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The Oberoi Motor
Vessel
VRINDA
A three day
cruise of
THE BACKWATERS
OF KERALA
and one
night at the
COCHIN TRIDENT
HILTON
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Overview:
The Vrinda is operated by
the luxury hotel chain
Oberoi. The motor
vessel sails in one of
India's most enchanting
areas the backwaters of
Kerala. A series of scenic
canals and lakes. This
is a peaceful and
interesting journey as you
see the local farmers and
residents living along side
the canals. One night
is included either pre or
post cruise at the Trident
Hilton Hotel in Cochin.
The public areas of the ship. The air conditioned
dining room offers a menu of international and regional cuisine
from a menu that offers choices rather than a set menu. The bar
is located at the head of the dining room. Outside is a
lovely open air lounge with comfortable chairs and seating areas
to view the scenery. Massages are available on board.
The Itinerary:
Day 1. 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 2. 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 3. 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 4. 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.
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Dining Room |
Deck Lounge Area |
Standard Cabin |
The cabins: The eight air
conditioned cabins are really quite spacious and are nicely
decorated with attached bathrooms. Each cabin features a DVD
and electronic safe. The cabins are better than many cabins featured
on main stream America cruise lines.
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