Itinerary cruise "India & the Maldives: Spices & Silver Sand"

Embarkation from 4.30pm to 5pm.

South-west of Sri Lanka, a necklace of tropical islands in the middle of the sea basks in the sunshine. “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”, the Maldives archipelago embraces nearly 1,200 islands and 19 atolls protected by coral reefs in crystal clear blue waters. For those who love diving, the word Maldives is synonymous with excellent scuba-diving. Fringed by white sandy beaches and coconut trees, the various atolls are open invitations to dive or snorkel in turquoise lagoons teeming with thousands of multi-coloured fish.

To take full advantage of the nautical activities on offer, Le Ponant will be hovering alongside some of the most isolated atolls, like Vaikaramuraidhoo, a well protected site that is ideal for snorkelling. Then there is Raa, famous for its marine fauna and magnificent beach, and lastly the Madivaru and Rashdoo islets of the Ari atoll renowned for their dive sites and abundant colourful wildlife.

Capital of the State of Kerala, Trivandrum boasts a rich and colourful past. You will be entranced by the legends and secular traditions of this city, such as the Kathakali dance which celebrates the many divinities. Tucked away in the neighbouring hills, the Padmanabhapuram Palace, a former residence of Kerala princes from the 16th century also waits to reveal its secrets.

A small port in the south-west of India, Kochi is one of the most beautiful on the Malabar Coast where the scent of cardamom mingles with cloves. It was here that Vasco de Gama disembarked over 500 years ago, and yet how many Phoenicians, Greeks, Arabs and Romans came here before him to drop anchor in the turquoise waters of the Oman Sea? So many nations, at a time when pepper from Malabar was almost as precious as gold, left these shores laden with precious spices. Here you will discover the Church of St Francis, the oldest European church in India, a 16th century synagogue and a colourful bazaar. A Dutch palace has collections of traditional costumes, turbans and palanquins, and there is also an opportunity to take a Kettuvallam rice barge to explore the “backwaters”, a network of lakes and channels bordering the villages and rice fields.

Disembarking.