Tholppavakoothu Dance Tholppavakoothu Dance, Kerala ToursLiterally meaning 'leather puppet play', Tholppavakkoothu is a ritual art performed during the annual festivals in the Kaali temples of Palakkad district. The text of the play is based on the Kamba Ramayana, narrated in a diction that is a mixture of Malayalam and Tamil dialectical variations. The play covers the whole gamut of events from Lord Rama's birth to his coronation as the King of Ayodhya. The show is enacted on the 'Koothumadom',... read more »

Thiruathirakkali Dance in Kerala Dance in KeralaIt is a dance performed by women for the everlasting marital bliss, on Thiruvathira day in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December-January). It is a part of the old custom followed in nair joint families. Thiruvathirakali is a dance performed by women, in order to attain everlasting marital bliss, on Thiruvathira day in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December- January). The dance is a celebration of marital chastity and female energy, for this... read more »

Mohiniattam Dance Mohiniattam is one of the major classical dance styles of India. Mohiniattam from Kerala is perhaps one of the most graceful dances and totally identifies with the green environment; gentle singing of the palm trees and the calm ocean waters of Kerala. Kerala has always preserved all traditional arts and the people of the state consider it an integral part of everyday life. In the word Mohiniattam, Mohini means a maiden who charms the onlooker and attam means dance. Usually... read more »

Krishnattam Dance Krishnattam Dance KeralaKrishnattam dance is another form of Kathakali, representing the various life stages of Lord Krishna. In Kerala, krishnanattam dance form still flourishes in the famous Guruvayoor Temple and other temples dedicated to Lord Krishna. The traditional Krishnattam dance is enacted as a series of 8 plays indicating the 8 main stages of lord Krishna's life. These 8 stages are: * Avataram * Kaliyamardanam * Rasakrida * Kamsavadham * Swayamvaram * Banayuddham *... read more »

Kootiyattam Dances Koodiyattam is the earliest classical dramatic art form of Kerala. Evidence show that this dance form was in vogue in all major temples from ninth century, and it became a full-fledged dramatic presentation before the fifteenth century. Koodiyattam literally means "acting together". Koodiyattam used to be a combined dance drama conducted by the Chakkiyars (a caste among Hindus), who provided the male cast and the Nangiars (women of the Nambiyar caste), playing the female roles.... read more »

Natana Kairali Research & Performing Centre for Traditional Arts, Thrissur Conceived with the idea of preserving and popularizing the various traditional art forms of Kerala that were on the verge of decline, the Natana Kairali Research & Performing Centre for Traditional Arts was set up in Thrissur by Gopal Venu. Over the years, this cultural center of Kerala has contributed immensely to the growth and development of diverse art forms that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the land. In... read more »

Kerala Kalamandalam, Cheruthuruthy, Thrissur The cradle of Kathakali training in India, Kerala Kalamandalam is located on the banks of Kerala's longest river, the Bharathapuzha in Cheruthuruthy. The state's flagship training school for Kathakali dance drama and other indigenous performing arts of Kerala, Kalamandalam was founded in 1927 AD by the revered poet Vallathol Significance Present Kalamandalam is undoubtedly the best institution in India imparting training and conducting performance... read more »

Kollam Backwaters Located 71 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram, this historic coastline district known for its marine and cashew industries was one of the oldest ports on the Malabar coast and a major international trading point in days gone by. The district also has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style. Around 30% of this historic town is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake, making it the gateway to the magnificent... read more »

Museum of Kerala History The Museum of Kerala History is at Edapally on the way to Aluva. It is the best place to have a quick glimpse of Kerala's history. A statue of Parasurama, the sage who is said to have created Kerala, greets the visitors. Life size figures depict important landmarks of civilization from the Neolithic age to the modern era. There is an excellent narration of Kerala history in the past 2000 years. It presents one-hour light and sound spectacles of life-size sculptures... read more »

Hill Palace Museum in Kerala The Hill Palace museum is located in Ernakulam, Kerala. This museum has a distinction of being the first heritage museum of Kerala. The Hill Palace museum houses the Royal collections of the erstwhile Maharaja of Kochi. It is the official residence of the Kochi royal family and the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. The Hill Palace complex comprises of 49 buildings, built in the traditional architectural style of Kerala, spread over 50 acres of beautifully landscaped... read more »