MV VRINDA CRUISE, KERALA

HomeRiver Cruise In IndiaMV Vrinda Cruise, Kerala

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. Cruise along Lake Vembanad, Kerala's largest backwater stretch aboard Motor Vessel Vrinda - an exclusive cruiser with only 8 tastefully appointed luxury cabins, located on the lower deck, all with king size beds and windows overlooking the lake. Cabins on board Vrinda are elegantly decorated, and have wooden floors. Each has its own private well-appointed bathroom with shower. Comfortable furniture, television and DVD players ensure that one can rest and relax atight in preparation for an active day's sightseeing. Each cabin is also provided with an electronic safe for guests' peace of mind.

DAY 1: ARRIVE KOCHI
Arrive at Kochi airport. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to the hotel for an overnight stay.

DAY 2: MOTOR VESSEL VRINDA
Transfer to MV Vrinda and sail along the main waterway on Vembanad Lake and enter the Alleppey canal. 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, enjoy a performance of the highly ritualized 'Kathakali' dance, which tells stories from the ancient Hindu epics - Ramayana and Mahabharata. 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. Lunch, dinner and overnight onboard.

DAY 3: MOTOR VESSEL VRINDA (RICE BOAT EXCURSION)
Early morning set sail from the Vembanad Lake jetty and head towards Alleppey. Sailing through scenic backwaters, observe life along these "water highways" while passing through one of the few areas in the world where farming is done below sea-level. Anchor near Kanjippadam and transfer to a traditional rice boat to navigate through the narrower sections of the backwaters. Visit the half-statue of Lord Buddha at Karumadi and a traditional Kerala tharavad (family residence). Return to MV Vrinda for lunch; enjoy picturesque stretches of the backwaters on the way back to Alleppey, known as the "Venice of the East". Anchor for the night at the Vembanad Lake jetty. Dinner and overnight onboard.

DAY 4: MOTOR VESSEL VRINDA (RICE BOAT EXCURSION)
At 7 a.m., sail from Vembanad Lake jetty and head south, past Kanjippadam. Anchor near Chambakulam and transfer onto the rice boat once again for a pre-lunch sightseeing excursion. 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. Explore the Chambakulam snake boat yard, which displays one of the traditional long snake boats used in races. After cruising through the backwaters in the afternoon, return to Vembanad Lake to enjoy a 'Mohiniattam' recital on board. This classical dance form, distinctive to Kerala, is also called the 'Dance of the Enchantress'. Dinner and overnight onboard.

DAY 5: MOTOR VESSEL VRINDA TO MARARIKULAM, 88 KMS / 2 HRS
Disembark at Vembanad Lake jetty, drive to Marari Beach situated halfway between Kochi and Alleppey. You have 4 nights at the Marari Beach Resort, a paradise of sun, sea, sand, and surf. Modelled on the fishing villages of the coast, this is a beach resort that offers total peace and natural beauty, rather than raucous rave parties. The accommodation is in cottages separated from each other by generous stretches of open parkland, dotted with fruit laden trees.

DAY 6 TO 8: MARARIKULAM
All days at leisure, participate in yoga sessions, meditation, Ayurvedic massages or any other scheduled daily activities at the resort. Alternatively just relax by the pool or on the beach. Optional: One day Sightseeing tour of Kochi, includes a visit to the Dutch Palace and Synagogue. En route see the famous Chinese fishing nets.

DAY 9: MARARIKULAM TO KOCHI, 88 KMS / 2 HRS
Transfer to Kochi airport to board your onward flight.

TOUR ENDS 

• Accommodation on full board basis in cruise & on half board basis in 3 star hotels
• Round trip airport to Port transfers
• Sightseeing as per the itinerary
• All applicable taxes

Kochi, Alleppey, Kanjippadam, Chambakulam, Mararikulam, Cochin, Munnar, Kovalam, Thekkady