|
|
Home :: Glimpses
of India :: Cruises in Kerala
Oberoi Motor Vessel Vrinda,
Kerala
About
the Cruise :-
 Kerala,
commonly known as “God’s own country” is one of India’s
most enchanting destinations. Its picturesque backwaters, meandering through
a series of canals and lakes, are a unique feature.
The trip begins with a night in Cochin, once the centre of the thriving
spice trade and now the principal port on the Malabar coast. Cochin’s
rich trading past is reflected in the Portuguese, Dutch and British
influences evident in its architecture. After sightseeing in Cochin guests
are transferred by air conditioned coach from the Trident Hilton Hotel to
Vembanad Lake Jetty, where the three night cruise begins.
Winding slowly through lush tropical scenery on a network of tranquil
waterways, Vrinda returns to Lake Vembanad at sunset for dinner and an
evening of entertainment - the slow, graceful classical dance, Mohiniattam.
After a night at anchor, Vrinda enters the waterways of the Pamba river
through the Allepey canal, passing through one of the few areas in the world
where farming is done below sea level.
The vessel anchors at Kanjippadam where guests are transferred to a
traditional rice boat which meanders through the backwaters past villages,
paddy fields and ancient temples to experience a way of life unique to this
region.
Cruise Itineraries
:-
Day 01 : Arrival
- At 1 p.m., once all guests are on board, Vrinda sets sail along
the main waterway on Vembanad Lake and enters the Alleppey canal.
- Lunch will be served on board.
- The cruiser sails along the scenic waterways for four hours and
returns to the Vembanad Lake in time to watch the sunset.
- Later in the evening, guests enjoy a performance of the highly
ritualized “Kathakali” dance which tells stories from the
ancient Hindu epics - Ramayana and Mahabarata. Performances begin
with the application of elaborate makeup which is based in
traditional Ayurvedic principles.
- The vessel will anchor for the night at the Vembanad Lake jetty.
- Dinner on board.
|
Day 02 : On board Vrinda, with a rice boat excursion
- At 7 a.m., Motor Vessel Vrinda will sail from the Vembanad Lake
jetty and head South, towards Alleppey. Breakfast will be served on
board.
- The vessel will enter the waterways of the Pamba river through
the Alleppey canal.
- Sailing through scenic backwaters, guests can observe life along
these “water highways” while passing through one of the
few areas in the world where farming is done below sea level.
- The vessel will anchor near Kanjippadam and guests will be
transferred to a traditional rice boat to navigate through the
narrower sections of the backwaters.
- For the next few hours, guests will observe and experience a way
of life unique to this region, accompanied by a guide.
- This section of the cruise includes a visit to the half-statue of
Lord Buddha at Karumadi and a traditional Kerala tharavad (family
residence).
- Later in the day, guests return to Motor Vessel Vrinda where
lunch will be served as the boat passes through picturesque
stretches of the backwaters on the way back to Alleppey, known as
the “Venice of the East”.
- Motor Vessel Vrinda will anchor for the night at the Vembanad
Lake jetty
- Dinner on board.
|
Day 03 : On board Vrinda, with a rice boat excursion
- At 7 a.m. Motor Vessel Vrinda will sail from the Vembanad Lake
jetty and head South, past Kanjippadam.
- Vrinda will anchor near Chambakulam where guests will transfer
onto the rice boat once again for a pre-lunch sightseeing excursion.
- Guests will visit St. Mary’s Church, established by St.
Thomas in 1721 and Sree Bhagavathy Kshetram – a 100-year old
Hindu temple to Mother Goddess - at Nedumudy.
- Guests can also explore the Chambakulam snake boat yard, which
displays one of the traditional long snake boats used in races.
- To further the understanding and appreciation of this experience,
a qualified guide will be present on board for the full day
- After cruising through the backwaters in the afternoon, Motor
Vessel Vrinda will return to Vembanad Lake, where guests can enjoy a
“Mohiniattam” recital on board. This classical dance form,
distinctive to Kerala, is also called the 'Dance of the
Enchantress'. Dancers attired in beautiful traditional costumes
perform with slow, graceful movements and highly emotive
expressions.
- Dinner on board.
|
Day 04 : Departure
- At 8 a.m. Motor Vessel Vrinda will sail North along the main
waterway channel on the Vembanad Lake.
- Breakfast will be served on board following which the vessel will
return to the Vembanad Lake jetty.
- Guests will check out at 10.00 hours and will be transported by
air-conditioned vehicle back to Cochin.
|
|
