Kathakali: This spectacular classical dance drama of Kerala is world renown. This elaborate art form is usually performed in the evening and continous upto dawn, and is integral part of old temples and cultural festivals in kerala.
The costumes and makeup are ornamental, elaborate and designed to give a superhuman effect.
The actors do not speak or sing but inact the story through mudras, graceful movements and facial expressions.The themes of this awe inspiring art are taken from India's rich and colourful mythology.

Music is an essential feature of Kathakali, with two vocalist who sing to the accompiniment of a chengila, elathaalam, chenda and maddalam.

Chakyarkuthu : Also called koothu, is one of the oldest classical theatre arts of Kerala. The solo dance is usually presented in the koothambalam of temples to the accompiniment of the mizhavu and elathaalam. The performance begin with an invocation to the presiding deity of the temple. The costume is colourful and bizarre with a strange headgear.Theams are usualy from the epics.

Krishnanattam : As the name suggests, originated as a votive offering to SreeKrishna. This group performance, based on the sanskrit text Krishna Gatha, is presented across nights. The charm of this classical art form is in the synchronised graceful movements of the entire group. Musical Instruments used are maddalam,elathalam and chengila.

Koodiyattam : It is perhaps the oldest dance drama still in existance in India. Based on the Sanskrit text, a performance of this art form may last from a few days to a few weeks. Make up patterns and costumes of Koodiyattam are believed to be the fore runners of the Kathakali costumes.

Mohiniyattam : This classical solo dance form combines the grceful elegance of Bharathanatyam with the vigour and dynamism of Kathakali to create a mood that is predominently 'Sringara'(erotic). The dance is usually performed on specially put up stages in connection with the temple festivals...................

The costume is traditional white mundu and melmundu of Kerala.The hair is gathered and put up at side of the head and adorned with jasmine, in the traditional style.

Patakam : It is similar to Koothu in technical content, gesture and movements. However, the narration is through prose and song sequences. The costume is predominated by the red colour - the head dress and a red silk artist band. The performer also wears heavy garments around the neck and thick lines of sandal paste across the forehead.

Thullal : It is a modification of the koothu and is characterised by simplicity of presentation, wit and humour. This dance form was originated by Kunchan Nambiar, one of the leading poets of Malayalam. The solo performance is marked by fast and rythamatic movements. The dancer himself sings the lead to the accompiniment of maddalam and elathaalam.

Thiruvathirakali : It is a dance form which is a pointer to the old customs followed in Nair tharavadu where the women of the house dance elegantly around the ceremonial lamp or floral decoration on festive occassions to the accompiniment of the Thiruvathirapattu.

Theyyam : It is one of the most outstanding folk arts of Kerala.The theyyam represents a mythological, divine or heroic charactor.
The hood,headdress,face painting, breast plate,bracelets, garlands and fabric of attire of each of these theyyams are distinct and meticulously crafted according to the character presented.

Padayani :is a colourful ritual art which is symbolic of the victory march of goddess Kali after she defeated the demon Darika. The elaborate costueme of this art form bears slight resemblance to theyyam.

Kalaripayattu : It is the comprehensive system of marital arts of Kerala, regarded as one of the oldest and most scientific in the world. Kalaripayattu training aims at the ultimate co-ordination of mind and body. The traditional training in a Kalari includes specilisation in indiginus medical practises too. Kalaris are also centres of religious worship