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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.
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The
picturesque backwaters of Kerala are one of India’s most enchanting
holiday destinations – and The Oberoi Motor Vessel Vrinda, Backwater
Cruiser is the perfect way to experience it. The Oberoi Motor Vessel
Vrinda takes guests on 3-night and 4-day journey through the tranquil
waterways of ‘God’s own country’ - Kerala. Discover its rich heritage
fascinating backwaters.
