THE KERALA BACKWATERS

Welcome aboard the RV Kochi Pandaw. Enjoy lunch on the Upper Deck as we cast off from the Panangad Jetty . In the afternoon, take a 30-minute drive to the Kerala Folklore Museum, a cultural hub preserving the diverse heritage of South India. Continue to Fort Kochi to explore the Vasco da Gama church, Jewish Street, and the iconic Chinese fishing nets. Return to the ship for an evening cocktail hour and dinner.

After breakfast, embark on a morning excursion to the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, one of the supreme shrines devoted to Lord Shiva. Popularly known as the "Kashi of the South," this temple is a classic example of traditional Kerala architecture and is believed to have been built by Parasurama, an incarnation of Vishnu. Return to the ship and cast off for Kumarakom while enjoying lunch. In the afternoon, experience Kathakali, a traditional Indian dance-drama from Kerala that combines dance, music, acting, and elaborate costumes to tell stories from Indian epics.

We sail this morning to Nattakam, a serene village known for its lush greenery. We board a traditional country boat (shikara) for a relaxed sail, offering great bird and wildlife spotting along the way. From here, we take a walk to the Munroe Lighthouse, providing the perfect opportunity to see even more wildlife among the surrounding rice fields. Built in 1885, this historic structure guides ships with its striking beacon and serves as a testament to the region's rich maritime history. In the afternoon, we explore Kumarakom, a beautiful village situated on Vembanad Lake. Famous for its mangrove forests and paddy fields, this excursion offers an intimate look at traditional village life in the backwaters.

We cast off for Kainakary and enjoy breakfast. Our morning excursion takes us to the ancestral home of Kuriakose Elias Chavara. Gain insights into the life and contributions of this revered saint and social reformer, as well as Kerala's Christian heritage. After lunch on board, step ashore for a walk through Kavalam village. Visit St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Church, a testament to ancient Christian traditions. This evening, enjoy a mesmerising Mohiniattam performance, a classical dance of Kerala showcasing elegance and storytelling through graceful movements.

We sail towards Alleppey. This morning, visit the Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum, established in 2006 to showcase a unique collection of artistic pieces gathered by his family over three generations from across the world. Following lunch, take a one-hour drive to Thottapally Beach for a thrilling Kalari Payattu performance, highlighting Kerala's traditional martial art. Afterwards, visit a fishing community temple to observe evening rituals, followed by a scenic walk through a nearby pine forest toward the beach.

Enjoy a morning of sailing through the beautiful Alleppey backwaters. Our morning excursion takes us to the Mannarashala Snake Temple. This notable temple is renowned for its unique practice of having female priests and its deep devotion to snakes, offering a chance to view local merit-making practices. In the afternoon, take a walk through Kuppapuram village. Interact with locals and traditional communities to see day-to-day subsistence living still being practised.

A local initiative by the Kerala govt to support local villagers and the handicrafts at Vadayar village. We join a Local Shikara for a scenic journey in a backwater canal to the pottery hub. Local artisans will display local pottery techniques and guests will have the opportunity to actively learn handmade pottery techniques with the local artisans. Enjoy an approximately 30 mins backwater canal journey onboard and return to RV Pandaw vessel -birdwatching and local village life can be observed along the canal backwater.

Enjoy your final breakfast on board. Prepare your luggage and disembark the RV Kochi Pandaw for your onward journey. (Please check with the crew for your specific cabin's disembarkation time).