Pandaw River Cruises
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Luxury small ship river cruises in Asia
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7 NIGHT BACKWATER EXPEDITION

THE KERALA BACKWATERS

Kerala - Perumpalam - Kerala

7 NIGHTS FROM US$4,900.50
SAVE UP TO 10% AND NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS ON SELECTED DATES

Pandaw is the only river cruise operator offering multi night expeditions through the Kerala Backwaters, with a purpose-built fleet designed for these narrow inland waterways, featuring classic brass and teak styling and full wrap-around promenade decks. The ship operates a weekly seven-day circular itinerary from Kochi, navigating deep into the backwaters’ 900 kilometres of interconnected rivers and lakes. Along the way, guests visit historic churches, Hindu temples, artisan communities, traditional villages, and stretches of the Malabar Coast, combining cultural discovery with scenic cruising through palm-lined canals and lagoons.

Cochin International Airport offers strong connectivity, with Middle East hub links to Europe, direct flights to many Southeast Asian cities, and domestic routes across India, making access straightforward for international and regional travellers.

Please note: specific stops may vary based on river conditions and local guidance.

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or call TOLL FREE 1-877-872-6329
represented by Sayang Holidays
7 NIGHTS FROM US$4,900.50
SAVE UP TO 10% AND NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS ON SELECTED DATES
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IMAGES

EXPEDITION MAP

YOUR SHIP

RV KOCHI PANDAW

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS

PRE CRUISE EXTENSIONS

Mararikulam Fishing Village Beach Break Pre Tour

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Kochi 1 Night Pre Tour

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Mumbai 2 Night Pre Tour

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POST CRUISE EXTENSIONS

Mararikulam Fishing Village Beach Break Post Tour

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From the Backwaters to the Cardamon Hills Post Tour

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Kochi 1 Night Post Tour

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Mumbai 2 Night Post Tour

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OPTIONAL PACKAGE ADDONS

Private Dining

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Free Flow Drinks & Wine Package (India)

Inclusive Add On
This package is now included free on your cruise for all guests.

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ITINERARY

DAY 1 ARRIVE KOCHI

We cordially invite our guests to board the RV Kochi Pandaw at the Arookutty Boat Jetty, a historic region once famous for its role in the spice trade between the coast and the hinterland. Following embarkation and lunch on board, we proceed on an afternoon excursion to the Kerala Folklore Museum. This unique architectural venture is constructed using salvage from historic traditional houses across Kerala, preserving the region's rich heritage. We then explore Fort Kochi, a water-bound region reflecting the colonial influences of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. Highlights include St. Francis Church (Vasco da Gama Church)—the oldest European church in India—and a walk through Jew Town to view the historic Paradesi Synagogue and the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, introduced by traders from the court of Kublai Khan in the 14th century. We return to the ship for a Welcome Cocktail and dinner.

Arrive Kochi
Arrive Kochi

DAY 2 VAIKOM - KUMARAKOM

We cast off early toward the Vaikom Terminal. Our morning excursion takes us to the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, a site of immense archaeological and historical importance known as the "Kashi of the South." Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is a classic example of traditional Kerala architecture and is believed in legend to have been built by Parasurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu. We then sail toward Kumarakom, a cluster of scenic islands located on the backdrop of Vembanad Lake. In the late afternoon, we invite you to witness a performance of Kathakali, a classical Indian dance-drama noted for its elaborate make-up, costumes, and detailed gestures that narrate stories from Indian epics.

DAY 3 NATTAKAM

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 to the Munroe Lighthouse. Built in 1885, this historic structure guides ships with its striking beacon and offers panoramic views of the Kerala coastline, the Arabian Sea, and the rich maritime history of the region. In the afternoon, we explore Kumarakom, a renowned bird sanctuary and village on Vembanad Lake. Famous for its mangrove forests and paddy fields, this excursion offers an intimate look at village life in the backwaters.

Nattakam
Nattakam

DAY 4 KAINAKARY - KAVALAM

We cast off toward Kainakary, a picturesque village within the Kuttanad region, often called the "Rice Bowl of Kerala." Our morning visit is to the ancestral home of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, a 19th-century saint and social reformer who played a pivotal role in the education and social upliftment of the state. Following lunch, we embark on a village walk through Kavalam. The tour includes a visit to St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Church, an architectural testament to the ancient Christian traditions that have flourished in Kerala since the 1st century AD. The day concludes with a performance of Mohiniattam, the "Dance of the Enchantress," a classical dance form characterised by graceful, swaying movements traditionally performed by women.

DAY 5 ALAPPUZHA - THOTTAPALLY

We sail toward Alleppey (Alappuzha), colloquially known as the "Venice of the East" due to its vast network of canals. Our morning excursion visits the Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum. Established by Betty Karan in honour of her husband, a leading coir industrialist, this private museum houses a magnificent collection of Swarovski crystals, ivory, Tanjore paintings, and porcelain. In the afternoon, we take a scenic drive to Thottapally Beach. Here, guests will witness a thrilling demonstration of Kalaripayattu, considered the oldest surviving martial art in the world. We then visit a local fishing community temple to observe evening rituals and take a walk through the unique pine forest that borders the beach.

Alappuzha - Thottapally
Alappuzha - Thottapally

DAY 6 ALLEPPEY BACKWATERS

We set sail to explore the scenic Alleppey Backwaters. Our morning excursion visits the Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, an ancient centre of serpent worship nestled in a forest glade. This temple is unique in Hindu culture for having a woman as its chief priestess, a tradition upheld for centuries. In the afternoon, we disembark for a walk through Kuppapuram Village. This offers a genuine opportunity to interact with locals and observe the daily rhythm of life in the Kuttanad region, where farming and fishing are the primary livelihoods.

DAY 7 PALLIPPURAM

We cast off toward Pallippuram, a serene area situated on the shores of Vembanad Lake. We visit the historic St. Mary’s Forane Church in Pallippuram. Founded in AD 427, this is one of the most significant Marian shrines in the state, renowned for its ancient origins and beautiful Portuguese-style architectural influences. The afternoon is dedicated to relaxation as we enjoy a peaceful sailing experience through the backwaters, complemented by a soothing massage service available onboard. In the evening, join us for a Farewell Dinner.

Pallippuram
Pallippuram

DAY 8 RETURN - KOCHI FOR DISEMBARKATION

After a final breakfast on board, we disembark at the Arookutty Boat Jetty.

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WHATS INCLUDED

Cruise Price Includes: Transfer between meeting point, Ship and drop off point, entrance fees, guide services (English language), gratuities to crew, main meals, local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes plus our India complimentary drinks package

Cruise Price Excludes: Flights, port dues (if levied), laundry, all visa costs, fuel surcharges (see terms and conditions), all beverages except local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes and tips to tour guides, local guides, bus drivers, boat operators and cyclo drivers.

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TRANSFERS & JOINING

DAY 1 ARRIVE KOCHI

Transfer from the airport or hotels in the city to the ship. Flight arrivals should be before 11am. Pickup time from hotels near the airport is 9:30am. Pickup time for hotels near Fort Kochi is 10:00am.

DAY 8 RETURN - KOCHI FOR DISEMBARKATION

Transfer from the ship at 9am to airport or hotel.

VISA INFORMATION

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TESTIMONIALS

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