Alphonso

The Muzuris Trail

Back in the day, Kerala’s trade with Rome was conducted through its ancient port of Muzuris; it was also the entry point of three prominent religions - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam - to India. This tour is a journey through the sites associated with the ancient port of Muzuris.  Your explorations here will help understand how the spice trade with Kerala through Muzuris was pivotal to the arrival of these religions to India. The visit includes stops at India's oldest church, mosque and synagogue.  You will get an opportunity to meet a local family for a cup of tea and learn how these communities have lived and thrived together for millennia. Another interesting aspect of the tour is your meeting with the handloom weavers of the famed Chengdamangalam weaving cluster; not only will you discover their range of exquisite cotton weaves, but you will also understand how India was once the foremost textile hub in the world.

  • Discovering the mystery of the lost port of Muzuris and its importance to trade and religion
  • Visiting India’s oldest church, mosque and synagogue and the role they played in India’s religious landscape.
  • Discovering the secret of India as a world textile hub in the ancient world and Kerala’s role in it.

You will drive to the town of Chendamangalam, a unique village where you will discover India’s oldest church, mosque and synagogue all within a stone’s throw from each other. There’s an ancient temple here as well. When you visit Paliam House, home of the erstwhile chieftains of this area, you will have the pleasure of meeting and interacting with members of the Paliam family; you will be surprised to learn of their role and that of the Maharajahs of Kochi in creating this multiculturalism.

A meeting with Chendamangalam’s handloom weavers will reveal how their trade flourished under the royal patronage and how important India as a textile hub in ancient times. You will get to visit the Cheraman Juma Masjid, the oldest mosque in India and meet the caretakers of the mosque and learn about the customs and practices of Kerala's Muslim community. Next up is a stopover at the Paravoor synagogue, the oldest synagogue in India and discover interesting things about the culture and traditions of the Malabari Jews. The visit to the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, the oldest church in India, will be equally enlightening as you are told a lot about the Christians of Kerala and their deeply rooted local customs and practices. On returning to Kochi we will stop at a traditional Kerala restaurant and try some delectable local food.

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