Kerala culture has deeply influenced and enriched the Indian cultural heritage and has been its integral part. Kerala is isolated from the deccan plateau by the mountainous belt of the Western Ghats, but with a long coastline open to foreign influences, Kerala has evolved a unique culture. Kerala's population comprises of a large number of the people from the Dravidians race, who also inhibit most of the southern part of India. Hinduism is the principal religion with considerable percentages of Muslims and Christians.

Kerala's culture is also a composite and cosmopolitan culture to which several people and races have made their significant contributions. It is an educationally advanced state with its own language, Malayalam, and has the literacy rate of 100%, the only state in India to achieve such honor. With passing phase, Kerala is adjusting to the new values and at the same time trying to maintain the good things of its old tradition.

Kerala Culture is also revealed in its varied dance forms, martial arts and cuisine. Kathakali, a 300-year-old dance form is one of the most popular dance forms, developed exclusively in Kerala. This dance is a beautiful combination of color, dance, music, drama and expressions. Other dance forms of Kerala are Mohiniyattom, Thullal, Krishnanattom, Koodiyattom, Kolkkali, Thiruvathirakali, Oppanna and Chavittunatakom.

Apart from classical art and dance, Kerala excels in the marital art form known as Kalaripayattu. It is the comprehensive system regarded as one of the oldest and most scientific in the world. Even kung-fu is believed to have originated from Kalaripayattu.

Thus, in its totality, Kerala's culture represents the triumph and success of it's people in every sphere, be it art and architecture, education or it's multifaceted religion. The present culture of Kerala is the result of the unique process of cultural synthesis and social assimilation.