Native traditions of classical performing arts include ‘Koodiyattom’, a form of Sanskrit drama or theatre and a UNESCO-designated Human Heritage Art. ‘Kathakali,’( from ‘katha’ -story and ‘kali’- performance) is a 500-year-old form of dance-drama that interprets ancient epics. Another popular performing art is ‘Koothu’ a light-hearted performance mode, akin to modern stand-up comedy; an ancient art originally confined to temple sanctuaries. Other performing arts include ‘Mohiniyaattam’ ("dance of the enchantress"), which is a graceful choreographed performance by women and accompanied by musical vocalizations. ‘Thullal’, ‘Padayani’, and ‘Theyyam’ are other significant performing arts of Kerala. Kerala also has several tribal and folk art forms like ‘Kummattikali’, a famous colorful mask-dance of South Malabar, performed during the festival of Onam. The ‘Kannyar Kali’ dances (also known as ‘Desathukali’) are fast moving, militant dances attuned to rhythmic devotional folk songs. Widely popular among the Muslims of Malabar. Oppana is a group dance accompanied by the beat of rhythmic hand clapping and vocalizations.

The Malayalam calendar is used to plan agricultural and religious activities. Keralites—both men and women alike—traditionally don flowing and unstitched garments. These include the ‘mundu’, a loose piece of cloth wrapped around men's waists along with a shirt. Women typically wear the sari, a long and elaborately wrapped banner of cloth, wearable in various styles. Currently, North Indian dresses such as Salwar kameez are also popular amongst women in Kerala.

Elephants are an integral part of daily life in Kerala. Indian elephants are loved, revered, groomed and given a prestigious place in the state's culture. The ‘Ana’ (elephant) is the state animal of Kerala and is featured on the emblem of the Government of Kerala.

A survey ranked Kerala as a state with the highest media exposure in India. Dozens of newspapers are published in Kerala, in nine major languages, but principally Malayalam and English. Doordarshan is the state-owned television broadcaster. Multi system operators provide a mix of Malayalam, English and international channels via cable television. All India Radio, the national radio service, reaches much of Kerala via its Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Thrissur, Alappuzha , Kozhikode and Kannur broadcasts in the Malayalam language.

Named as one of the "ten paradises of the world" and "50 places of a lifetime" by the National Geographic Traveler magazine, Kerala is especially known for its ecotourism initiatives. Its unique culture and traditions has made Kerala one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Growing at a rate of 13.31%, the state's tourism industry is a major contributor to the state's economy.