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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, passing through one of the few
areas in the world where farming is done below sea level. 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.
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Luxury Cabin Vrinda
is 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, TV and DVD players
ensure that guests can rest and relax at night in preparation for
an active day’s sightseeing. Each cabin is also provided with an
electronic safe for guests’ peace of mind. Complimentary accommodation
at The Trident Hilton, Cochin for one night in a Deluxe Suite. The
elegantly appointed Deluxe Suites have been specially designed to
cater to M.V. Vrinda guests. Each suite has a living room with wooden
paneling, television, personal bar and attached guest bathroom,
while the bedroom also features a television and a personal bar
along with a large wardrobe and an electronic safe. Large picture
windows in both rooms overlook the picturesque garden courtyard
and swimming pool. Local influences are apparent in the antique
brass artefacts, the fruit bowl made out of one piece of “anjali”
(wild jackfruit) wood and the large brass “urli” (traditional circular
and shallow container) filled with flowers, reminding guests that
they are in Kerala , “God’s own country".
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04
Nights & 05 Days Package (houseboat + hotel) |
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are valid till 1st October, 2005 till 30th April, 2006 |
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Per
Cabin
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Single
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USD
1,650
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Double
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USD
1,900
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| Above
rates are for 4 nights and 5 days and include: Accommodation on board
Motor Vessel Vrinda for 3 nights, including excursions, Complimentary
accommodation at Trident Hilton Cochin for 1 night in a Deluxe Suite,
Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day,Transportation from Cochin airport
/ hotel to the Vembanad Lake jetty and back, Guide and evening entertainment
on board Day 2 & 3 of the cruise ,All applicable taxes Additional
nights in a Deluxe Suite (room only, taxes extra) at Trident Hilton
Cochin: Single or Double: US$ 225 per night |
| itinerary
covers |
| Day
One |
| 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
Two |
| 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
Three |
| 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
Four |
| 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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Criuse
Dates - Oct 2005 -1,4,7,10,13,16,19,22,25,28,31 |
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Nov
2005- 3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30 |
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Dec
2005- 3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30 |
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Jan
2006 -2,5,8,11,14,17,20,23,26,29, |
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Feb
2006- 1,4,7,10,13,16,19,22,25,28 |
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COCO Houseboats
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Luxury
Boat Vrinda
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