A Walk Through Time: Ernakulam DTPC Turns historic streets into living classrooms

Kochi: In an era dominated by digital screens and instant information, Ernakulam District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) is stepping back, literally, to move forward. The council has launched A Walk Through Time, a novel yearlong cultural walkathon series designed exclusively for students. This initiative seeks to transform historic streets of Kerala into living classrooms, bridging gap between the region's storied past and its future leaders. The novel initiative serves as a model where heritage, sustainability and youth engagement walk hand-in-hand, ensuring that stories of the past continue to inspire voices of the future. Under the programme, a professional heritage guide would narrate the region's past, including history, cultural exchanges, local communities and everyday life. "Sustainable tourism begins with awareness. When students experience heritage through walking trails and storytelling, they develop respect for culture, people and places. A Walk Through Time helps create that foundation, ensuring our heritage is valued and preserved by future generations," DTPC secretary Lijo Joseph told TOI. The initiative, being rolled out in association with WebCRS Travel Technologies Pvt Ltd, is planned as a minimum of 12 editions across one year. The first of the walkathons was held last week when a group of select college students were taken to Mattancherry, one of Kerala's most historically significant heritage destinations. Next in line are Fort Kochi, Muziris and Hill Palace. "In an age where AI can generate content instantly, storytelling rooted in human experience becomes even more valuable," said WebCRS managing director Neelkanth Pararath. Heritage as a living classroom Walking-based heritage experiences have minimal environmental impact while creating meaningful engagement with local culture, guides and communities. "By designing the programme exclusively for students, the initiative invests in next generation of travellers, tourism professionals and cultural ambassadors," Joseph explained. DTPC sends an invitation to schools and colleges in the city before each edition, and a small group of 20 to 25 students are selected. "It was a wonderful experience. Our guide was so good that we got to know so many historical facts, previously unknown to us. Reading about spice trade in classroom is one thing, but walking through narrow alleys of Mattancherry and hearing echoes of centuries-old trade is entirely different," said Mifzaal D K of Lakshadweep, who is pursuing master of tourism and travel management course at St Peter's College, Kolenchery.