Kochi to host global Spice Route Conference from January 6 to 8, 2026

The first international Spice Route Conference will be hosted in Kochi from January 6 to 8, 2026, bringing renewed focus to the commercial and cultural link between the Kerala coast and a vast geography stretching up to the Mediterranean lands over centuries, playing a significant role in shaping history.

Event Overview
- Dates: January 6–8, 2026
- Venue: Historic Bolgatty Palace, Ernakulam
- Organizers: Muziris Heritage Project in collaboration with the Kerala Tourism Department
- Theme: Celebrating centuries-old maritime and cultural connections along the Spice Route, linking Kerala to the Mediterranean and beyond.

Objectives
- Reconnect the ancient Spice Route with contemporary global discourse.
- Strengthen cultural and heritage tourism ties across continents.
- Position Kerala as a living crossroads of world heritage and maritime civilization.

Key Highlights
- Delegates: 38 international participants from 22 countries, plus national scholars and stakeholders.
- Sessions:
- Cultural Exchange & Diaspora – migration, linguistic fusion, shared identities.
- Knowledge, Faith & Philosophy – spread of science, medicine, belief systems.
- Colonial Encounters & Legacies – impacts of maritime colonialism.
- Maritime Technologies & Logistics – movement of goods, ideas, innovations.

Cultural Immersion
- The Muziris Experience: Heritage trails + traditional sea voyage.
- Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2025–26: Contemporary art engagement.
- Performing Traditions: Kerala Jewish songs & Chavittu Nadakam (Latin Christian classical dance-drama).

Vision
Tourism Minister PA Mohamed Riyas emphasized:
> “The International Spice Route Conference marks a new phase in Kerala’s heritage tourism journey. Heritage tourism today represents a USD 600-billion global market, and the Spice Route offers Kerala a powerful and authentic story within this space.”

📌 Takeaway: This landmark event blends scholarship, diplomacy, and cultural experiences, positioning Kerala as a global heritage tourism destination while reviving the spirit of exchange that defined the ancient Spice Route.