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Peregrine Travel Centre

The Ganges & Kerala Backwaters – India River Cruise

The Ganges & Kerala Backwaters – India River Cruise

From AUD $24,876

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Description

Embark on an unforgettable 22-night journey that seamlessly blends the spiritual and scenic wonders of India. Begin your adventure cruising along the sacred Ganges River, where you’ll witness the vibrant life along its banks. As you transition to the serene Kerala Backwaters with our included flight and hotel, you’ll glide through lush landscapes, coconut groves, and tranquil canals, immersing yourself in the natural beauty and traditional lifestyle of this enchanting region. This unique combination cruise offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery, promising an experience of a lifetime.

Trip Name
The Ganges & Kerala Backwaters - India River Cruise
Days
23
Overview
Vessel Type: River Boat Length: 57 metres Passenger Capacity: 36 Built / refurbished: 2014 The RV Kalaw Pandaw, sister ship to the Kindat and identical in design, was launched in 2014 and carries with it a rich history. Named after the original PS Kalaw from 1917, which was sunk during the Second World War, her legacy was revived when Paul Strachan salvaged the vessel’s name plate and bell in 1998—the former now proudly displayed on board. This ultra-light ship is specially crafted with one of the shallowest draughts on the river, ensuring smooth navigation, while also offering one of the highest passenger space ratios afloat. With just 18 staterooms accommodating 36 guests, she provides an intimate, elegant cruising experience along the rivers of Myanmar. On board, guests enjoy thoughtfully designed teak and brass staterooms with panoramic French windows, premium amenities, and attentive service. Dining is a highlight, with a bistro-style restaurant led by a local master chef and an international team, offering semi-buffet meals, themed dinners, and freshly baked breads. Cultural performances, cooking classes, and educational talks enrich the journey, while shore excursions are complemented by cold towels, refreshments, and expert local guides. With exceptional service, comfortable public spaces, and a focus on both safety and hospitality, the RV Kalaw Pandaw delivers a refined yet authentic river cruise experience.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 KOLKATA - BARRACKPORE
Transfer from your hotel or airport in Kolkata to embark and sail at noon. Sail past the old Danish colony of Serampore to Barrackpore to land and take a walk through the cantonment - past the Semaphore Tower, Government House, the Temple of Fame and Flagstaff House.
Day 2 - DAY 2 CHANDENAGORE
Continue sailing upstream to Chandernagore, a French possession until 1950. Visit the 18th century church and Dupleix’s House, erstwhile Governor-General of French India.
Day 3 - DAY 3 KALNA
After breakfast sail upstream and land at the country town of Kalna and take rickshaws to see a group of some of Bengal’s most attractive terracotta temples, as well as the unique Shiva temple with concentric rings made up of 108 lesser shrines. Sail on through the night to a mooring near Matiari.
Day 4 - DAY 4 MAYAPUR
Explore the village of Mayapur, the headquarters of the ISKCON movement with a new temple comparable in size to the Vatican and largely funded by Alfred B. Ford, the great grandson of car maker Henry Ford. Meet Krishna followers and walk through the pilgrims’ bazaar.
Day 5 - DAY 5 MATIARI
Visit the brass-working village of Matiari, a charming riverside village. Interact with the locals of Matiari and witness the whole primitive process of beating out brass water pots and other vessels. Continue cruising upstream and time permitting visit the battlefield of Plassey where, in 1757, Robert Clive, the Commander-in-Chief of British India, defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal, to change the course of Indian history. Moor close to Murshidabad for the night.
Day 6 - DAY 6 MURSHIDABAD
This morning, walk to the Khushbagh, a peaceful Mughal-style garden that encloses the tombs of Siraj-ud-Daulah – the last independent Nawab of Bengal – and his family. Continue a little way upstream to where the great Hazarduari Palace dominates the waterfront. Built by an English architect in 1837, the palace hosts an extensive collection of pictures, china, weapons and other objects. Carry on to visit the great Katra Mosque and Nashipara Palace before driving out to see the Katgola Palace. Built in classical Georgian style by rich local merchants, Katgola Palace represents the other side of the coin of the 'White Mughal' period when English and Indian cultures came close to fusion. Moor overnight on the riverbank across from town.
Day 7 - DAY 7 AJIMGANJ - FARAKKA
Continue up the Hoogly which transforms into a charming waterway twisting and turning between banks lined with mustard fields and mango orchards. Morning walk through the fields of the delightfully sleepy village of Baranagar to visit its three gorgeous miniature terracotta temples. This is rural India at its most idyllic. Visit the Jain temples at Azimganj before continuing on to the Farakka Barrage.
Day 8 - DAY 8 FARAKKA - RAJMAHAL
Today pass through the Farraka Barrage onto the Ganges proper. In the afternoon we explore the quaint town of Rajmahal.
Day 9 - DAY 9 SAILING
We sail up the mighty Ganges river toward the confluence with the Koshi river. Stop along the way for a short village walk and enjoy our onboard entertainment.
Day 10 - DAY 10 BHAGLAPUR – SULTANGANJ
We sail early morning toward Bhaglapur, a hub of silk production. We witness the silk weaving and explore this small town before returning to the ship for lunch. In the afternoon we visit Sultanganj with its pair of great granite rocks, one crowned with a mosque and the other a small temple dating from the 16th century.
Day 11 - DAY 11 MUNGER
Munger is now a large and industrialised city but has an interesting history. In 1762, Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Bengal, shifted his capital from Murshidabad to Munger, and established a firearms manufacturing centre here. Explore the Mughal fort, East India Company cemetery and step inside the Bihar School of Yoga founded in 1964 by Satyananda Saraswati. One of the leading yoga schools in the country. The institution has developed yogic techniques through a synthesis of traditional yogic, vedantic and tantric practices and contemporary health science.
Day 12 - DAY 12 MOKAMA
Stop at Mokama, once home to Jim Corbett the naturalist and protector of the Indian tigers. Surrounded by farmlands, Mokama has the second hightest production of lentils in the country. Learn about the freedom fighters from Mokama such as Lalldin Saheb, whose during the freedom struggle was sentenced to jail during the British rule.
Day 13 - DAY 13 BARH
Explore Barh, a town famous for Hindu ritual cremation at Urmanath and the Alakhnath Temple.
Day 14 - DAY 14 PATNA
Enjoy a city tour of Patna, capital of Bihar state including a visit to The Golghar, a large stupa styled granary built in 1786. Farewell dinner with your crew.
Day 15 - DAY 15 PATNA TO KOCHI
Disembark your Pandaw vessel and transfer to the airport for your flight to Kochi. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure with overnight in a hotel in Kochi.
Day 16 - DAY 16 ARRIVE KOCHI
Transfer to Maradu port and board RV Kochi Pandaw. After lunch set off for an orientation tour of Kochi, the exotic capital of Kerala state on the Malabar Coast.
Day 17 - DAY 17 KOCHI
Visit Fort Kochi, St Louis’s church and Jew Town with its old Paradesi synagogue, museums, the Shiva temple, markets and much else. Afternoon sail to a village of coir weavers/shell harvesters and see many indigenous techniques of local fishing by small scale Chinese nets and fish traps.
Day 18 - DAY 18 THE THANNERMEKKOM BUND
The Syrian Village in Kerala showcases a unique blend of traditional Syrian Christian culture and heritage. Explore its distinctive architecture, historic churches, and local customs. This village offers a glimpse into the rich, diverse cultural tapestry of Kerala's Syrian Christian community.In the afternoon visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary followed by the Craft Museum, showcasing Kerala’s rich artisanal heritage. Explore traditional crafts, including intricate wood carvings, handwoven textiles, and vibrant pottery. This museum offers a unique glimpse into the region's cultural craftsmanship and artistic traditions.
Day 19 - DAY 19 NATTAKAM
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.
Day 20 - DAY 20 KAVALAM
At this fishing village canals meet and here experience traditional Kerala life. Explore the picturesque waterways, bustling fishing activities, and authentic village charmOn 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. This lively port offers a glimpse into the local maritime culture and the scenic beauty of the region’s interconnected waterways.
Day 21 - DAY 21 ALLAPUZHA - THOTTAPALLI
Sail the Pampa River and visit ancestral home of Kuriakose Elias Chavara, the birthplace of this revered saint and social reformer, 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 is one of the oldest churches in India. Renowned for its impressive Gothic architecture, the basilica features intricate stained-glass windows, soaring spires, and detailed frescoes. The basilica is a major pilgrimage site, drawing visitors for its annual feast of the Virgin Mary. Nearby, is the Karumadi Kuttan, a monumental black stone Buddha that dates to the 9th century, reflecting the region's ancient Buddhist influences.Evening moor in Thottapalli where it is a short stroll to the glistening white beaches.
Day 22 - DAY 22 PERUMPALAM
After a morning walk on the beach at Thottapalli return up the Pampa River to re-enter the Venband Lake and on to Perumpalam Bhagavathy Temple, a notable temple with female priests it is renowned for its unique practice of women priests. Then visit the ancient village of Mannar, known for its metal work. Watch the casting of traditional lamps, ornate locks, bells, cauldrons, and various vessels used in temples.
Day 23 - DAY 23 RETURN - KOCHI FOR DISEMBARKATION
Dissembarkation and transfers to the Cochi International Airport.
Day 24 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
08-11-202530-11-2025AUD $24,876Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
08-11-202530-11-2025AUD $29,852Main Deck Twin Single Use
08-11-202530-11-2025AUD $31,095Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From
08-11-202530-11-2025AUD $37,315Upper Deck Twin Single Use

Inclusions

    • Explore the ISKCON headquarters in Mayapur, home to a massive temple comparable in size to the Vatican.
    • Visit Barh, known for Hindu ritual cremation at Urmanath and the Alakhnath Temple.
    • Discover Perumpalam’s Bhagavathy Temple with its female priests, and explore the metalwork traditions in the nearby village of Mannar.

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