Oberoi Backwater Discovery
Trip Code: BV16OV1
Price: from AU$4,310 per person twin share
Prices valid until 30 September 2024, excluding the Christmas / New Year period.
Please contact us for a detailed itinerary and current prices and departure dates.
Inclusions:
- Cabin with en suite bathroom
- All meals, including tea/coffee and mineral water.
- Transport for sightseeing
- Valet Service
- Guided on shore excursions and game drives as illustrated in the itinerary – inclusive of entrance fees, park fees, transport and services of an English speaking local guide
Not included:
- Flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Taxes, Insurance , Gratuities
- Laundry, Alcoholic Beverages, Soft beverages during non-meal hours
- Video and professional Still Camera fees
- International and Domestic air tickets
- Pre and Post tour accommodation and any tour extensions unless specifically mentioned as a part of the journey
- Any expenses of a personal nature eg tips in restaurants or hotels, laundry, drinks, telephone calls, etc
- Any other expense not mentioned as included
- Meals other than specified
Introduction
A self-supporting eco-system vibrant with aquatic, plant and bird life, the backwaters of Kerala are a totally unique network of waterways that flow past palm tree-fringed rice paddies and villages, before streaming into the Arabian Sea. Meander through the largest backwater stretch of Vembanad Lake and the stunning waterways of Alleppey: “Venice of the East”. Operated by Oberoi Hotels on the MV Vrinda.
Over 3 nights, enjoy a luxury cruise onboard The Oberoi Motor Vessel Vrinda as it meanders through the largest backwater stretch in Kerala – Vembanad Lake.
Discover the scenic waterways of Vembanad Lake where local fisherman prepare their catch. Enjoy a performance of the highly ritualised Kathakali dance on board our vessel and visit Chambakulam snake boat yard where traditional long snake boats are prepared to race. Enjoy a rice boat excursion on the narrow waterways to the statue of Lord Buddha at Karumadi and visit the Sree Bhagavathy Kshetram – a 100-year old Hindu temple at Nedumudy.
Day 1 Alleppey
Set sail along the main waterway on Vembanad Lake and enter the Alleppey canal where local fisherman put their culinary skills into action preparing the local delicacy of pearl spot. Cruise along the scenic waterways and arrive at Vembanad Lake in time to watch the sunset. Later in the evening, guests enjoy a performance of the highly ritualised Kathakali dance which tells stories from the ancient Hindu epics – Ramayana and Mahabarata.
Day 2 Alleppey
Sail from the Vembanad Lake jetty and head south, towards Alleppey. Sail through scenic backwaters and observe life along these water highways. Board a traditional rice boat to navigate through the narrower sections of the backwaters. For the next few hours, you will observe and experience a way of life unique to this region. This section of the cruise includes a visit to the half-statue of Lord Buddha at Karumadi. Return to Vembanad Lake, and enjoy Vrinda Vadiyam- a musical fusion of classical instruments.
Day 3 Alleppey
Heading south, 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. Return to Vembanad Lake and enjoy a Mohiniattam recital on board. This classical dance form, distinctive to Kerala, is also called the ‘Dance of the Enchantress’.
Day 4 Alleppey
A short sail north along the main waterway channel on Vembanad Lake brings you to the Oberoi jetty and the conclusion of the cruise.
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