Cochin – MV Vrinda – Kovalam

Welcome on board the luxury cruiser, The Oberoi Motor Vessel Vrinda - the only way to experience “God’s own country” in complete grandeur and style. As the cruise meanders through canals and lakes, unwind and rejuvenate in the peace and tranquility of this photographer’s haven. Experience a way of life unique to this region with the Vrinda’s expert sightseeing guides. Absorb the rich tradition of Kerala while classical dancers in beautiful costumes provide enchanting performances on board.

Highlights of the Tour:
• Historic city of Cochin
• 3 nights cruise on MV Vrinda
• Golden beach of Kovalam

Day 01:    Arrive Cochin                                                   (B)
Arrive Cochin. Upon arrival you will be met by a Dominion Travel representative and transferred to the 5 star Taj Malabar. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 02:    In Cochin                                                          (B)
Morning city tour of Cochin, visiting the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue and Chinese fishing nets. Afternoon is at leisure.

Day 03:    Board MV Vrinda                                             (L, D)
At 1 p.m., once all guests are on board, Motor Vessel 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 Vembanad Lake in time to watch the sunset. Later in the evening, guest enjoy a performance of the highly ritualized “Kathakali” dance which tells stories from the ancient Hindu epics - Ramayana and Mahabharata. Performance begins with the application of elaborate makeup which is based on traditional Ayurvedic principles. The vessel will anchor for the night at the Vembanad Lake jetty. Dinner on board.

Day 04:    On board Vrinda, with a rice boat excursion  (B, L, D)
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, guest will observe and experience a way of life unique to the 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 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 05:    On board Vrinda, with a rice boat excursion   (B, L, D)
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 06:    To Kovalam                                                    (B)
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 a.m. and will be transferred by a/c vehicle to Kovalam. Upon arrival check in at 5 star Leela Kovalam Resort for a 3 night stay.

Day 07:    In Kovalam                                                    (B)
Full day at leisure. One can participate in optional activities like Yoga Sessions, Meditation and Ayurvedic Massages. Alternatively, relax by the beach or by the pool.

Day 08:    In Kovalam                                                   (B)
Full day at leisure.

Day 09:    Depart Kovalam                                           (B)
Private transfer to Trivandrum airport to board your flight for your onward/return destination.

Price Includes:

• 24/7 services of Dominion Travel office in India
• English speaking local representatives & guides
• Eight nights accommodation on bed & breakfast basis except on MV Vrinda where it is on full board basis i.e. Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Entrance fees to all monuments
• Private airport transfers and transportation by air conditioned vehicle
• All state and local taxes

Price Excludes:

• International & domestic flights & airport taxes
• Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Items of a personal nature (e.g. laundry, phone calls, camera fees, etc)
• Tips & gratuities