Situated in lush, tropical south western India, Kerala is best known for its unique backwaters; a self supporting eco system of water highways that meander past rice paddies and villages, and flow into the Arabian Sea.
Allowing yourself to switch off and unwind is easy when you cruise with The Oberoi Vrinda, Luxury Kerala Cruiser along the backwaters. Our two and three night itineraries take in the best of “The Venice of the East”, and give you the liberty to do as much or as little as you please.
For your culinary delight, we offer freshly prepared international and regional cuisine from an on board kitchen. This enables us to fulfil your special requests and guarantee you have the very best backwater experience, in every possible way.
The Oberoi Vrinda, Luxury Kerala Cruiser, Lake Vembanad, Kerala 682003, India
Travel Notes
Cochin Airport
Situated in south western India, the state of Kerala has a 595 kilometre long coastline along the Arabian Sea, and is famous for its backwaters: a network of interconnected canals, lakes, estuaries and rivers.
The Oberoi Motor Vessel, Vrinda is docked at a private jetty on Vembanad Lake, near Allepey; the perfect base from which to explore the backwaters of Kerala.
We offer flexible daily check in and 24 hour private butlers.
Our eight cabins can also be booked in entirety for private parties.
Take a seat in the restaurant and take your pick from a wide range of delicacies, freshly prepared on board.
This all day dining space seats up to sixteen guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner. International and local cuisine is complemented by views of the backwaters, and cardamom tea or south Indian coffee can be enjoyed on our adjoining terrace. In the evening, a live traditional dance and music performance on the jetty is followed by a lavish dinner in the restaurant.
Christian Churches, a Jewish Synagogue, a Hindu inspired palace,
Chinese fishing nets and more await in and around the backwater region of Kerala.
The fantastic Sakthan Thampuran Palace was built in 1555, modified by the Dutch in the 17th century and presented to the Raja of Kochi as a gesture of goodwill. It features vast murals depicting scenes from the ancient epic Ramayana and Mahabharata.
St Francis' Church (1503) in Fort Kochi is believed to be the oldest European-built church in India. It was the original resting place of the Portuguese trader Vasco de Gama, before his remains were returned to Portugal. His empty tomb sits in eerie testimony to his memory.
From the main waterway on Vembanad Lake to the busy network of canals around Alleppey and quieter, narrow waterways that can only be accessed in traditional rice boats. Visitors can spots locals fishing for "karimeen", or "pearl spot", visit the half-statue of Lord Buddha, St. Mary’s Church (established by St. Thomas in 1721) and Sree Bhagavathy Kshetram, a 100-year old Hindu temple to the Mother Goddess, or explore the Chambakulam snake boat yard, which is home to a traditional racing boat (130 feet long).
The Jewish Synagogue (1568) is well worth a visit to see the Old Testament scrolls written in the original Hebrew, as well as the synagogue’s amazing decor; it features nearly two hundred, blue, hand painted tiles, not one of which resembles any other.
