SAILING DATE

Imagine a luxurious cruise through the picturesque and lush backwaters of Kerala. Picture a relaxing sunset viewed from a roof top deck amidst gentle lapping of water and a balmy breeze. Visualise elegant cabins with serene views of rice boats, village life and tropical greens.

Welcome onboard luxury cruiser The Oberoi Motor Vessel Vrinda, the only way to experience “God’s own country” in complete grandeur and style.

As the cruise meanders through canals and lakes, unwind and rejuvenate in the peace and tranquillity of this photographer’s haven.

Experience a way of life unique to this region with this vessel’s expert sightseeing guides. Absorb the rich tradition of Kerala while classical dancers in beautiful costumes provide enchanting performances on board.

Prepare your palette for a range of exotic international and south Indian delicacies while the chef creates a completely personalised menu. This coupled with an exceptionally caring crew makes this intimate boat an unforgettable experience.

Dining

The upper deck houses a lounge and bar with panoramic views of the backwaters.

The breakfast served on the sun deck at sunrise creates a magical ambience of peace and serenity. Enjoy a cup of traditional cardamom tea sitting on cushions or wicker chairs watching the tropical world float by.

Motor Vessel Vrinda can proudly boast of her International and South Indian cuisine. At each meal, the well-trained crew works with you to create a unique menu.

The area is rich with coconuts, bananas, rice, local freshwater fish like pearlspot and small red prawns called Chemmen, which make for innovative recipes like Meen Moily and Malabar fish curry.

Indulge in this boat’s other signature dishes like Crab and orange salad, Masala prawns and Espresso cheese mouse.

Luxury Cabin

The Oberoi Motor Vessel Vrinda is an exclusive cruiser with eight tastefully appointed Luxury Cabins, all with king size beds and large picture windows overlooking the lake.

Wake up to the backwaters almost at level with your view and feel the calmness while the world floats by.

The Cabins are elegantly designed with timber flooring. Each has its own private and well-appointed bathroom with shower. Each cabin is also provided with comfortable furniture, TV and DVD player and an electronic safe for guests’ peace of mind.

Terms & Contiditon

• A Maximum of two person can be accommodated in a cabin on board Motor Vessel Vrinda.
• Children Below 12 years are not allowed. Separate cabins will be required for accompanying children over 12 years old.
• Due to unavoidable circumstances, if any itinerary has to be omitted or any charge is required, this will not entitle guest to any claim.
• The itinerary, schedule and timings of the cruise may change without perior notice
• Accommodation is subject to availability.

House Boat Inner View

Itineraries

Day 1: 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 2: 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 3: 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 4: 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.