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Kerala Backwaters India Short Cruise

Kerala Backwaters India Short Cruise

From AUD $3,964

Description

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.

Trip Name
Kerala Backwaters India Short Cruise
Days
4
Overview
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.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Alappuzha - Thottapally
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.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Mannarashala & Kuppapuram
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.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Vadayar Rural Pottery Hub
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.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Return to Kochi for Disembarkation
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).
Day 5 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
14-11-202618-11-2026AUD $6,739Main Deck Twin Sharing
14-11-202618-11-2026AUD $8,221Upper Deck Twin Sharing
14-11-202618-11-2026AUD $10,108Main Deck Twin Single Use
14-11-202618-11-2026AUD $12,320Upper Deck Twin Single Use
18-11-202621-11-2026AUD $4,757Main Deck Twin Sharing
18-11-202621-11-2026AUD $5,804Upper Deck Twin Sharing
18-11-202621-11-2026AUD $7,135Main Deck Twin Single Use
18-11-202621-11-2026AUD $8,705Upper Deck Twin Single Use
22-11-202626-11-2026AUD $9,267Main Deck Twin Single Use
22-11-202626-11-2026AUD $11,294Upper Deck Twin Single Use
22-11-202626-11-2026AUD $6,177Main Deck Twin Sharing
22-11-202626-11-2026AUD $7,536Upper Deck Twin Sharing
26-11-202629-11-2026AUD $4,360Main Deck Twin Sharing
26-11-202629-11-2026AUD $5,320Upper Deck Twin Sharing
26-11-202629-11-2026AUD $6,541Main Deck Twin Single Use
26-11-202629-11-2026AUD $7,980Upper Deck Twin Single Use
20-01-202724-01-2027AUD $6,418Main Deck Twin Sharing
20-01-202724-01-2027AUD $7,830Upper Deck Twin Sharing
20-01-202724-01-2027AUD $9,627Main Deck Twin Single Use
20-01-202724-01-2027AUD $11,733Upper Deck Twin Single Use
24-01-202727-01-2027AUD $4,530Main Deck Twin Sharing
24-01-202727-01-2027AUD $5,527Upper Deck Twin Sharing
24-01-202727-01-2027AUD $6,795Main Deck Twin Single Use
24-01-202727-01-2027AUD $8,290Upper Deck Twin Single Use
28-01-202701-02-2027AUD $6,418Main Deck Twin Sharing
28-01-202701-02-2027AUD $7,830Upper Deck Twin Sharing
28-01-202701-02-2027AUD $9,627Main Deck Twin Single Use
28-01-202701-02-2027AUD $11,733Upper Deck Twin Single Use
01-02-202704-02-2027AUD $4,530Main Deck Twin Sharing
01-02-202704-02-2027AUD $5,527Upper Deck Twin Sharing
01-02-202704-02-2027AUD $6,795Main Deck Twin Single Use
01-02-202704-02-2027AUD $8,290Upper Deck Twin Single Use
06-02-202710-02-2027AUD $5,616Main Deck Twin Sharing
06-02-202710-02-2027AUD $6,851Upper Deck Twin Sharing
06-02-202710-02-2027AUD $8,423Main Deck Twin Single Use
06-02-202710-02-2027AUD $10,267Upper Deck Twin Single Use
10-02-202713-02-2027AUD $3,964Main Deck Twin Sharing
10-02-202713-02-2027AUD $4,836Upper Deck Twin Sharing
10-02-202713-02-2027AUD $5,946Main Deck Twin Single Use
10-02-202713-02-2027AUD $7,255Upper Deck Twin Single Use
14-02-202718-02-2027AUD $5,616Main Deck Twin Sharing
14-02-202718-02-2027AUD $6,851Upper Deck Twin Sharing
14-02-202718-02-2027AUD $8,423Main Deck Twin Single Use
14-02-202718-02-2027AUD $10,267Upper Deck Twin Single Use
18-02-202721-02-2027AUD $3,964Main Deck Twin Sharing
18-02-202721-02-2027AUD $4,836Upper Deck Twin Sharing
18-02-202721-02-2027AUD $5,946Main Deck Twin Single Use
18-02-202721-02-2027AUD $7,255Upper Deck Twin Single Use
20-02-202724-02-2027AUD $6,418Main Deck Twin Sharing
20-02-202724-02-2027AUD $7,830Upper Deck Twin Sharing
20-02-202724-02-2027AUD $9,627Main Deck Twin Single Use
20-02-202724-02-2027AUD $11,733Upper Deck Twin Single Use
22-02-202726-02-2027AUD $5,616Main Deck Twin Sharing
22-02-202726-02-2027AUD $6,851Upper Deck Twin Sharing
22-02-202726-02-2027AUD $8,423Main Deck Twin Single Use
22-02-202726-02-2027AUD $10,267Upper Deck Twin Single Use
24-02-202727-02-2027AUD $4,530Main Deck Twin Sharing
24-02-202727-02-2027AUD $5,527Upper Deck Twin Sharing
24-02-202727-02-2027AUD $6,795Main Deck Twin Single Use
24-02-202727-02-2027AUD $8,290Upper Deck Twin Single Use
26-02-202701-03-2027AUD $3,964Main Deck Twin Sharing
26-02-202701-03-2027AUD $4,836Upper Deck Twin Sharing
26-02-202701-03-2027AUD $5,946Main Deck Twin Single Use
26-02-202701-03-2027AUD $7,255Upper Deck Twin Single Use
07-03-202711-03-2027AUD $6,418Main Deck Twin Sharing
07-03-202711-03-2027AUD $7,830Upper Deck Twin Sharing
07-03-202711-03-2027AUD $9,627Main Deck Twin Single Use
07-03-202711-03-2027AUD $11,733Upper Deck Twin Single Use
11-03-202714-03-2027AUD $4,530Main Deck Twin Sharing
11-03-202714-03-2027AUD $5,527Upper Deck Twin Sharing
11-03-202714-03-2027AUD $6,795Main Deck Twin Single Use
11-03-202714-03-2027AUD $8,290Upper Deck Twin Single Use

Inclusions

    • 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.

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