Kerala Backwaters India Short Cruise
Choose from three or four-night journeys through Kerala's backwaters. For centuries, this network of lakes, canals, and waterways formed the arteries of the Malabar Coast, carrying spices, coir, and traders between inland villages and the bustling port of Kochi, where Arab, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences helped shape the region's identity. Winding through coconut groves, rice paddies, and traditional villages, these waterways continue to reveal the rich cultural heritage of southern India. Along the way, discover the colonial streets of Fort Kochi, witness the artistry of Kathakali and Mohiniattam performances, cruise through peaceful backwaters, and visit ancient temples, churches, and villages that have flourished along these waterways for generations. Whether you're seeking a shorter introduction to Kerala or looking to combine your cruise with a wider journey across India, these itineraries offer an immersive look into of one of the country's most captivating regions.
Highlights
• Cruise Kerala’s scenic backwaters, winding through coconut groves, rice paddies and traditional villages.
• Discover Kerala’s rich cultural heritage, from ancient temples and local rituals to traditional Kalaripayattu martial arts and classical dance.
• Experience authentic village life and local craftsmanship, with opportunities to meet rural communities and learn traditional pottery techniques.
Embark by 1200 at Alleppey (Alappuzha), colloquially known as the "Venice of the East" due to its vast network of canals. After lunch explore Alleppy individually or 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.
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).
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Main Deck Twin Sharing
Upper Deck Twin Sharing
Main Deck Twin Single Use
Upper Deck Twin Single Use
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Main Deck Twin Sharing
Upper Deck Twin Sharing
Main Deck Twin Single Use
Upper Deck Twin Single Use
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Main Deck Twin Sharing
Upper Deck Twin Sharing
Main Deck Twin Single Use
Upper Deck Twin Single Use
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Book now |
Main Deck Twin Sharing
Upper Deck Twin Sharing
Main Deck Twin Single Use
Upper Deck Twin Single Use
|
Book now |
Main Deck Twin Sharing
Upper Deck Twin Sharing
Main Deck Twin Single Use
Upper Deck Twin Single Use
|
Book now |
Main Deck Twin Sharing
Upper Deck Twin Sharing
Main Deck Twin Single Use
Upper Deck Twin Single Use
|
Book now |
Main Deck Twin Sharing
Upper Deck Twin Sharing
Main Deck Twin Single Use
Upper Deck Twin Single Use
|
Book now |
Main Deck Twin Sharing
Upper Deck Twin Sharing
Main Deck Twin Single Use
Upper Deck Twin Single Use
|
Book now |
Main Deck Twin Sharing
Upper Deck Twin Sharing
Main Deck Twin Single Use
Upper Deck Twin Single Use
|
Book now |
Main Deck Twin Sharing
Upper Deck Twin Sharing
Main Deck Twin Single Use
Upper Deck Twin Single Use
|
Book now |
Main Deck Twin Sharing
Upper Deck Twin Sharing
Main Deck Twin Single Use
Upper Deck Twin Single Use
|
Book now |
Main Deck Twin Sharing
Upper Deck Twin Sharing
Main Deck Twin Single Use
Upper Deck Twin Single Use
|
Book now |
Main Deck Twin Sharing
Upper Deck Twin Sharing
Main Deck Twin Single Use
Upper Deck Twin Single Use
|
Book now |
Main Deck Twin Sharing
Upper Deck Twin Sharing
Main Deck Twin Single Use
Upper Deck Twin Single Use
|
Book now |
Main Deck Twin Sharing
Upper Deck Twin Sharing
Main Deck Twin Single Use
Upper Deck Twin Single Use
|
Book now |
Main Deck Twin Sharing
Upper Deck Twin Sharing
Main Deck Twin Single Use
Upper Deck Twin Single Use
|
Book now |
Main Deck Twin Sharing
Upper Deck Twin Sharing
Main Deck Twin Single Use
Upper Deck Twin Single Use
|
Book now |
Main Deck Twin Sharing
Upper Deck Twin Sharing
Main Deck Twin Single Use
Upper Deck Twin Single Use
|
Book now |
Main Deck Twin Sharing
Upper Deck Twin Sharing
Main Deck Twin Single Use
Upper Deck Twin Single Use
|
Book now |
Main Deck Twin Sharing
Upper Deck Twin Sharing
Main Deck Twin Single Use
Upper Deck Twin Single Use
Vessel Type: Small Ship
Passenger Capacity: 20
Built: 2026
Launching in December 2026, Kerala Pandaw is a purpose-built river vessel designed for cruising the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, while retaining the classic Pandaw style with wraparound promenade decks and elegant teak-and-brass finishes. With just 10 cabins—four on the upper deck and six on the main deck—she offers an intimate, boutique experience. Each spacious stateroom features panoramic French windows, air conditioning, premium linens, ensuite amenities, and thoughtful touches such as a Nespresso machine, complimentary minibar, yoga mats, and nightly turndown service, creating a refined yet relaxed onboard atmosphere.
Onboard life centres around personalised service, with a local master chef and international culinary team delivering tailored dining experiences, including themed dinners, open-air dining, and an extensive wine selection. Guests can unwind in the open-air lounge and library or enjoy seamless, well-supported excursions with guided tours, refreshments, and attentive care throughout. With a highly trained crew, strong safety standards, and a focus on comfort, culture, and detail, Kerala Pandaw offers a distinctive and immersive way to explore the waterways of southern India.
Vessel Type: Small Ship River Cruise
Passenger Capacity: 10
The RV Kochi Pandaw, launched in November 2025, is designed specifically for the backwaters of Kerala, accommodating 20 guests across ten staterooms—four on the upper deck and six on the main deck. Each 170 sq ft cabin is finished in teak and brass, featuring panoramic French windows, air-conditioning, Nespresso machine, minibar with complimentary drinks, spa-branded amenities, premium mattresses with dual pillow options, yoga mats, electric safe, multi-configuration plugs, hair dryer, nightly turndown service, and 24-hour laundry service. Complimentary evening canapés are provided, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout the voyage.
Dining is bistro-style with al fresco options, led by a local master chef and international culinary team, offering personalized service, lean menu options, local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas, and an extensive premium wine list. Social events include welcome drinks, farewell reception, and themed or gala dinners, while public spaces feature open-air lounges and bars. Excursions are supported with bottled water, aluminium water bottles, cold towels, shoe cleaning, refreshing drinks, and first aid-trained assistant guides. Safety and security are maintained with certified crew, fire systems, an expert marine superintendent, and a 24-hour watch, supported by a full onboard team including captain, river pilot, officers, engineers, chefs, housekeeping, bar staff, and local guides.
Inclusions
• Welcome cocktail party
• Signature hors d’oeuvres at cocktails each evening
• Afternoon tea with cakes or cookies when cruising
• Celebration cake and gift on birthdays and anniversaries
• Cookery demonstrations and classes using local produce
• All scheduled excursions
• At least two cultural performances per cruise
• Tour of the engine rooms, galley and working parts of the ship
• Film presentations on local culture and history
• Local mineral water
• Cold towels on deck all day
• Jugged coffee, tea and tisanes on deck from sunrise till sunset
• Crew gratuities are included in your cruise program price
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Exclusions
• International and domestic flights
• Travel insurance
• Passport and visa costs
• Port taxes where applicable
• Gratuities for land guides/drivers
• Spa service including foot, head and body massages (Mekong only)
• Personal laundry service
• Local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes are all complimentary. All other drinks will be charged.
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Small Ship Cruise
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