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.
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.
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.
