This morning, we’ll set off on a drive to Munnar, a journey of approximately two and a half hours through lush tea and spice plantations. For over 2,000 years, Kerala has been celebrated for its spices, attracting traders from the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and Chinese. Pepper, known as “black gold,” was highly prized and transported to Europe by Arab and Jewish merchants, who in exchange brought copper, brass, and gold coins to Kerala. These trade connections also introduced Christianity and Islam to the region, making Kerala the first place in India to embrace both religions.