Kanikkaran are a tribal community found in the southern parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu states in India.

According to 2011 census there are 24,000 Kanikkars,[2] living in several districts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Though they cultivate everything and make agriculture as the main profession, they have a special liking for fishing and hunting.

[3] Kaanikkar Nritham is a form of group dance performed as a rural offering.

[4] The Kanikkaran language is closely related to Tamil, but has significant Malayalam influence.