Kochi prepares for the January 6–8 International Spice Routes Conference.
At the three-day international Spice Routes Conference, which will take place in Kochi starting on January 6, 2026, the presentation of the Declaration of the Spice Routes Heritage Network and Charter will serve as the backdrop for lively discussions centred on the shared maritime and cultural heritage and its ongoing significance in the global narrative.
The historic Bolgatty Palace in Ernakulam, which is inextricably linked to centuries of maritime trade and cross cultural interactions, will host the event, which is being organised by the Muziris Heritage Project in partnership with the Kerala Tourism Department.
The conference, which is the first of its type in India, aims to integrate the ancient Spice Route with modern global discourse through an intellectual and cultural platform. In addition to thematic presentations, the January 6-8 conference will include captivating technical sessions on subjects such as “Knowledge Tradition in the Region,” “Governing and Sustaining Transnational Heritage Corridors,” “Heritage Tourism: Question of Sustainability,” “Reimagining Spice Routes for Tourism,” “Digital Spice Routes,” and “Muziris Re-imagined.” The conference will look at new strategies to boost cultural and heritage travel across a variety of nations on different continents that are included in the renowned global trade corridor.
“The International Spice Routes Conference aims to position Kerala as an attractive destination that offers in-depth experiences rooted in history, heritage, and culture,” stated Tourism Minister Shri Mohamed Riyas. Kerala’s cultural tourism adventure is entering a new chapter. In addition to highlighting Kerala’s potential to capitalise on the growing demand for high-end, culturally immersive travel worldwide, the conference offers the state robust and genuine options. Ports along the Malabar Coast, particularly the fabled port of Muziris, served as thriving hubs connecting Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe long before contemporary commercial networks and political borders started to take shape.
In addition to being a bustling marine trade route, the Spice Route was a thriving cultural corridor that transported ideas, art, technology, and religious traditions, all of which contributed to a long-lasting human connection. It was driven by monsoon winds. The Conference aims to present Kerala as a live intersection of maritime civilisation and global heritage, rather than just a travel destination. Paper presentations, discussions, poster displays, art exhibits, movie screenings, performances, site visits, and other forms of intellectual and artistic expression are all included in its design. The event will provide participants with a profoundly immersive cultural trip into Kerala’s living heritage, which will enhance the thematic presentations. These include “The Muziris Experience,” which features carefully chosen heritage trails through important Muziris locations along with a traditional sea voyage that echoes ancient maritime routes; “Contemporary Art Engagement,” which includes a special visit to the Kochi-Muziris Biennale in 2025–2026; and “Performing Traditions,” which features performances of Kerala Jewish songs and Chavittu Nadakam, the state’s distinctive Latin-Christian classical dance-drama. Together, this will transform the occasion from an academic discussion into a tactile and immersive historical experience.
In order to host photography exhibitions and art events at different locations in Kochi, Muziris Heritage Project collaborates with the Kochi-based art group Aazhi Archives, which is directed by internationally recognised multimedia artist Riyas Komu.
As an academic consultant, Prof. M H Ilias of Mahatma Gandhi University works with the Conference to plan academic sessions. The conference’s main location will host three photographic exhibitions in collaboration with Aazhi Archives: Migrant Dreams (Aazhi Archives), Seeing is Believing (Biju Ibrahim), and Chavittunatakam (K R Sunil).
Additionally, there will be two performances: Thampi Asan of Gothuruth and team’s Chavittunatakam and Reshmi Sateesh’s Kaarkuzhali (songs of Jewess of Kochi). In addition to national attendees, 38 international delegates from 22 nations will participate in thought-provoking discussions at the event. Academicians, historians, archaeologists, diplomats, policymakers, tourist stakeholders, artists, cultural practitioners, and performers will be among the attendees, forming an impressive cross-section.
The Spice Route will be examined by the speakers as a huge, interconnected cultural ecology that influenced nations on several continents rather than as a singular trading route. The conference will explore the human stories woven throughout maritime history, going beyond economics. The conference also demonstrates Kerala’s intention to meet the rising need for affordable, immersive, and cultural tourism around the world.
