Today, we live in a well developed and advanced society, where many of us have forgotten our culture and traditions. In contrast, the people of Kerala have been holding their culture and tradition to date. The Cultural heritage of Kerala is something that everyone must experience once in their lifetime.
The culture and heritage of Kerala can be identified in its mesmerising art forms, architecture, food, clothing, and festivals. The cultural heritage of Kerala, art forms, architecture, and tourist destinations are famous worldwide. Every year lakhs and lakhs of tourists from all over the world visit Kerala to experience its culture and traditions.
Kerala, also known as Gods Own Country, is a place of scenic beauty and rich culture. Many tourist places in Kerala are regarded as world heritage sites. One can find spirituality in the calmness and beauty of Kerala. Let us learn about the art forms, culture, and world heritage sites of Kerala.
Culture And Heritage Of Kerala
As discussed above, the Cultural heritage of Kerala is something that everyone must experience once in their lifetime. It can be identified in its art forms, architecture, food, clothing, and festivals. Let’s learn more about the cultural heritage of Kerala, art forms, architecture, cuisines, festivals, and tourist places. Here are some of the key features of the cultural heritage of Kerala.
Cuisine Of Kerala
The food of Kerala consists of a wide variety of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisines. Bananas and coconuts seem to have an inseparable bond with Kerala cuisines. Coconuts are available in abundance in Kerala. Kerala people love to have their food in banana leaves which is a part of their culture. Apart from these, Kerala cuisines consist primarily of rice preparations, such as Idli and Dosa.
Clothing Style
In Kerala, people mostly love to wear traditional clothes. Women love to wear sarees, whereas men love to wear Mundu, a long white garment wrapped around their waist. The Mundu is similar to a lungi, and men wear it with Kurta.
Architecture Of Kerala
The architecture of Kerala is well-known worldwide for its unique style and beautiful designs. Kerala architecture is primarily influenced by architectural sciences, such as Vastu Shastra. Temples in Kerala are built in such a way that they retain the flow of positive energy and eliminate all the negative energy.
Artforms Of Kerala
Kerala is famous for its art and craft all over the world. Kerala artforms revolve around Chinese ceramics, brass inlay, teapots, caskets, tin candle stands, etc. The Keralite jewellery designs are unique and are made up of gold.
Folk Music, Dance, And Literature Of Kerala
Kerala is well known for its excellent dance forms, including Kathakali and Mohiniattam. Kathakali dance form is famous worldwide, and many people, including foreigners, visit Kerala to learn the Kathakali dance form.
Music forms a major part of Kerala culture. Sopana Sangeetham and Carnatic music are famous in Kerala. Sopana Sangeetham is a classical music form sung in temples of Kerala.
The Kerala literature consists mainly of poems and songs, known as Pattu. Manipravalam poetry also flourished in the state; it is a mixture of the Sanskrit and Malayalam languages.
World Heritage Sites In Kerala
Kerala is also known for its historical tourist and pilgrimage places, apart from its beautiful cultural heritage. The breathtaking scenic views and greenery of Kerala mesmerise people. Every day many tourists visit Kerala to enjoy the calmness and scenic beauty of the place. Let us learn about the World heritage sites in Kerala.
The Western Ghats
The Western Ghats, also known as Paradise on earth, is a range of mountains in Kerala that is spread over an area of 1,40,000 square kilometres. The Western Ghats pass through Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, and Gujarat. It is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites in Kerala.
Krishnapuram Palace
The Krishnapuram palace is another heritage site of Kerala, known for its beautiful and intricate architecture. The palace was once home to the Maharaja of Travancore, Marthanda Verma. Now, the palace is an archaeological museum with many wonderful masterpieces.
St. Mary’s Forane Church
Another place of Historical heritage in Kerala is the St. Mary’s Forane Church. It was built in 105 A.D. The place is famous for its beautiful architecture and holds a marvellous statue of Mary carved from granite stone.
Thalassery Fort
The Thalassery Fort is another heritage site located in the Kannur district of Kerala. The Fort is famous for its intricate designs carved on the walls. The Fort is square, has high rising walls, and known for its splendid architecture.