The
Oberoi Vrinda Cruiser overview
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.
Soak
in the beautiful scenery and the local sights as the cruiser meanders
through a series of picturesque canals and lakes. The luxurious interiors,
gentle lapping of water and balmy breeze make this a perfectly relaxing
retreat.
Day
1: Arrival - Cochin Airport
Please
ensure that you arrive at Cochin Airport in the morning , we will meet
you at the airport .
Transfer is included to the cruise . 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 Airport .
Luxury
cabins
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.
Please Note that the Government has introduced "No-Smoking"
legislation for hotels, restaurants and all public places. As a consequence,
smoking is prohibited in all parts of the hotel /cruise except in designated
bedrooms where smoking is permitted.
The
hotel / cruise has dedicated smoking guest bedrooms. Should you desire
a smoking bedroom, please let us know. We shall endeavor to reserve
a smoking bedroom for you, subject to availability.
Cruise
Dates
Rate
per cabin : $ 2500 USD for 2 guests
Rate per cabin : $ 2400 for one guest in single occupancy.
Rate
includes:
