COMPLETELY EXCLUSIVE CRUISE
The Discovery is yours, and she will take you on a private exploration of the hidden villages, the shrines, the temples and the gorgeous riverfront scenery of the secret backwaters of this most beautiful region of the Vembanad Lake.
The Discovery is a genteel and historic rice barge, with a traditional stitched wooden hull, plus typical (for its period) high elegantly carved prow and stern and brilliant turquoise paintwork. Yet this original working vessel has been transformed to offer you a unique experience. You will be able to cruise in perfect comfort as the Discovery’s sun deck becomes your private grandstand, and the palm-lined banks of tranquil lakes, gently flowing rivers and hidden channels reveal their secrets. Local fishermen and traders will ply their craft alongside as you cruise effortlessly past riverfront villages that seemingly haven’t changed in centuries, temples, palaces and ancestral homes. You will be able to ‘go shore-side’ to visit local crafts workshops and lunch in grand houses, tour farms and meet the people of this enthralling area.
And, since you are the only guests aboard the Discovery, its chef will be able to tailor his menu to suit your fancies – the Malabar prawns are a regional specialty and particularly irresistible – whilst the cabin staff are always on hand to offer you every comfort during your unforgettable, personal voyage.
THE DISCOVERY HOUSEBOAT, KERALA
The Discovery Houseboat, at a glance,
- Completely exclusive cruise
- Just one suite with every modern luxury
- Teak floors and antique style furnishings
- Huge observation window
- Separate lounge area with observation window
- Elegant en suite
- Air conditioning
- Shaded sun deck giving 360° degree views
- High, carved and coiled prow and stern
Where will Assam Bengal Cruises take you?
- One night/two day cruise from Purity through Lake Vembanad and surrounding backwaters
- Two night/three day cruise through Lake Vembanad to Alleppey and onwards to Ambalapuzha Temple. Second day sail to Pulinkunnu for lunch in an ancestral home. Overnight on a serene lake and breakfast on the sundeck.
- Three night/four day cruise includes Lake Vembanad, Alleppey and Ambalapuzha Temple. Visit Mannar with its tradition of bronze casting and Krishnapuram Palace. Sail to Pulinkunnu for lunch in an ancestral home before visiting farms in a tuc tuc. Then overnight on a lake beside picturesque moors.
A hugely enjoyable nine-day trip, expertly organised from start to finish. The itinerary covered everything we wanted to see and do, with excellent guides, drivers and seamless logistics throughout. The documentation was clear and helpful, and the London office was consistently responsive, knowledgeable and efficient.
Jonny took the time to discuss all the options with us and tailored every detail to our wishes. He suggested thoughtful add-ons, arranged excellent guides, and created a brilliant itinerary packed with maps, tips, and all the information we needed for exploring the two countries we visited. An absolute trip of a lifetime to Argentina and Brazil.
