Apsara Luxury Cruiser
The Park on Vembanad Lake in Alleppey is a sophisticated 'docking station' for APSARA featuring 10 Luxury rooms, a Deluxe Suite, A restaurant, & a Bar. This also features a luxurious tented spa offering Ayurvedic & international treatments, a gym, Swimming Pool with a deck, bar and a space for live performance.
APSARA
Heaven on Water
Designed with luxury and comfort in mind, this eight - cabin cruiser is a floating boutique hotel in the tranquil waters of Kerala's Vembanad Lake.
The 28m, 300 sq. m boat is built on two levels; with eight rooms, a crew cabin, a galley, saloon, dining area & a sundeck.
The cabins are compact with LCD TVs, DVD Player, Safe, Minibar, high-speed internet connectivity, and a wide range of books, music and films. Displaying individual works of art, each cabin has a double bed, study desk & chair, and a bathroom.
The interiors combine elements of Kerala's magnificent heritage with the quiet sophistication of European yachting style. The textural furnishings applied to the walls and ceilings of the interiors include veneer, rich leather, silk and natural cottons with marble used in the bathrooms.
The dining area seats 24 guests with panoramic view of the backwaters. Guests can enjoy international cuisine on the cruiser as well as sample local fare and produce along the shoreline. Local cultural & Educational tours also ensure the full Kerala experience. Foot, head and shoulder massages will also be available on the boat offering a completely rejuvenating experience.
Designed with luxury and comfort in mind, this eight - cabin cruiser is a floating boutique hotel in the tranquil waters of Kerala's Vembanad Lake. The 28m, 300 sq. m boat is built on two levels; with eight rooms, a crew cabin, a galley, saloon, dining area & a sundeck.
APSARA SAILING DATES : SUMMER 2011 & WINTER 2011/12
DEPARTURE DATES FOR APSARA
| Month | Sailing Dates (Departure Dates) |
| Sept'11 | Thu 1 | Mon 5 | Thu 8 | Mon 12 | Thu 15 | Mon 19 | Thu 22 | Mon 26 | Thu 29 |
| Oct'11 | Mon 3 | Thu 6 | Mon 10 | Thu 13 | Mon 17 | Thu 20 | Mon 24 | Thu 27 | Mon 31 |
| Nov'11 | Thu 3 | Mon 7 | Thu 10 | Mon 14 | Thu 17 | Mon 21 | Thu 24 | Mon 28 | |
| Dec'11 | Thu 1 | Mon 5 | Thu 8 | Mon 12 | Thu 15 | Mon 19 | Thu 22 | Mon 26 | Thu 29 |
| Jan'12 | Mon 2 | Thu 5 | Mon 9 | Thu 12 | Mon 16 | Thu 19 | Mon 23 | Thu 26 | Mon 30 |
| Feb'12 | Thu 2 | Mon 6 | Thu 9 | Mon 13 | Thu 16 | Mon 20 | Thu 23 | Mon 27 | |
| Mar'12 | Thu 1 | Mon 5 | Thu 8 | Mon 12 | Thu 15 | Mon 19 | Thu 22 | Mon 26 | Thu 29 |
| Apr'12 | Mon 2 | Thu 5 | Mon 9 | Thu 12 | Mon 16 | Thu 19 | Mon 23 | Thu 26 | Mon 30 |
| May'12 | Thu 3 | Mon 7 | Thu 10 | Mon 14 | Thu 17 | Mon 21 | Thu 24 | Mon 28 | |
Apsara Luxury Cruiser will be operational from September 2011 to 28 May 2012. It would be non-operational during the monsoons. It would sail again from September 2012 to May 2013. But the dates of sailing are not yet finalised.
Reservations will be confirmed against 100% advance payment at least 40 days prior to the date of check-in. Do get in touch with us for the best available deals, for exclusive 5 to 14 nights spa packages and we would be happy to assist you.
Apsara - Heaven on Water: A Sailing Itinerary
The Incredible Kerala Backwater Experience
Day 1:
Morning: A traditional Indian welcome awaits you when you arrive at The Park on Vembanad Lake ready for your cruise on the luxurious M V Apsara - Heaven on Water along the extraordinary Kerala backwaters.
1.00 pm: The Apsara sets sail and heads to the north of Vembanad Lake, sailing through Taneermukkam, famous for the salt water barrier dam and its ancient temple. Lunch is served on board.
Watch a whole new world unfold during your cruise as you sail along the tranquil waters of Asia's largest freshwater lake, and then through a shimmering exotic maze of interlinked canals and rivers and lakes bordered by vibrant and lush green foliage, palms and paddy fields. Catch a view of the famous Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary - a cluster of islands that is an ornithologist's delight. While on board, you could consult with our Ayurvedic doctor and discover your 'prakuti' or body type and learn about the lifestyle and cuisine best suited for you. This is, after all, the home of Ayurveda.
5:30 pm: The Apsara returns to The Park on Vembanad Lake.
Evening at leisure, exploring any of several leisure options.
Cocktails and dinner at the Vallom, accompanied by a performance reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the land.
Overnight on board the Apsara..
Day 2:
7:00 am: Breakfast on board as we set sail through Punnamada Lake which hosts the Annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race. Past the finishing point, we dock at Kanjipadam village with its rice fields, little houses and constant gaggle of geese and ducks. And there's the 100 year old temple of Shree Bhagavathy Kshetram which hosts a 5 day annual cultural Ulsavam (festival). You are transported into the quaint lifestyle that thrives around the backwaters which are the lifelines of this gentle rural world, quite charmingly different from anywhere you have ever been - soothing for the eyes and for the soul.
10:30 am: Transfer to rice boats and weave your way through the picturesque, narrow canals in Chambakulam, known for its annual snake boat races and the oldest Angadi (market). Walk through the paths and lanes of this craft and coir village and also visit the St. Mary Florence Church built in 1870.
Return to the Apsara in time for a sumptuous lunch, before proceeding through the Pamba River, also known as Dakshina Ganga - the Ganges of the South. A traditional Kerala astrologer on board reveals your planets and the influence on your life. Allow him to chart your past and your future based on the traditional science; or just watch the play of the sky, the water, the birds as you sail back. There are, of course, the relaxing on-board activities arranged just for you.
5:30 pm: Return to The Park on Vembanad Lake resort
Evening at leisure.
Cocktails, dinner and entertainment at the Vallom.
Overnight on board the Apsara.
Day 3:
7:00 am: Set sail and travel through R-block, in region which is the famous rice-bowl of Kerala, to reach Punnamada jetty where shikara boats are arranged for you to experience the highlights of this area. The journey through these canals takes you past small scenic islands with a view of the coconut and paddy fields, Chinese fishing nets and toddy tappers. Bordered by mud walls reminiscent of the dykes of Holland, the fields are a striking example of the few places where farming is done below sea level. The area is also a haven for migratory birds.
2:00 pm: Return to the boat for lunch and catch a local salad demonstration from our chef. Sail back through Chithira Kayal with more of the below-sea-level paddy farming. You are accompanied by a floating market with local Kerala craft - a collection of local jute handicrafts, hand-made soaps, exotic spices and pickles, banana chips (a local specialty), and other artifacts the day has to offer.
5:30 pm: Return to The Park on Vembanad Lake
Evening at leisure.
Cocktails, dinner and entertainment at the Vallom.
Overnight on board the Apsara.
Day 4:
7:00 am: We embark on the Breakfast Sail to bid adieu to the tranquil, almost dream-like Kerala backwaters. Sail close to the uninhabited Padiramnal Island. Padiramnal means 'the Sands of Night" and the island is a Birdwatcher's paradise. Home to over 90 local species and 50 migratory boards, you may catch glimpses of the pintail Duck, Common Teal, Night Heron, Cormorant, various types of Egrets, Jacanasth Cotton Pygmy Goose and the Whiskered Tern. The Monarch flycatcher has also been spotted.
Return to The Park on Vembanad Lake by 9:30 am, ready to go on with your journey, already nostalgic about your spectacular and unusual experience aboard the Apsara on Vembanad Lake.
On-board activities:
The backwaters are seductive and you may just find yourself mediating quietly upon the landscape, the gentle passing of the day, the charming stirrings of life around you. And when you do want to bestir yourself, the Apsara has provided well for you. Your cabin is compact and has an LCD TV and a DVD player - you can catch a movie from our extensive collection of DVDs or pick a book or some music. You can relax at the 24 hour lounge bar at any time. Pamper yourself with signature treatments at Aura spa deck on Apsara. Or just catch some fun playing a game of chess, or scrabble, monopoly, Uno, cards.
Evenings at leisure at The Park on Vembanad Lake:
Every evening you can dine at our open air theme dinner in "Vallom" at The Park on Vembanad Lake, accompanied by a live performance or a cultural talk.
Before that you may just wish to explore the stillness around you by relaxing by the Pool and watching boats go by; or even indulge in the idyllic pleasure of fishing. Of course there are the rejuvenating and elaborate treatments at the tented spa - Aura; and you could stretch yourself - body and soul - through the evening yoga sessions or a workout at the Gym.
As you come away from your Apsara experience, you wonder how it could have been everything - so calming and restoring, such an adventurous exploration, so simply luxurious, - and how could four days have created so many stories and memories to take home.
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