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The Oberoi Motor Vessel Vrinda
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.
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.
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.
Itineraries (3 Nights / 4 Days )
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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