38 THE PLATINUM COLLECTION

the cruise on backwaters

Private tour: Cruise package tour: 1nts (Cochin) • 3nts Motor Vessel Vrinda • 4nts .

Kerala, commonly known as ‘God’s own Day 1: Arrive Kochi. Arrive at Kochi airport. boat once again for a pre-lunch sightseeing country’ is one of ’s most enchanting Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to excursion. Visit St. Mary’s Church, established destinations. Its picturesque backwaters, the Trident Hilton for an overnight stay. by St. Thomas in 1721 and “Sree Bhagavathy meandering through a series of canals and Kshetram” a 100-year old Hindu temple to Day 2: Motor Vessel Vrinda. Transfer to MV lakes, are a unique feature. Cruise along Lake Mother Goddess - at Nedumudy. Explore the Vrinda and sail along the main waterway on , Kerala’s largest backwater stretch Chambakulam snake boat yard, which displays Vembanad Lake and enter the Alleppey canal. aboard Motor Vessel Vrinda - an exclusive one of the traditional long snake boats used in The cruiser sails along the scenic waterways cruiser with only 8 tastefully appointed luxury races. After cruising through the backwaters for four hours and returns to the Vembanad cabins, located on the lower deck, all with king in the afternoon, return to Vembanad Lake to Lake in time to watch the sunset. Later in the size beds and windows overlooking the lake. enjoy a ‘Mohiniattam’ recital on board. This evening, enjoy a performance of the highly classical dance form, distinctive to Kerala, is also ritualized ‘’ dance, which tells stories called the ‘Dance of the Enchantress’. Dinner from the ancient Hindu epics - Ramayana and and overnight onboard. Mahab- harata. Performances begin with the application of elaborate makeup, which is based Day 5: Motor Vessel Vrinda to Mararikulam, 88 in traditional Ayurvedic principles. The vessel will Km/2 hrs. Disembark at Vembanad Lake jetty, anchor for the night at the Vembanad Lake jetty. drive to situated halfway between Lunch, dinner, and overnight onboard. Kochi and Alleppey. You have 4 nights at the Marari Beach Resort, a paradise of sun, sea, Day 3: Motor Vessel Vrinda, Early morning sand, and surf. Modelled on the fishing villages set sail from the Vembanad Lake jetty and of the coast, this is a beach resort that offers head towards Alleppey. Sailing through scenic total peace and natural beauty, rather than backwaters, observe life along these “water raucous rave parties. The accommodation is in highways” while passing through one of the few cottages separated from each other by generous areas in the world where farm- ing is done below stretches of open parkland, dotted with fruit sea-level. Anchor near Kanjippadam and transfer laden trees. to a traditional rice boat to navigate through the narrower sections of the backwaters. Visit Day 6 - 8: Mararikulam. All days at leisure, the half-statue of Lord Buddha at Karumadi participate in yoga sessions, meditation, and a traditional Kerala tharavad (family Ayurvedic massages or any other scheduled daily residence). Return to MV Vrinda for lunch; enjoy activities at the resort. Alternatively just relax by picturesque stretches of the backwaters on the the pool or on the beach. way back to Alleppey, known as the “Venice of Optional: One day Sightseeing tour of the East”. Anchor for the night at the Vembanad Kochi, includes a visit to the Dutch Palace and Lake jetty. Dinner and overnight onboard. Synagogue. En route see the famous Chinese Day 4: Motor Vessel Vrinda (rice boat fishing nets. excursion). At 7 a.m. sail from Vembanad Lake Day 9: Mararikulam to Kochi, 88 Km/2 hrs. jetty and head south, past Kanjippadam. Anchor Transfer to Kochi airport to board your onward near Chambakulam and transfer onto the rice flight.

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