Services – Cultural Tourism

Cultural tourism Services in Kerala for expatriate Keralites and others

Cultural tourism in Kerala offers expatriates, travelers, and tourists a chance to experience the state’s rich heritage, traditions, and vibrant cultural practices. Known for its blend of classical arts, traditional festivals, and historical landmarks, Kerala offers numerous services that provide a deep dive into its cultural legacy.

Here’s a look at some of the cultural tourism services available in Kerala for expatriate Keralites and other visitors:

1. Classical Dance and Music Performances

Kerala is home to a range of classical dance and music forms, and visitors can attend performances and workshops to learn about these arts:

• Kathakali Performances: Kathakali, the traditional dance-drama form of Kerala, is famous for its elaborate costumes, facial expressions, and storytelling through movements. Many cultural centers and theatres, like Kerala Kathakali Centre (Cochin) and Margi Theatre (Thiruvananthapuram), offer daily performances and workshops for tourists.
• Mohiniyattam: Known as the “dance of the enchantress,” Mohiniyattam is a graceful classical dance form. Cultural centers across Kerala, like the Kerala Kalamandalam, offer performances and demonstrations of this ancient art.
• Koodiyattam: A UNESCO-recognized traditional art form and the oldest surviving form of Sanskrit theatre, Koodiyattam is performed in many temples and cultural festivals in Kerala. The Margi Theatre in Thiruvananthapuram specializes in Koodiyattam performances.
• Sopana Sangeetham: A traditional form of temple music unique to Kerala, often performed during temple festivals or rituals.

2. Temple Festivals and Rituals

Kerala’s temple festivals, known for their grandeur and elaborate rituals, are a major cultural attraction for tourists and expatriates.

• Thrissur Pooram: Known as the “mother of all festivals” in Kerala, Thrissur Pooram is a massive celebration featuring majestic elephant processions, vibrant music, and fireworks.
• Attukal Pongala: Held at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, this is one of the largest all-women religious gatherings in the world. Expatriates often return to Kerala to participate in this sacred event.
• Aranmula Boat Race: A centuries-old tradition, this annual snake boat race in Aranmula is tied to temple rituals and is a significant cultural event for both locals and visitors.

3. Traditional Craft and Handicraft Tours

Kerala is renowned for its traditional craftsmanship. Cultural tourism packages often include visits to handicraft villages, workshops, and artisan communities.

• Aranmula Kannadi: A unique hand-crafted metal mirror made in Aranmula, this traditional craft is an important part of Kerala’s cultural heritage. Visitors can tour workshops to see the painstaking process of creating these mirrors.
• Kasaragod Handloom Village: Visitors can see the traditional weaving techniques used to produce Kasaragod’s famous handloom products.
• Mural Painting Tours: Kerala is known for its traditional murals, especially found in temples and palaces. Cultural tourism services often include trips to places like Padmanabhapuram Palace or Vadakkunnathan Temple, where visitors can observe ancient murals.

4. Village Tourism and Cultural Experiences

Several villages across Kerala offer immersive cultural experiences where expatriates and tourists can experience traditional Kerala life:

• Kumbalangy Integrated Tourism Village: Near Kochi, this village is designed to showcase Kerala’s traditional fishing techniques, coir-making, and agricultural practices. Tourists can stay in homestays and participate in activities like crab farming, net fishing, and handicrafts.
• Thenmala Ecotourism Village: In this ecotourism spot, visitors can experience rural life and also enjoy cultural performances of Kerala’s tribal communities.
• Vechoor Village Tour: Located near the backwaters of Kumarakom, Vechoor offers an authentic glimpse into Kerala’s agrarian culture, with visits to farms and traditional village homes.

5. Traditional Kerala Cuisine Experiences

Culinary tourism is an integral part of Kerala’s cultural tourism. Visitors can enjoy Kerala’s rich and diverse food heritage through:

• Cooking Classes: Several resorts, homestays, and cultural centers offer traditional Kerala cooking classes, where visitors can learn to cook iconic dishes like appam, fish curry, and payasam.
• Spice Plantation Tours: Kerala is known as the “land of spices.” Visitors can take guided tours of spice plantations in areas like Thekkady and Wayanad, where they learn about the history and cultivation of spices like cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon.

6. Heritage Tours and Historical Landmarks

Kerala’s history is rich with influences from various cultures, including Dutch, Portuguese, British, and Arab traders. Cultural tourism packages often include visits to heritage sites and historical landmarks:

• Fort Kochi: A cultural melting pot, Fort Kochi offers a glimpse of Kerala’s colonial past. Visitors can explore historical sites like Mattancherry Palace, St. Francis Church, and the Jewish Synagogue.
• Padmanabhapuram Palace: A well-preserved wooden palace, showcasing traditional Kerala architecture and the lifestyle of the Travancore royals.
• Bekal Fort: The largest fort in Kerala, offering stunning views of the Arabian Sea, and an insight into the military history of the region.

7. Traditional Kerala Houseboat and Backwater Experiences

The backwaters of Kerala are iconic, and cultural tourism services often include houseboat stays that immerse visitors in the tranquil environment, combined with cultural activities:

• Houseboat Tours in Alleppey and Kumarakom: These tours often include performances of classical music, Kathakali dance, and traditional cooking experiences.
• Backwater Villages: Cultural tours through the backwaters often include visits to local villages, where expatriates can learn about traditional livelihoods like coir-making, fishing, and toddy tapping.

8. Kerala Folklore and Martial Arts Shows

Kerala’s folklore and martial arts are essential aspects of its cultural identity. Expatriates and tourists can experience these unique performances:

• Kalaripayattu: One of the oldest martial arts forms in the world, Kalaripayattu demonstrations are performed at various centers, including CVN Kalari in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi.
• Theyyam Performances: Theyyam is a vibrant ritual dance form native to northern Kerala. Tourists can witness these performances in temple festivals, particularly in Kannur and Kasaragod.
• Pulikali: A traditional art form where performers paint their bodies like tigers, Pulikali is showcased during the Onam festival, especially in Thrissur.

9. Cultural Homestays

Many expatriates prefer cultural homestays where they can experience Kerala’s lifestyle and traditions firsthand:

• Vechoor Homestays: Located near Kumarakom, these homestays offer traditional Kerala cuisine, agricultural experiences, and cultural performances.
• Nelpura Heritage Homestay, Alleppey: Offers an authentic cultural experience in a traditional Kerala home, complete with houseboat trips, Kathakali performances, and cooking classes.

10. Cultural Festivals and Celebrations

Kerala’s festivals, like Onam, Vishu, and Navaratri, are celebrated with much grandeur. Visitors can participate in traditional rituals, feasts, and performances, making these festivals a key part of cultural tourism services.

Kerala’s cultural tourism services are designed to immerse expatriates and visitors in the rich heritage of the state, offering a deep connection to its traditions, art forms, and history. These services provide an enriching experience that highlights the unique identity of Kerala