Pandaw Announces New Kerala Backwaters Cruise Ship and Itinerary for 2025

In response to growing demand for river cruising in India, Pandaw, a specialist in Asian river cruises, has unveiled a new ship and itinerary launching in October 2025. The Kochi Pandaw, with ten cabins, will be Pandaw’s fourth ship in India and is specifically designed for the Kerala Backwaters. It will feature the classic Pandaw cabin design and wraparound promenade decks that guests love.

The Kochi Pandaw will offer a seven-night round-trip itinerary from Kochi, exploring the 900km of waterways that make up the famous Kerala Backwaters. Weekly departures will take passengers through both popular towns and remote areas, with highlights including visits to Thanneermukkom, Nattakam, Kavalam, Allapuzha, Thottapalli, and Perumpalam.

Highlights of the Kerala Backwaters Itinerary

• Kochi: Explore Fort Kochi, St. Louis’s Church, and historic Jew Town, home to the ancient Paradesi Synagogue. Guests can also visit local markets, the Shiva Temple, and learn traditional fishing techniques using Chinese nets and fish traps.

• Thanneermukkom Bund: Witness India’s largest mud regulator, which separates Lake Vembanad into two halves.

• Thanneermukkom: Experience the unique culture of a Syrian Christian village with its historic churches, architecture, and local traditions.

• Kumarakom: Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary followed by a trip to the Craft Museum, which showcases Kerala’s rich artisanal heritage, including wood carvings, textiles, and pottery.

• Nattakam: Explore the historic Munroe Lighthouse for panoramic views of Kerala’s coastline, the Arabian Sea, and its maritime history.

• Kavalam: Discover the traditional craft of boat building at a local boatyard before visiting Allapphuza Harbour, a bustling hub of backwater activity with traditional houseboats and vibrant fishing culture.

• Allapuzha: Sail the Pampa River and visit the ancestral home of Kuriakose Elias Chavara, a revered saint and social reformer, before exploring one of India’s oldest churches, St. Mary’s Basilica. The tour also includes a stop at Karumadi Kuttan, a 9th-century black stone Buddha.

• Perumpalam: Return along the Pampa River and visit Perumpalam Bhagavathy Temple. Explore the ancient village of Mannar, renowned for its metalwork, where you can observe traditional lamp and bell casting.

About Pandaw

Pandaw is the pioneer of boutique river expeditions throughout Southeast Asia. The unique design of Pandaw’s small but powerful shallow-draft ships, beautifully hand-crafted in teak and brass, allows them to sail through a tapestry of remote rivers and coastal routes in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, China and India.

The original company, known as the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company, founded in 1865, was acquired by Paul and Roser Strachan in 1995. Renamed Pandaw, following the discovery and acquisition of this last remaining Clyde-built steamer, the company has consistently cruised through new frontiers, pushing the boundaries beyond its original home of Burma. Pandaw brought its unique concept and style to expeditions along the Mekong River through Indochina in 2003, and pioneered the first routes on both the Red River in Northern Vietnam and the Upper Mekong through Laos into China in 2015.

Pandaw believes in giving back to society. Paul Strachan, Founder & CEO, established the Pandaw charity in 2008 to support education and healthcare efforts in Burma. The charity is entirely sponsored by donations from Pandaw passengers and a profit share from Pandaw’s expeditions.

Exclusive Cruise Packages with Fred. Holidays

UK travellers can book this unique cruise experience through Fred. Holidays, Pandaw’s General Sales Agent (GSA) in the UK. Weekly departures are available from September to November 2025 and January to March 2026. Packages start from £4,999 per person, which includes:

• Return flights from London (regional flights available on request)

• Overseas airport transfers

• One night in a five-star hotel in Kochi

• Seven-night cruise with all meals, excursions, and activities

• Complimentary drinks package

For more information or to make a reservation, call Fred. Holidays at 0800 988 3369 or visit www.fredholidays.co.uk.

Discover the Kerala Backwaters in 2025

The Kochi Pandaw promises an unforgettable journey through the serene and culturally rich Kerala Backwaters. With its luxurious accommodations and expertly curated excursions, this river cruise offers a perfect blend of relaxation and discovery, highlighting the best of Kerala’s natural beauty, history, and heritage.