Kerala is the artistically rich state as well. The beautifully designed houses and jewellery is the good example of the same. The artistic culture of Kerala is an ancient tradition, which is found on the walls of Anjanad Valley in Idukki district. These frescoes are believed to be the oldest and are known to the world as "Fresco-succor" characterized by its lime medium and technique adhering to the Shilpratna, of ancient India. Recently more rock engravings belonging to Mesolithic and the Paleolithic era were excavated in Edakkal in Waynad and Perumkadavila in Thiruvananthapuram District.
Mostly all the Kerala murals have a devotional touch to it. Some of the murals are also inspired by the Pallava dynasty art of Tamilnadu. Most of these paintings have a lime base and the colours used are from various extracts of plants and the binding media used was exude from neem trees and tender coconut water.

Various human figures depicting the three types of human natures are prominently shown in these ancient paintings.

Kerala is probably the only state in India, which has been the home to the one of the ancient combating arts of the world, the Martial Arts. The martial art of India is known as Kalarippayattu and is famous as the mother of all martial arts of the world. The legend traces the origin of Kalarippayattu to 3000-year-old sage Parshuram while the history of Kalarippayattu dates back to the 12^th century A.D. But historians believe this to be the most ancient form of martial arts in the world. They also believe that Kalarippayattu was the origin of the martial arts in the Far East, which was taken by the Buddhists monks from India to China.

This exclusive martial art of India, Kalarippayattu means acquired skills. Originated in ancient state of Kerala Kalarippayattu draws inspiration from the raw power and sinuous strength. No wonder that the grace and the style of the combating art therefore resembles those of majestic animals like the lion, tiger, elephant, wild boar, snake, and crocodile. It was patronized by the kings and the various dynasties of the south and thus developed during the rule of the Chola, the Chera and the Pandya dynasties. Shrouded in deep mystery and mists of secrecy Kalarippayattu was taught by the masters in total isolation, away from prying eyes. The masters of Kalarippayattu were invited to lay down the code of combat in the dynastical rule.

Today Kalarippayattu has remained in isolation as a folk art of the state of Kerala. The movements and the advances made by the fighters in Kalarippayattu using various weapons are graceful and equally spectacular and swift.  Kalarippayattu is a must watch one of the many ancient arts of India.

There are many institutions teaching this art form today in Kerala. Earlier, being the domain of males only, today many girls and women learn this ancient and spectacular art form.