Pandaw to sail India’s Kerala Backwaters

Responding to strong demand for river cruising in India, Asian river cruise specialist Pandaw has announced a brand new ship and itinerary launching on the Kerala Backwaters in October 2025.

The ten cabin Kochi Pandaw will be Pandaw’s fourth ship in India and has been specially designed for the unique Kerala Backwaters.

The ship will have Pandaw’s classic Pandaw cabin and signature wrap round promenade decks.

The Kochi Pandaw will operate seven-night round trip itineraries from Kochi visiting the main towns and remoter areas of the backwaters along its 900km of connecting waterways.

It will explore Thanneermukkom, Nattakam, Kavalam, Allapuzha, Thottapalli and Perumpalam.

Highlights include:

Kochi: Fort Kochi, St Louis’s church and historic Jew Town with its old Paradesi synagogue, museums, the Shiva temple, markets and more. It sails to a village of coir weavers/shell harvesters to learn about the indigenous techniques of local fishing by small scale Chinese nets and fish traps.

Thanneermukkom Bund: at 1,400 metres long, this is the largest mud regulator in the country and it divides Lake Vembanad into two.

Thanneermukkom: A Syrian village showcasing a unique blend of traditional Syrian Christian culture and heritage with distinctive architecture, churches and local customs.

Kumarakom: A visit to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary followed by the Craft Museum which showcases Kerala’s rich heritage through traditional crafts, including wood carvings, handwoven textiles and pottery.

Nattakam: A visit to the 1885 built Munroe lighthouse for panoramic views of the Kerala coastline.

Kavalam: Explore the picturesque waterways, fishing activities and visit a traditional Kettuvalom boat yard. After lunch, guests backwater network with traditional houseboats and fishing activities.

Allaphzha: Sail the Pampa River and visit the ancestral home of revered saint and social reformer, Kuriakose Elias Chavara. Sail on to Champakulam, and the Kalloorkad St. Mary’s Basilica founded in AD427 and one of the oldest churches in India. Nearby, is the Karumadi Kuttan, a monumental black stone Buddha that dates back to the 9th century.

Perumpalam: Return up the Pampa River to re-enter the Venband Lake and on to the renowned Perumpalam Bhagavathy Temple. Then onto the ancient village of Mannar, known for its metal work to watch the casting of traditional lamps, locks, bells, cauldrons, and various vessels used in temples.

Fred. Holidays, Pandaw’s GSA in the UK, has packaged up this itinerary with weekly departures throughout September, October and November 2025 and January, February and March 2026.

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