Kerala has a rich cultural heritage. Its diverse culture is influenced by three main religions of Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. Exquisite sculptures, music and dance forms can be seen in the historic development of Kerala's cultural traditions.

Kerala's culture is a blend of Aryans and Dravidians.The north Indians are the descendants of Aryans and the south Indians are Dravidians. During 10th century Kerala was part of Tamil heritage region known as Tamilakam and was greatly influenced by the Dravidian culture. The art forms of Kerala can be classified into four groups viz. Classical Art Form, Folk Art Form, Fine Art Form, Temple Music Form.

The traditions of Kathakali and Mohiniattam are highly developed art forms that have developed from their folk origins into highly evolved classical dance forms. Kathakali is a 300-year-old dance form developed exclusively in Kerala combiningthe performing art forms of opera, ballet, masque, and pantomime. The dance is a beautiful blending of color, dance, music, drama, and expressions. In a sense, a lot of the fame that the state has gained is mainly due to the popularity of this dance form. Other dance forms of Kerala are Krishnanattom, Mohiniyattom, Thullal, Koodiyattom, Kolkkali, Thiruvathirakali, Kakkarishi Natakom, Oppanna, and Chavittunatakom. Panchavadyam, Nadanpattu, Omanathinkal Kidavo and many more music forms have evolved over the centuries in Kerala.