Kerala’s Muziris Project Signals the Dawn of a New Era of Educational Tourism

KOCHI:
Heralding a new benchmark in tourism sector across the country, Kerala Tourism’s project on Muziris, an ancient bustling port city on the Malabar coast and the hub of international Spice Route, is fast shaping up as educational tourism with enormous potential for collaborations with academic and cultural institutions in India and abroad.

The Muziris Heritage Project, billed as one of India’s largest heritage conservation initiatives with support from the Central and state governments as well as the UNESCO, has already inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sree Narayana Guru Open University to launch a string of short-term courses.

Another MoU with Mahatma Gandhi University is in the final stages, paving the way for specialized programmes in Heritage Interpretation, Museum Management, Art & Community-Oriented Tourism, and Sustainability & Heritage Studies.

Efforts are also underway to collaborate with international universities and cultural institutions, which will facilitate research opportunities besides attracting students from other India states and abroad. The enthusiastic response to the initiative is evident — the programme’s fourth batch was fully booked soon after its September launch.

Tourism Minister P. A. Mohamed Riyas said, “The Muziris project is not only about heritage conservation. In fact, the objective is to ensure the emergence of Muziris into a hub of creativity and excellence in art and cultural learning. We have made plans to establish a permanent art auction centre, turning the region into a year-round meeting point for artists — extending the spirit of the Biennale beyond Kochi.”

Another milestone on the horizon is the International Spice Route Heritage Symposium, scheduled for January 2026, which is expected to bring global spotlight on Muziris’ pivotal role in the once thriving ancient maritime spice network.

Under the Muziris Heritage Project, 108 projects have already been completed, ranging from heritage building restorations to modern infrastructure development. Excavations have unearthed remarkable evidence connecting Muziris to civilizations across the globe.

By adopting a “Living Museum Model,” Kerala Tourism, through the project, is trying to restore the grandeur of the state’s historic past.

More importantly, Muziris is evolving as a unique learning destination that blends history, culture, and leisure. Its educational tourism programmes have been meticulously curated for school and college students, architecture professionals, research scholars, and history enthusiasts.

The programmes offer a deep dive into Kerala’s ancient industries, traditional art forms such as mural painting, architectural wisdom of the region’s master craftsmen, and culinary and agricultural practices passed down through generations.

From farm tours and boating to heritage walks, workshops, and expert sessions in art and archaeology, participants can choose from immersive programmes lasting anywhere from one day to ten days. Those who enrol in internship programmes will also earn official Muziris Project Certificates, adding academic value to their learning.

The growing global recognition of Muziris is an affirmation of Kerala’s vision of becoming a knowledge and creative economy. Located just an hour from Kochi city and airport, the region stretching from Vypin and Paravur to Kodungallur is fast transforming into both a premier tourism destination and a centre for heritage learning.