The Oberoi Motor Vessel Vrinda

About the Cruise :
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.