'' fossilis) and [[brackishwater]] species such as ''Choottachi'' ([[orange chromide]]—''Etroplus maculatus'', valued as an [[aquarium]] specimen) also are native to Kerala's lakes and waterways.

===Historical monuments===
{{See also|History of Kerala}}
{{wide image|SeaFromBakel.jpg|800px|Panoramic view from inside [[Bekal Fort]], the largest fort in Kerala.}}
Historical monuments in Kerala include palaces, forts, and religious institutions.<ref name="history">{{cite book |last1=Sreedhara Menon |first1=A. |title=''Kerala Charitram'' |year=2007 |publisher=DC Books |location=Kottayam |isbn=978-8126415885 |edition=2007 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FAlXPgAACAAJ&q=%E0%B4%95%E0%B5%87%E0%B4%B0%E0%B4%B3+%E0%B4%9A%E0%B4%B0%E0%B4%BF%E0%B4%A4%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%B0%E0%B4%82}}</ref> Notable forts include [[Bekal Fort]], [[St. Angelo Fort]], [[Arikady fort]], [[Chandragiri Fort, Kerala|Chandragiri fort]], [[Hosdurg Fort]], [[Palakkad Fort]], [[Thalassery]] Fort, ''[[Fortaleza da São Tomé]]'', [[Fort Kochi]], [[St Thomas Fort]], and [[Anchuthengu Fort]].<ref name="history"/> Notable palaces include [[Padmanabhapuram Palace]], [[Kanakakkunnu Palace]], [[Kowdiar Palace]], [[Mattancherry Palace]], [[Arakkal Palace]], [[Shakthan Thampuran Palace]] etc.<ref name="history"/> The [[Malabar Coast]] is also home to some of the [[Hinduism in Kerala|oldest temples]], [[Islam in Kerala|oldest mosques]], [[Christianity in Kerala|oldest churches]], and [[Cochin Jews|oldest synagogues]] in [[South Asia]].<ref name="history"/> The historic trading food streets in Kerala include the [[S. M. Street]] (Sweetmeat street) at [[Kozhikode]]. [[Mappila Bay]] harbour at [[Kannur]] is home to both fort and palace.<ref name="history"/> [[Thalassery Cuisine]], a traditional style of cuisine originated in [[Malabar District|Northern Kerala]] due to its historical trade relations, also attracts tourists.<ref name="history"/>

==Events==
===Festivals===
[[File:Panchavadyam.jpg|thumb|[[Panchavadyam]]]]
[[File:Shashti075.JPG|thumb|Shashti]]
[[File:Thirayattam (kuttychathan ) An Ethnic Ritual Perforning Art Form In Kerala State, India.jpg|thumb|Thirayattam (kuttychathan ) An Ethnic Ritual Perforning Art Form in Kerala State, India]]

The major festival in Kerala is Onam. Kerala has a number of religious festivals. [[Thrissur Pooram]], Attukal Pongala, Beema Palli Uroos, and Chettikulangara Bharani are the major temple festivals in Kerala. The Thrissur Pooram is conducted at the Vadakumnathan temple, Thrissur. The Chettikulangara Bharani is another major attraction. The festival is conducted at the Chettikulangara temple near Mavelikkara. The [[Maha Shivaratri|Sivarathri]] is also an important festival in Kerala. This festival is mainly celebrated in [[Aluva]] Temple and [[Padanilam Parabrahma Temple]]. [[Padanilam]] Temple is situated in [[Alappuzha]] district of Kerala, about {{convert|16|km}} from [[Mavelikkara]] town. ''Parumala Perunnal'', ''[[Manarkadu]] Perunnal'' are the major festivals of Christians. Muslims also have many important festivals. Annual festival [[Thirayattam]] is conducted Sacred groves and village shrine of the south Malabar region (Kozhikode and Malappuram districts) in Kerala. "Thirayattam" is a vibrant Ethnic performing art. it is an admixture of dance,drama, songs, instrumental music, facial and body makeup, satire, martial art and ritualistic function, composed in a harmonizing manner.<ref>"Thirayattam" (folklore Text- Malayalam, moorkkanad peethambaran), State Institute of language, Kerala {{ISBN|978-81-200-4294-0}}</ref>

===Kochi-Muziris Biennale===
Kerala is also known for the many events conducted by the Ministry of Tourism for tourist attractions. [[Kochi-Muziris Biennale]], the first Biennale in India was conducted in Kochi from 12 December 2012 till 13 March 2013. The government contributed about 12-150  million on the event.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kochi becomes Biennale city|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/kochi-becomes-biennale-city/article4194320.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=13 December 2012}}</ref> An International Coir Fest is conducted annually that is aimed at developing the coir industry of Kerala and tourism.

==Ayurveda==
[[File:Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala OP Block.jpg|thumbnail|[[Arya Vaidya Sala]], [[Kottakkal]]]]
[[Medical tourism]], promoted by traditional systems of medicine like [[Ayurveda]] and [[Siddha]], is widely popular in the state, and draws increasing numbers of tourists. A combination of many factors has led to the increase in popularity of medical tourism: high costs of healthcare in [[Developed country|industrialised nations]], ease and affordability of international travel, improving technology and standards of care.

However, the rampant recent growth in this sector has made the government apprehensive. The government is now considering the introduction of a grading system that would grade hospitals and clinics, thus helping tourists in selecting one for their treatments.<ref>[http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7004351049 Accreditation Of Hospitals To Promote Top Medical Tourism Destination In India] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926223836/http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7004351049 |date=26 September 2007 }}</ref>

==Culture==
{{main|Arts of Kerala|Culture of Kerala}}
[[File:Kadakali painting.jpg|left|thumb|Face of a [[Kathakali]] artist (Kathi Vesham)]]
[[File:Vishnu Theyyam.jpg|thumb|250px|''Vishnu Moorthy [[Theyyam]]'' in ''Naduvilathu Kottam'' near [[Payyannur]], [[Kannur]].]]
[[File:Thirayattam (kuttychathan ) An Ethnic Ritual Perforning Art Form In Kerala State, India.jpg|thumb|Thirayattam (kuttychathan ) An Ethnic Ritual Perforning Art Form in Kerala State, India]]
[[File:Kolam Thullall.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The [[Padayani]] - Annual Ritual Performance of [[Kadammanitta]] & Thazhoor Bhagavathy Temple at [[Vazhamuttom]] near [[Pathanamthitta]]]]

[[Culture of Kerala|Kerala's culture]] is mainly Hindu in origin, deriving from a greater [[:Category:Tamil culture|Tamil-heritage]] region known as [[Ancient Tamil country|Tamilakam]]. Later, Kerala's culture was elaborated on through centuries of contact with overseas cultures.<ref name="Bhagyalekshmy_2004_7">{{Harvnb|Bhagyalekshmy|2004|pp=6–7}}.</ref> Native [[performing arts]] include ''[[koodiyattom]]'', ''[[kathakali]]''—from ''katha'' ("story") and ''kali'' ("play")—and its offshoot ''[[Kerala Natanam]]'', ''[[koothu]]'' (akin to stand-up comedy), ''[[mohiniaattam]]'' ("dance of the enchantress"), ''[[Thullal (disambiguation)|thullal]]'', ''[[padayani]]'', ''[[thirayattam]]'', and ''[[theyyam]]''. Other arts are more religion- and tribal-themed. These include ''[[chavittu nadakom]]'', ''[[oppana]]'' (originally from Malabar), which combines dance, rhythmic hand clapping, and ''ishal'' vocalisations. However, many of these art forms largely play to tourists or at youth festivals, and are not as popular among most ordinary Keralites, who look to more contemporary art and performance styles, including those employing mimicry and parody. Additionally, a substantial [[Malayalam Cinema|Malayalam film]] industry effectively competes against both [[Bollywood]] and Hollywood.

Several ancient ritualised arts are Keralite in origin; these include ''[[kalaripayattu]]'' (''[[kalari]]'' ("place", "threshing floor", or "battlefield") and ''payattu'' ("exercise" or "practice")). Among the world's oldest martial arts, oral tradition attributes ''kalaripayattu'''s emergence to Parasurama. Other ritual arts include''[[Thirayattam]]'', ''[[theyyam]]'', ''[[poorakkali]]'' and ''[[Kuthiyottam]]''. [[Thirayattam]] is a ritual performing folk art form of South Malabar region in Kerala.This vibrant art form blend of dance, music, theatre, satire, facial and body-painting, masking, martial art and ritualistic function. Thirayattam is enacted in courtyards of "Kaavukal" (sacred groves) and village shrines.

Kuthiyottam is a ritualistic symbolic representation of human bali (homicide). Folklore exponents see this art form, with enchanting well–structured choreography and songs, as one among the rare Adi Dravida folklore traditions still preserved and practised in Central Kerala in accordance with the true tradition and environment. Typical to the Adi Dravida folk dances and songs, the movements and formations of dancers (clad in white thorthu and banyan) choreographed in Kuthiyottam are quick, peaks at a particular point and ends abruptly. The traditional songs also start in a stylish slow pace, then gain momentum and end abruptly.

Kuthiyotta Kalaris', run by Kuthiyotta Ashans (Teachers or leaders), train the group to perform the dances and songs. Normally, the training starts about one to two months before the season. Boys between 8 and 14 years are taught Kuthiyottam, a ritual dance in the house amidst a big social gathering before the portrait of the deity. Early in the morning on Bharani, after the feast and other rituals, the boys whose bodies are coiled with silver wires, one end of which is tied around his neck and an arecanut fixed on the tip of a knife held high over his head, are taken in procession to the temple with the accompaniment of beating of drums, music, ornamental umbrellas, and other classical folk art forms, and richly caparisoned elephants.

All through the way to the temple tender coconut water will be continually poured on his body. After the circumambulation the boys stands at a position facing the Sreekovil (Sanctum Sanctorum) and begins to dance. This ceremony ends with dragging the coil pierced to the skin whereby a few drops of blood comes out.

On this day just after midday the residents of the locality bring huge decorated effigies of Bhima panchalia, Hanuman and extremely beautiful tall chariots in wheeled platforms, and after having darshan the parties take up their respective position in the paddy fields lying east of the temple.

During the night, the image of Devi will be carried in procession to the effigies stationed in the paddy fields. On the next day these structures will be taken back. A big bazaar is also held at Chetikulangara as part of this festival. Kuthiyottam is the main vazipadu of the Chettikulangara temple, Mavelikkara.

In respect of [[Fine Arts]], the State has an abounding tradition of both ancient and contemporary art and artists. The traditional [[Murals of Kerala|Kerala murals]] are found in ancient temples, churches and palaces across the State. These paintings, mostly dating to between the 9th to 12th centuries AD, display a distinct style, and a colour code which is predominantly ochre and green.

Like the rest of India, religious diversity is very prominent in Kerala. The principal religions are [[Hinduism]], Christianity, and [[Islam]]; [[Jainism]], [[Judaism]], [[Sikhism]], and [[Buddhism]] have smaller followings. The [[History of Kerala|state's historic ties]] with the rest of the world have resulted in the state having many famous temples, churches, and mosques notably 8 of the world's oldest [[Saint Thomas Christian churches#1st century|churches—from the 1st century CE]], founded by [[Thomas the Apostle]] when he reached Indian shores, [[Cheraman Juma Masjid|the first mosque of India]], which existed even before the death of the prophet [[Muhammad]] and the [[Paradesi Synagogue|oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations]].

Recognising the potential of tourism in the diversity of religious faiths, related festivals and structures, the tourism department launched a "Pilgrimage tourism" project.<ref>[http://www.business-standard.com/lifeleisure/storypage.php?leftnm=5&subLeft=4&chklogin=N&autono=101092&tab=r Incredible Kerala]. Business-standard.com.</ref><ref>[http://www.ndtv.com/features/showfeatures.asp?slug=Guruvayur+temple+to+woo+visitors&Id=1346 Jumbo tourism: Guruvayur temple to woo visitors] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413145448/http://www.ndtv.com/features/showfeatures.asp?slug=Guruvayur+temple+to+woo+visitors&Id=1346 |date=13 April 2014 }}</ref> Major pilgrim tourism attractions include [[Guruvayur]], [[Sabarimala]], [[Malayatoor]], [[Paradesi Synagogue]], St. Mary's Forane (Martha Mariam) Church Kuravilangad built in 105 A.D, [[Attukal]] Pongala (which has the Guinness record for being the largest gathering of women in the planet), and [[Chettikulangara Bharani]].

==See also==
{{Portal|Society|India}}
* [[Tourist attractions in Manipur]]
* [[Tourism in Tamil Nadu]]

==Notes and references==
{{Spoken Wikipedia|keralatourism.ogg|date=2006-03-08}}
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
{{Wikivoyage|Kerala}}

*[http://www.keralatourism.org/ Official Website of Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala !]


{{Kerala}}
{{Tourism in India}}
{{Topics related to Kerala}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Tourism in Kerala}}
[[Category:Tourism in Kerala| ]]

Tourism in Kerala - Revision history

WikiDwarf: Reverted edit by 115.242.182.222 (talk) to last revision by CleanupBot II

115.242.182.222: Keralatourism

CleanupBot II: Removed empty portal template using script

imported>Apparition11: Reverted 3 edits by Dandeep82 (talk): Spam

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:31, 25 May 2026
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	* [[Tourist attractions in Manipur]]		* [[Tourist attractions in Manipur]]
	* [[Tourism in Tamil Nadu]]		* [[Tourism in Tamil Nadu]]
	* [[[https://www.keralatourism.holiday/index.php Keralatourism]]]

	==Notes and references==		==Notes and references==

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:48, 25 May 2026
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	* [[Tourist attractions in Manipur]]		* [[Tourist attractions in Manipur]]
	* [[Tourism in Tamil Nadu]]		* [[Tourism in Tamil Nadu]]
			* [[[https://www.keralatourism.holiday/index.php Keralatourism]]]

	==Notes and references==		==Notes and references==

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:29, 15 August 2023
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	==See also==		==See also==
	~~{{Portal\|Society\|India}}~~
	* [[Tourist attractions in Manipur]]		* [[Tourist attractions in Manipur]]
	* [[Tourism in Tamil Nadu]]		* [[Tourism in Tamil Nadu]]