Gliding over the emerald backwaters of Kerala, The Oberoi Vrinda promises you the most luxurious and memorable cruise stay in India. By Team T+L
Imagine meandering your way over the glistening azure waters as you cross golden beaches, lush rice paddies, and lofty mountain ranges while tasting a slice of luxury. If the idea of having an authentic Kerala experience on the backwaters lures you, head to The Oberoi Vrinda Luxury Cruiser in God’s Own Country, Kerala.
Sailing in the unique backwaters of Kerala, a self-supporting eco-system of water highways that meander past green fields, swaying palms, and villages, and flow into the Arabian Sea, certainly wins hands-down, when it comes to listing the most enchanting holiday experiences in the state. Add to it, deluxe air-conditioned cabins offering plush accommodation, and the privacy to follow your own pace. Prepare to unwind as you cruise in The Oberoi’s Vrinda done to perfection with eight cabins having king-size beds, polished teak flooring, and windows that offer breathtaking backwater views while inviting in ample natural light. While being extremely comfortable, a stay in these cabins goes beyond the usual by providing complimentary on-board services and even the option of a 24-hour private butler!
Once on-board, be ready to be smitten by the impeccable hospitality and delightful culinary offerings. The restaurant on the cruise serves a wide range of global and local delicacies, dished fresh and hot by the on-board chefs. It is the only luxury cruiser to offer international and regional cuisines from an on-board kitchen.
Pick between a two- or three-night itinerary, and explore the exclusive experience tailor-made to your fit. Both the itineraries include luxury accommodation, all meals on-board, sightseeing excursions with a dedicated guide, evening entertainment, and transfers to and from Cochin airport to Vembanad Lake jetty.
The first day of the three-night itinerary starts with cruising along the main waterway from Vembanad Lake to Alleppey and meeting the local fishermen fishing for ‘karimeen’ or the ‘pearl spot’, and ends with an authentic Kathakali performance telling stories from ancient epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata over dinner. The second day begins with rice boat excursion along narrow rural waterways where you get to witness farming below sea level, followed by a visit to the half statue of Lord Budda at Karumai and a traditional Kerala family residence called, ‘tharavad’. The evening entertainment includes a traditional Vrindavadyam performance – a musical fusion of classical instruments. The final day includes visiting the 18th-century St. Mary’s Church, the 100-year-old Hindu temple of Sree Bhagavathy Kshetram, and the 130-feet long traditional snake racing boat, Chambakulam. Finally, watch a breathtaking Mohiniattam classical dance performance to mark an unparalleled end to your backwater journey over a spread of local delicacies.
You can also pick the two-night itinerary where the first day of your itinerary remains the same, but you get to choose if you’d like to spend your second day taking up the rice boat excursion or visiting the church and the temple. Either way, with the quaint backdrop of Kerala’s famous backwaters and the right blend of luxury and service, you wouldn’t have to worry about anything the moment you board The Oberoi Vrinda, Luxury Kerala Cruiser.
Related: Be One With The Wilderness At The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort, Ranthambore
