In response to an increased demand for river cruising in India, Asian river cruise specialist Pandaw has announced details of a brand new ship and itinerary that will be 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 Kerala Backwaters, whilst maintaining the much-loved classic Pandaw cabin and wrap round promenade decks. The Kochi Pandaw will operate weekly a seven-night round trip itinerary from Kochi visiting the main towns and remoter areas of the backwaters with its 900km of connecting waterways including 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 much more. Plus sail 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, historic churches and local customs.
- Kumarakom: A visit to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary followed by the Craft Museum which showcases Kerala’s rich artisanal heritage through traditional crafts, including intricate wood carvings, handwoven textiles and vibrant pottery.
- Nattakam: A visit to the Munroe lighthouse for panoramic views of the Kerala coastline. This historic lighthouse, built in 1885, guides ships with its striking beacon. Explore its rich maritime history and enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Arabian Sea and surrounding landscapes.
- Kavalam: Explore the picturesque waterways, bustling fishing activities and authentic village charm On to Kettuvalom to visit a boat yard where traditional methods of wooden boat building by joining wooden planks using coir, cotton and natural resin. After lunch, explore Allapphuza (Alleppey) Harbour on foot, a bustling hub of Kerala’s backwater network with traditional houseboats and vibrant fishing activities.
- Allaphzha: Sail the Pampa River and visit the ancestral home of revered saint and social reformer, Kuriakose Elias Chavara, and gain insights into his life, contributions, and Kerala's Christian heritage. 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, reflecting the region's ancient Buddhist influences.
- 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, ornate 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. Prices from 4,999 per person including return flights from London (regional flights available on request), overseas airport transfers, a night in a five-star hotel in Kochi and the seven-night cruise with all meals, excursions and activities plus a complimentary drinks package.
For further information and reservations, call Fred. Holidays on 0800 988 3369 or visit www.fredholidays.co.uk