Introduction

The picturesque backwaters of Kerala are one of India's most enchanting destinations. The trip begins with a night or two in Cochin, once 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 Hotel to Vembanad Lake Jetty, where the two-day 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, guests are transferred to a traditonal rice boat in which they will explore the boatyards at Chambulakam before lunch. In the evening, the rice boat meanders through the backwaters past villages, paddy fields and ancient temples to Alleppey,' Venice of the East'. Guests rejoin Vrinda at Alleppey for a last dinner in Lake Vembanad. Breakfast on the sun deck at sunrise is just one magical experience of many to remember on this trip.

Resort Specifications

Accommodation

Vrinda is an exclusive little boat with only 8 Deluxe 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.

Accommodation at The Trident, Cochin is for two nights in an executive room.

Dining

Lunch and Dinner on the first day and lunch on the second day will be taken at the hotel.

The Restaurant on board Vrinda offers a selection of both international and Keralan cuisine. Also on the Upper Deck are the Lounge and Bar.

Cruise Itinerary

The 4 nights and 5 day Vrinda experience combines 2 nights in Cochin and a splendid 2 night cruise aboard the M.V. Vrinda. Discover the rich heritage of Kerala and the backwaters. To the traveler, Cochin offers a chance to partake in a rich history, replete with influences as varied as Portuguese, Dutch, British, Arabic and Jewish. Discover, as well, the many-hued and wonderful world of the Kerala backwaters.

Snake-boats are used to race the backwaters in a tradition going back centuries. Experience cuisine that will leave you with memories for years to come. Kerala was once the centre of the spice trade that sparked off the voyages of discovery from Europe. Discover this world, rightly called - "God's Own Country".

Day 1: The Trident, Cochin
Once the centre of the spice trade and now the principal port on the Malabar coast, Cochin's rich and varied history bears testimony to Portuguese, Dutch and British influences over the centuries. Vasco de Gama reached its shores in 1502. This journey can be done in 4 nights and 5 days or 6 nights and 7days. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are served on board daily.

After lunch at The Trident, you can take an evening boat cruise around the Bolghatty Palace. You can view the picturesque Chinese fishing nets silhouetted against the horizon at sunset. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: The Trident, Cochin
Discover the historic town of Cochin on a sightseeing tour. The Mattancherry Palace*, built by the Portuguese in 1557. St. Francis Church, the oldest in the region. The Jewish Synagogue**, built in 1568, preserves scrolls of the Old Testament in Hebrew. The Spice Market and the old Jewish Quarter are worth a visit.

Return to The Trident for lunch. Afternoon at leisure.

Closed on Friday and on national holidays.
** Closed on Saturday and on Jewish holidays.

Day 3: On Board M.V. Vrinda
After breakfast at 10: 30 hours, guests will be transported from The Trident, Cochin, to the Vembanad Lake jetty by an air-conditioned coach. This 55 km journey will take about an hour and fifteen minutes.

12: 30 hours: From the Vembanad Lake jetty, Vrinda will sail across the Vembanad Lake and enter the backwaters. Lunch will be served on board. The vessel will sail along these scenic waterways for four and a half hours. Vrinda will return to the Vembanad Lake in time for you to watch the sunset.

Later in the evening, you can watch a Mohiniattam recital. This classical dance form, distinctive to Kerala, is also called the 'Dance of the Enchantress'. Dancers attired in beautiful traditional costumes will perform with slow, graceful movements and highly emotive expressions.

Vrinda will anchor for the night just off Pathiramanal Island. Enjoy dinner on board.

Day 4: On Board M.V. Vrinda
Vrinda will sail to the middle of the lake at sunrise. After breakfast, it will sail through scenic backwaters, passing through one of the few areas in the world where farming is done below sea level. The vessel will anchor at Chambakulam by mid-morning and guests will be transferred to a traditional rice boat. You will explore the boat yard, which displays the traditional long snake boats used in races.

Visit St. Mary's Church, established by St. Thomas in 1721. Return to Vrinda for lunch.

Afternoon at leisure.

In the evening, catch a glimpse of village life along the backwaters as you sail in a traditional rice boat and experience a way of life unique to this region. Visit some of the ancient temples enroute. The boat will pass through picturesque stretches of the backwaters to Alleppey, known as the "Venice of the East". At Alleppey you will board Vrinda to return to the Vembanad Lake.

Vrinda will anchor for the night. Dinner on board.

Vrinda will sail to the middle of the lake at sunrise. Breakfast will be served on board. The vessel will return to the Vembanad Lake jetty. Guests will check out at 10:00 hours and will be transported by air-conditioned coach to The Trident, Cochin.