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Nathalia Jones

Come November, pack your bags and get ready for a sunset cruise along the backwaters of Kerala, in the `luxuriously appointed' Vrinda, India's first luxury cruiser.

A panoramic view of the backwaters along which the Vrinda is soon to set sail.

The polished teak doors and sombre furnishing impart a touch of tasteful elegance without going in for the overkill. And you would find as much joy in savouring a multi-cuisine spread as from just sipping a solitary coffee and watching the world sail past. Welcome aboard the Vrinda, India's first ever luxury cruiser along the backwaters of Kerala, operated by the Oberoi Hotels and Resorts.

Now, holidays needn't stop with the lavish indulgence of revitalising Ayurverdic tours, but can continue along the sinuous trail of Vembanad lake Jetty, over to Pathiramanan Island, Kumarakom and Kuttanad — the sailing route of the cruiser.

Says Ragini Chopra, Vice-President, Business Development and Corporate Communications, The Oberoi Group, "We've learnt from experience that the backwaters of Kerala offer excellent possibilities for tourists, especially, now, since Kerala has come into great prominence as a holiday destination." Though the first of its kind in India, this certainly isn't a first for the Oberoi, which has been offering similar luxury cruises along the Nile in Egypt, for over 15 years.

The cruise, which is all set for launch on Nov.1, is for a period of five days and four nights with a two-day accommodation at The Trident, Kochi. The package, inclusive of food, is priced at $ 1,150 for single occupancy and $ 1,250 for double occupancy. This introductory offer is valid till April 2004.

Vrinda, she says, is targeted at both the international as well as the Indian traveller, and is expected to boost domestic travel by presenting Indians with more holiday choices within the country. The response so far has been quite good.

The cruise will start from Kochi and chug on towards Lake Vembanad in the Kumarakom area and then progress towards Allepey. For a large portion of the journey the tourist has the luxury of taking in the scenic waterways and picturesque view as the 32-metre-long Vrinda glides along Vembanad Lake jetty for a full four and a half hours.

A great part of the experience will also be stopping over at places of historical interest. Tourists will be escorted to places like the Santacruz Bascillica, Kochi, the Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry and the paddy fields at Kuttanad, popularly known as the rice bowl of Kerala because of its harvest-rich paddy fields. "We also have boats to go to other areas in the interior," adds Ragini.

For instance, on day four of the cruise, tourists will be taken in traditional rice boats to visit the boat yard, which harbours the long, snake boats used in the world famous Kerala races. The rice boats will continue along the tranquil waters of Alleppey, also known as the `Venice of the East'.

Meanwhile, the activities on board are no less entertaining. The Oberoi group has teamed up with local troupes to provide guests with authentic Keralite entertainment. The time-tested Mohiniattam is just one aspect of the eclectic cultural fare.

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