Kerala 's Famous Arts & Crafts

Kerala’s art and crafts are noted for their unique style, perfection of forms and elegance of designs. These are inseparable parts of the life streams of Kerala’s culture. The various craftsmanship includes carvings, Cast Bell Metal Work, Jewellery, Granite Idols, Pillars, Coir, Coconut Shell products, Carvings in Wood, especially Rose Wood or Sandal Wood. These beautiful items are sold at state emporiums and exclusive stores located at different cities in the state and are also exported to various countries. One can see a vast collection of these items at the SMSM Institute, a state owned emporium in Thiruvananthapuram.

Kerala’s art of painting is distinguished from other parts of the country. The murals in temples, palaces and churches are very much fascinating. The murals of 'Tirunandikkara' (now in Kanyakumari district) and 'Tiruvanchikulam' are considered as the earliest specimens of Kerala painting.