The first phase of Muziris Heritage Tourism Circuit connecting the historic and cultural sites spread over eight panchayats and two municipalities in Ernakulam and Thrissur districts, is all set for a formal opening during Onam.
According to V.D. Satheesan, MLA, and director board member of the government-run company implementing the project, construction of museums exhibiting the cultural identity of each locality included in the initial phase are nearing completion and a batch of five boat services connecting the circuit area is expected to arrive soon.
“In addition to the four museums opened to the public a couple of months ago, renovation works on as many as six heritage locations such as the Museum of Islamic History in Kodungallur, markets in Paravur and Kottappuram are in the final stages,” he said, adding that these locations together would present a comprehensive picture of the political and cultural history of the region.
Confirming the step, T.N. Prathapan, MLA and another board member, said the project was most likely to be opened by the President of India and a confirmation on the date of inauguration was awaited.
In addition to the existing works, steps are also in place to acquire about 50 acres of land at Pattanam for establishing a maritime museum and a site museum in Pattanam and a Christian history museum at the Kottekkavu church in Paravur.
“A fund of Rs. 4.95 lakh and Rs. 2.95 lakh has been allotted for the Christian and site museums respectively and an expert panel comprising historians and social scientists will soon be constituted to decided the content to be showcased through the facilities,” Mr. Satheesan said.
Spice Route projectMeanwhile, a UNESCO team will be visiting the project site next month to inspect the possibilities of establishing the Spice Route project, which envisages tracing the ancient spice route treaded by merchants and explorers in search of spices and herbs.
The Spice Route Project aims to share the heritage of 31 countries along the ancient route and the initiative is expected to bring in substantial number of foreign tourists to Kerala to trace the historic journey.
Earlier in March, the government opened four museums — the history museum at Paliam Kovilakam, the lifestyle museum at the adjacent Paliam Nalukettu, Jewish history museum at Paravur synagogue, and Jewish lifestyle museum at Chennamangalam synagogue.
The Muziris Heritage Project, spearheaded by the Tourism Department, proposes establishing a group of 25 museums, which will be strung together to give visitors a tour of the history and lifestyle of the entire region.
