Oberoi MV Vrinda

This relaxing cruise is the most luxurious way to discover Kerala enchanting backwaters. Soak up beautiful scenery and absorb local sights as you meander through the tranquil waterways of ‘God’s own country’ on board this elegant vessel, cruising the picturesque canals and lakes. The gentle lapping of the water and balmy breezes make this a relaxing and unforgettable experience.

Tour overview
•   Stay overnight in Cochin
•   Sail Vembanad Lake and the Alleppey Canal
•   Enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance
•   Get a glimpse of life in the narrow backwaters
•   Visit the half statue of Lord Buddha and a traditional Keralan family residence
•   See sights including St Mary’s Church and Sree Bhagavathy Kshetram
•   Explore Chambakulum's snake boat yard

Guide

•   All excursions and sightseeing are accompanied by an experienced English-speaking guide
•   In Cochin and for your arrival and departure transfers you'll be assisted by our local representatives
•   For extensions in Kerala, you'll be assisted by our local representatives

MEAL PLAN
Prices include:
•   Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the Oberoi Vrinda
•   Breakfast in Cochin and on Kerala extensions

ACCOMMODATION
•   Five star hotel in Cochin
•   Accommodation onboard the Vrinda is in luxury cabins, each with ensuite bathrooms with shower, king size beds, television and DVD player and airconditioning

GRATUITIES
•   Tipping is a way of life in India
•   It is usual to tip your room boy and waiter at the end of the journey
•   We recommend tipping the local guides after each excursion

TRAVEL TIPS
•   Local conditions may mean slight variations to the timings of the itinerary
•   Check-in at hotels in India is after 12pm

NB
•   Children under 12 years are not permitted on the Oberoi MV Vrinda
•   The Oberoi MV Vrinda does not operate between May01-Sep30

DAY 1 - LONDON TO COCHIN
Depart Heathrow on your Emirates flight to Cochin via Dubai, arriving the following day.

DAY 2 - COCHIN
On arrival in Cochin transfer to the Taj Malabar for an overnight stay.

DAY 3 - COCHIN TO MV VRINDA
Transfer to Lake Vembanad and board the MV Vrinda. Set sail upon the main waterway on the Vembanad Lake and enter the Alleppey Canal, taking in views of azure waters fringed with lush vegetation. Lunch will be served onboard during your four-hour voyage through the waterways, before returning to Lake Vembanad to enjoy sunset and dinner.

Anchor for the night at the Lake Vembanad jetty, where you'll be treated to an evening of performance as the traditional Kathakali dance tells tales from Ramayana and Mahabarata's Hindi history.

DAY 4 - MV VRINDA
After an early-morning departure head south towards Alleppey, watching the water drift past as you have breakfast onboard. Through the Alleppey canal, the Vrinda will enter the waterways of the Pamba River and sail on towards Kanjippadam. Observe the unique way of life in the backwaters, where farming is conducted below sea level.

Anchor near Kanjippadam and transfer to a traditional rice boat, in order to navigate the narrower backwaters and experience life in this region firsthand. Visit the half statue of Lord Buddha at Kuramadi and a traditional Keralan family residence. Return to the Vrinda for lunch before sailing back through the ‘Venice of the East’ to the Lake Vembanand jetty.

DAY 5 - MV VRINDA
Early-morning departure, travelling south beyond Kanjippadam and anchoring near Chambakulam. Transfer onto a rice boat for a pre-lunch sightseeing tour of sights including St Mary’s Church (established by St Thomas in 1721) and Sree Bhagavathy Kshetram (a 100-year-old Hindu temple to the Mother Goddess).

There's an opportunity to see a traditional long snake boat used in races as you explore Chambakulum snake boat yard. There will be a guide throughout the experience, who will join you on board to answer any further questions.

Your evening entertainment is the classical Mohiniattam dance, also known as 'the Dance of the Enchantress'. The stunning traditional costume, slow dance and emotive expressions make it a truly remarkable experience.

DAY 6 - MV VRINDA TO COCHIN OR KERALA
Enjoy your final breakfast on the stunning Vrinda before departing the boat at Lake Vembanad and transferring to Cochin for an overnight stay at the Taj Malabar. Passengers taking the Kerala extension will instead transfer straight to their chosen beach hotel.

DAY 7 - COCHIN TO LONDON
Transfer back to Cochin Airport for your Emirates flight via Dubai to Heathrow, arriving later the same day - or alternatively onwards to your chosen destination.

EXTENSION

BEACHES OF KERALA
A beach stay in Kerala is the perfect addition to this cruise.
DAY 6 - MV VRINDA TO KERALA
Transfer to the Marari Beach, just 30 minutes from the jetty on Lake Vembanad, for three nights. Alternatively, transfer to the luxurious Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach (approx. 4 hours' drive) for three nights. Please call for more details.
DAY 9 - KERALA TO LONDON
Transfer to Cochin Airport from Marai Beach or Trivandrum Airport from Leela Kempinski for your return Emirates flight to Heathrow via Dubai, arriving later the same day.