Kerala — Heritage & Culture

Monuments, living temple traditions and festivals that shape Kerala beyond its city sights.

Key monuments

One of the richest Hindu temples in the world by the value of its vaults, dedicated to Vishnu in his reclining form.

Kerala's largest fort, built on a coastal promontory by the Kolathiri Rajas.

A 16th-century wooden palace, one of the best-preserved traditional Kerala wooden structures.

Kerala's harvest festival, with snake-boat races, flower carpets (pookalam) and the Vallam Kali boat races on Vembanad Lake.

A temple festival famous for its procession of caparisoned elephants and fireworks display.

Kathakali and Mohiniyattam classical dance, Theyyam ritual performances in North Kerala, and Kalaripayattu, one of the world's oldest martial arts.