They ruled the Arabian ea for long and brought traders from Arabia to Kerala. Now the famed wooden vessels of northern Kerala, known as "uru," will carry a new breed of traders looking for the rich experience abroad the historical merchant boats.

Kerala Tourism department is planning to build an uru and send the tourists abroad to trace the ancient maritime merchant routes along the state's coast.

The department also hopes to rope in the National Geographic Channel to be part of the launch of the project,which is at a nascent stage.

'We will have a boat made in Beypore. It will retrace the historical route which the spice mercants took. We are planning an event to create interest in maritime history and will make it a niche package," tourism director B Suman said.

Kozhikode, Kochi and Kollam were the ports frequented by the spice traders.

Beypore, an ancient port near Kozhikhode, is known for its seafaring legends and the unique vessels it made. So celebrated were the urus that orders came from every maritime power of the era. The master craftsmen of Beypore relied on generations of marine engineering skills to create a super brand of the old world.

Kerala's attempts to add value to its tropical beaches will give it a news lase of life to urus. "Talks are on with the National Geographic team to finalie an event to mark the inaugration of the service that will draw worldwide interest. We are trying to put together the cost and find sponsors," Suman added.

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