Kerala Backwaters

Kerala Backwaters Cruises

Kerala Backwaters

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The Kerala backwaters are a network of lagoons and canals lying parallel to the Arabian Sea of the Malabar coast of Kerala state in south-western India. A network of lakes and rivers form a labyrinthine system with more than 900 km (560 mi) of waterways.

In the midst of this wondrous landscape there are a number of towns and cities with a culture unique to the backwaters. Whilst the Arabs brought Islam in the 7th century, Kerala, or Malabar as it was once known, had been visited by St Thomas the Apostle in 52AD and has had a strong Christian minority with many fine old churches, later embellished by the Portuguese in the 16th century. There is no shortage of impressive Hindu shrines.

The Kerala people are highly industrious, and artisanal workshops abound. Boatyards provide a fascinating insight into traditional craftmanship and one of the joys of exploring the backwaters is to see Keralan life at first hand.

Terns, kingfishers, darters and cormorants abound whilst otters and turtles can be spotted along the verdant banks lined by lush palm trees and leafy vegetation.

Kerelan cuisine is rich in fish and seafood and will be a feature of any expedition on the Kochi Pandaw.

Available

Expeditions

The Kerala Backwaters
Save up to 10% and No Single Supplement on selected dates

7 night backwater expedition

7 Nights
Kerala - Perumpalam - Kerala
RV Kerala Pandaw, RV Kochi Pandaw
Kerala Backwaters

From

USD 4,900.50

per person

Our Fleet In

Kerala Backwaters

The RV Kochi Pandaw Ship

RV Kochi Pandaw

Launched in November 2025, the ten cabin Kochi Pandaw has been specially designed for the backwaters of Kerala, whilst maintaining the much-love....

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The RV Kerala Pandaw Ship

RV Kerala Pandaw

Launching in December 2026, the ten cabin Kerala Pandaw has been specially designed for the backwaters of Kerala, whilst maintaining the much-lo....

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From Our Travellers

Feedback

We had an incredible time cruising to Nagaland

Nadia Stoyle and Stuart Stoker

Dear Pandaw Colleagues

We had an incredible time cruising to Nagaland last week. Thank you all so much. We will always cherish the memories of our week together. The crew was superb. Food and wine excellent and everybody was so accommodating, flexible and helpful.

We have just booked our next Pandaw on the Upper Irrawaddy from December 18-25th. So looking forward to the next cruise with you.

Thank you so much. Here are a couple of photos that I promised to send through.

Wishing you all the best,
Nadia & Stuart

It’s the third Pandaw river cruise we have been on and it was fabulous in every way

Angela O'Connell

We have just returned from our 10-day river cruise on the Irrawaddy (15-25 January 2016). It's the third Pandaw river cruise we have been on and it was fabulous in every way. From Jimmy (the purser) announcing "Good morning ladies and gentlemen, mingalaba, mingalaba" to the wonderful food, to the fascinating itinerary and visits to small, remote villages which were all superbly run by our guide Brian. The staff were amazing and thought of everything to make our trip even more special. It seemed like nothing was too much trouble for them and the beach party on a sandbank was one of many highlights. Our trip was perfect in every way and we will certainly do more.

Angela O'Connell Pagan and the Upper Irrawaddy Burma River Cruise

Thank you so much
Angela O'Connell

The cruise had just the right amount of excursions with enough time to meet fellow travellers and relax. It exceeded our expectations

Brian Costello and Fiona Jackson

A great trip that gives you an insight into the everyday lives of villagers. The crew were terrific, very helpful and friendly. Jimmy's "GOOD MORNING LADIES & GENTLEMAN" always heralded another interesting excursion. Meals were great not to mention the open bar that flowed freely all the trip. The top deck was a special place to relax with a drink and watch the fasinating life on the banks of this mighty river. The cruise had just the right amount of excursions with enough time to meet fellow travellers and relax. It exceeded our expectations.

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Climate in

Kerala Backwaters

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Kerala Backwaters Climate Chart

Plan your journey with our detailed climate information for Kerala Backwaters.Best travel times and weather patterns to help you prepare.

Your Life

On Board

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Essential

Information

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