Ancient trade routes might not have stood the test of time. However, the relics of these important historic paths are to this day present in various parts of the world. Kerala has a rich history of trading with the outside world for centuries. One of the earliest harbours that fostered such trade relations was Muziris. It was one of the few urban centres along the Malabar Coast that enabled key relations to Persia, the Middle East, North Africa and the Mediterranean region.
Believed to have been existent around the North Paravoor region in Ernakulam district, Muziris is today a subject of great fascination and heritage studies. The Muziris Heritage Project attempts to recreate a period in history in all its grandeur. The project is envisioned to take a visitor back in time to a phase where the vibrant cultures of the East and the West met. One will be able to witness the grand palaces of Prime Ministers of the erstwhile kingdom of Cochin, the magnificent forts that were constructed by the Portuguese, buildings rich in Indo-Dutch architectural brilliance, streets and spots where different cultures thrived through the centuries and so on. There are several monuments in this area and the local community is actively playing a part in preserving this cultural gem. This preservation-cum-tourism project also includes timeline tours, culture tours, museum tours and backwater cruises.
