Kadhakali (literally meaning the Story-Play) is the most popular traditional art form of Kerala. Anyone who visualises Kerala identifies the State with the picture of a Kadhakali face.

Kadhakali has become so popular because it is the only unique combination of dance, music, different eastern instruments, colourful costumes, stories drawn from epics ...etc. The costumes are scientifically designed according to the nature of each character. It is separate and distinct from other forms of dance, for, the artist is so trained to enable him to express the 'Navarasas' (The Nine facial expressions of emotions) more vividly than any other art form. Artists expresses the theme not in dialogues but in 'Mudras' (Hand gestures). In addition to the distinctiveness in the costumes any one can enjoy a character of Kadhakali in its full makeup, while not performing the dance with a sense of appreciating and enjoying the work of colourful culture.

'Chutti', the makeup of Kadhakali, is itself an art, and a very elaborate process and takes a long time to be completed before the artist is ready to perform before the spectators. 'Geetham' the music and 'Vaadyam' the instruments, form an integral part of the art.

The movements may appear simple, but much effort is requires to capture the grace and beauty of the dance.

This martial art is considered to be one of the most oldest and scientific art in the world. The academy where this art is taught is called 'Kalari'. Feats like 'ottam' (running), 'chattam' (jumping), 'marichil' (somersult) ...etc are taught in the Kalari. Training on the use of weapons like sword, the spear, the mace, the bow and arrow are also given. The training here is helpful in the do-ordination of mind and body. The training, open to both men and women, gives a very precise and complete knowledge of the body. The art demands concentration and mental alertness combined with strength and suppleness. The training always begins with simple body exercises and proceeds on to intricate body movements evolved out of animals.

Classical art forms like Koothu (Chakyarkooth, Nagyarkooth), Koodiyattam, Krishnanattam, Ottamthullal have had their presence in this land from centuries. Koodiyattam is a form of Sanskrit drama which is associated with temple rituals. Not this art form in particular, but most of the classical art forms of Kerala are associated with Temples. And it is a custom to play the Koodiyattam in the 'Koothambalam' (the temple theatre).

Kooth is another classical art form which is performed by the Chakyar community. This art form is more speech oriented than dance. Unlike the other forms, Kooth is accompanied by a typical type of instrument, (and it is the only one instrument used with Kooth) called 'Mizhavu'. Chakyarkooth is performed by the male members of the Chakyar family and Nagyarkooth is performed by the female members.

Ottamthullal is yet another classical art form, which is combination of music, instruments and dance (though with a little steps involved). This art form was formulated by 'Kunjan Nambiar'. Both the Kooth and Ottamthullal artist has the right to make fun on the spectators. And the role of 'Vidushaka' (court jester) seems to have been created not just to regale the audience with his witticisms, but to impart information by relating mythological stories.

Krishnanattam is an art form which plays the stories related to 'Lord Krishna'. Its costumes and makeup almost resembles that of the makeup of Krishna in Kadhakali.

In addition to the classical art forms, Kerala also has a wide range of festival and religious art forms, which are performed during festivals, religious functions, ceremonies ...etc. Thiruvaathirakali, Theyyam, Thira, Mudiyett, Parichamuttukali, Kolkali, Bhadrakaalippaattu, Pulluvanpaattu, Kaduvakali ...etc are some of the Hindu art forms associated with festivals like Onam, Thiruvathira and the harvest seasons. Among the Christian community Margamkali is popular on various occasions. And the Muslims play Oppana, Arabanamuttukali ...etc during their marriage and other joyous occasions.

As in the case of art, abundantly rich is Kerala in its craft collection. The tropical rain forests of Kerala are rich in Teakwood, Rosewood, Sandalwood and Mahogany, which plays the vital role in the woodcraft. From small pieces like trays, bowls and flowers, to hefty works like Kadhakali models, elephants,  carved doors ...etc are  a host of other articles in wood. Ancient palaces, houses and most of the modern residences in Kerala are excellent examples for the artistic talent of carpenters here. Even the hard shell of coconut is used to produce handicrafts. Similarly, cane is used to make beautiful baskets and even furnitures. Kera (the coconut) tree is called the 'Kalpavriksha', because no part of this tree is a waste. All parts are used to make beautiful handicrafts, coir, furnitures ...etc.

On metals also Keralites have shown their talent. "Aranmula Kannadi" (the mirror of Aranmula) is supposedly the only wonder mirror in metal. The art of making mirror by casting and polishing copper-tin bronzes has reached its perfection here in Aranmula, a small village. The mirror is mounted on a brass frame with intricate artwork on it. The few artisans who work on it believe it as the spark of devinity they are traditionally blessed with.