RV Vaikundam Cruise
02 Nights / 03 Days
Destinations : Alleppey – Kanjippadam – Karumadi -Thottappally
Packages Includes :
- Hotels
- Flight
- Transport
- All Meals
- Sightseeing
RV Vaikundam Cruise – On this cruise, visitors will have the opportunity to gaze at the azure backwaters of Kerala. Dock at a private jetty on Vembanad Lake, and witness the villages around the backwaters come to life. Visit the local markets and shop for exquisite souvenirs.
Arrive at Punnamada in Alleppey to embark on our boat. This lake is the venue of the annual spectacular race of Snake boats on 2nd Saturday of the month of August by different villages of Alleppey and its neighbouring places. We cruise the green, clean and peaceful waterway interconnecting the rivers, lagoons, canals and coastal estuaries.
Experiencing the beauty of the expanses of paddy fields, swaying tall coconut trees, banana plantations and the simple and harmonious life along the way. Enjoy the traditional lunch and relax on-board watching the rural life.
We meet the carpenters at the boat building yard and talk about the traditional method of building wooden boats (Kettuvallom), joining wooden planks using coir, cotton and natural resin. Return to boat and relax cruise.
After breakfast take a drive (30minutes) to visit an ancient sacred grove where serpents are worshipped. This is the only temple in Kerala having female priests. You can take a walk inside and see the rituals going on.
We proceed to Mannar village (45minutes) to meet the metal smiths engaged in making traditional lamps, ornate locks, bells and various types of vessels being used in temples. (The workplace remains closed on Sundays and religious holidays). You may also choose to visit one of the 7 and half churches built by St. Thomas, the apostle of Jesus Christ. Return to the boat for lunch as we sail to a quaint village Karumadi.
The small shrine preserving an ancient ruin of a sculpture of Buddha, speaks of legacy of the value creating Buddhist philosophy underlying the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. Buddhism prevailed in Kerala for around 8centuries, from 3rd AD onwards. On-board our boat we will watch a presentation and discuss in detail about the cultural heritage of Kerala.
Return to boat and cruise to the coastal village, Thottappalli, passing by the spillway that prevents the saline water at river mouth from flooding the low-lying paddy fields. We get to know about indigenous practices of paddy cultivation on reclaimed land at lower altitude that the Sea.
Return to RV Vaikundam Cruise and relax.
We cruise leisurely, watching the vibrant life along the way.After breakfast we check-out at Thottappalli jetty.
RV Vaikundam Cruise
