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Peregrine Travel Centre

The Kerala Backwaters – India River Cruise

The Kerala Backwaters – India River Cruise

From AUD $7,601

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Description

Launching in October 2025, the ten cabin Kochi Pandaw has been specially designed for this routing, whilst maintaining the much-loved classic Pandaw cabin and wrap round promenade decks. This will be Pandaw’s fourth ship in India and reflects the increasing demand for river cruises in India.
The Kochi Pandaw will operate weekly an eight-day circular itinerary from Kochi port visiting the main towns and remoter areas of the backwaters with its 900km of waterways that connect rivers with lakes. There will be exciting visits to ancient churches, Hindu temples, artisan villages and the legendry beaches of the Malabar coast.
Cochin International Airport has flights connecting to Europe with the Middle Eastern airlines and direct flights to most South-East Asian cities in addition to domestic flights connecting to most major Indian cities.

Trip Name
The Kerala Backwaters - India River Cruise
Days
8
Overview
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.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 ARRIVE KOCHI
We cordially invite our guests to board the RV Kochi Pandaw at the Arookutty Boat Jetty, a historic region once famous for its role in the spice trade between the coast and the hinterland. Following embarkation and lunch on board, we proceed on an afternoon excursion to the Kerala Folklore Museum. This unique architectural venture is constructed using salvage from historic traditional houses across Kerala, preserving the region's rich heritage. We then explore Fort Kochi, a water-bound region reflecting the colonial influences of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. Highlights include St. Francis Church (Vasco da Gama Church)—the oldest European church in India—and a walk through Jew Town to view the historic Paradesi Synagogue and the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, introduced by traders from the court of Kublai Khan in the 14th century. We return to the ship for a Welcome Cocktail and dinner.
Day 2 - DAY 2 VAIKOM - KUMARAKOM
We cast off early toward the Vaikom Terminal. Our morning excursion takes us to the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, a site of immense archaeological and historical importance known as the "Kashi of the South." Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is a classic example of traditional Kerala architecture and is believed in legend to have been built by Parasurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu. We then sail toward Kumarakom, a cluster of scenic islands located on the backdrop of Vembanad Lake. In the late afternoon, we invite you to witness a performance of Kathakali, a classical Indian dance-drama noted for its elaborate make-up, costumes, and detailed gestures that narrate stories from Indian epics.
Day 3 - DAY 3 NATTAKAM
We sail this morning to Nattakam, a serene village known for its lush greenery. We board a traditional country boat (Shikara) for a relaxed sail to the Munroe Lighthouse. Built in 1885, this historic structure guides ships with its striking beacon and offers panoramic views of the Kerala coastline, the Arabian Sea, and the rich maritime history of the region. In the afternoon, we explore Kumarakom, a renowned bird sanctuary and village on Vembanad Lake. Famous for its mangrove forests and paddy fields, this excursion offers an intimate look at village life in the backwaters.
Day 4 - DAY 4 KAINAKARY - KAVALAM
We cast off toward Kainakary, a picturesque village within the Kuttanad region, often called the "Rice Bowl of Kerala." Our morning visit is to the ancestral home of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, a 19th-century saint and social reformer who played a pivotal role in the education and social upliftment of the state. Following lunch, we embark on a village walk through Kavalam. The tour includes a visit to St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Church, an architectural testament to the ancient Christian traditions that have flourished in Kerala since the 1st century AD. The day concludes with a performance of Mohiniattam, the "Dance of the Enchantress," a classical dance form characterised by graceful, swaying movements traditionally performed by women.
Day 5 - DAY 5 ALAPPUZHA - THOTTAPALLY
We sail toward Alleppey (Alappuzha), colloquially known as the "Venice of the East" due to its vast network of canals. Our morning excursion visits the Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum. Established by Betty Karan in honour of her husband, a leading coir industrialist, this private museum houses a magnificent collection of Swarovski crystals, ivory, Tanjore paintings, and porcelain. In the afternoon, we take a scenic 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 6 - DAY 6 ALLEPPEY BACKWATERS
We set sail to explore the scenic Alleppey Backwaters. Our morning excursion visits the Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, an ancient centre of serpent worship nestled in a forest glade. This temple is unique in Hindu culture for having a woman as its chief priestess, a tradition upheld for centuries. In the afternoon, we disembark for a walk through Kuppapuram Village. This offers a genuine opportunity to interact with locals and observe the daily rhythm of life in the Kuttanad region, where farming and fishing are the primary livelihoods.
Day 7 - DAY 7 PERUMPALAM
We cast off toward Pallippuram, a serene area situated on the shores of Vembanad Lake. We visit the historic St. Mary’s Forane Church in Pallippuram. Founded in AD 427, this is one of the most significant Marian shrines in the state, renowned for its ancient origins and beautiful Portuguese-style architectural influences. The afternoon is dedicated to relaxation as we enjoy a peaceful sailing experience through the backwaters, complemented by a soothing massage service available onboard. In the evening, join us for a Farewell Dinner.
Day 8 - DAY 8 RETURN - KOCHI FOR DISEMBARKATION
After a final breakfast on board, we disembark at the Arookutty Boat Jetty.
Day 9 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
08-03-202615-03-2026AUD $9,213Main Deck Twin Sharing
08-03-202615-03-2026AUD $11,056Main Deck Twin Single Use
08-03-202615-03-2026AUD $11,516Upper Deck Twin Sharing
08-03-202615-03-2026AUD $13,819Upper Deck Twin Single Use
16-03-202623-03-2026AUD $9,213Main Deck Twin Sharing
16-03-202623-03-2026AUD $11,056Main Deck Twin Single Use
16-03-202623-03-2026AUD $11,516Upper Deck Twin Sharing
16-03-202623-03-2026AUD $13,819Upper Deck Twin Single Use
23-03-202630-03-2026AUD $11,516Upper Deck Twin Sharing
23-03-202630-03-2026AUD $13,819Upper Deck Twin Single Use
23-03-202630-03-2026AUD $9,213Main Deck Twin Sharing
23-03-202630-03-2026AUD $11,056Main Deck Twin Single Use
22-09-202629-09-2026AUD $8,445Main Deck Twin Sharing
22-09-202629-09-2026AUD $8,445Main Deck Twin Single Use
22-09-202629-09-2026AUD $10,557Upper Deck Twin Sharing
22-09-202629-09-2026AUD $10,557Upper Deck Twin Single Use
29-09-202606-10-2026AUD $8,445Main Deck Twin Sharing
29-09-202606-10-2026AUD $10,134Main Deck Twin Single Use
29-09-202606-10-2026AUD $10,557Upper Deck Twin Sharing
29-09-202606-10-2026AUD $12,669Upper Deck Twin Single Use
07-10-202614-10-2026AUD $7,601Main Deck Twin Sharing
07-10-202614-10-2026AUD $9,121Main Deck Twin Single Use
07-10-202614-10-2026AUD $9,501Upper Deck Twin Sharing
07-10-202614-10-2026AUD $11,402Upper Deck Twin Single Use
14-10-202621-10-2026AUD $8,445Main Deck Twin Sharing
14-10-202621-10-2026AUD $10,134Main Deck Twin Single Use
14-10-202621-10-2026AUD $10,557Upper Deck Twin Sharing
14-10-202621-10-2026AUD $12,669Upper Deck Twin Single Use
22-10-202629-10-2026AUD $7,601Main Deck Twin Sharing
22-10-202629-10-2026AUD $9,121Main Deck Twin Single Use
22-10-202629-10-2026AUD $9,501Upper Deck Twin Sharing
22-10-202629-10-2026AUD $11,402Upper Deck Twin Single Use
30-10-202606-11-2026AUD $8,445Main Deck Twin Single Use
30-10-202606-11-2026AUD $8,445Main Deck Twin Sharing
30-10-202606-11-2026AUD $10,557Upper Deck Twin Sharing
30-10-202606-11-2026AUD $10,557Upper Deck Twin Single Use
07-11-202614-11-2026AUD $8,445Main Deck Twin Sharing
07-11-202614-11-2026AUD $10,134Main Deck Twin Single Use
07-11-202614-11-2026AUD $10,557Upper Deck Twin Sharing
07-11-202614-11-2026AUD $12,669Upper Deck Twin Single Use
14-11-202621-11-2026AUD $9,290Main Deck Twin Sharing
14-11-202621-11-2026AUD $11,148Main Deck Twin Single Use
14-11-202621-11-2026AUD $11,613Upper Deck Twin Sharing
14-11-202621-11-2026AUD $13,935Upper Deck Twin Single Use
22-11-202629-11-2026AUD $8,445Main Deck Twin Sharing
22-11-202629-11-2026AUD $10,134Main Deck Twin Single Use
22-11-202629-11-2026AUD $10,557Upper Deck Twin Sharing
22-11-202629-11-2026AUD $12,669Upper Deck Twin Single Use
30-11-202607-12-2026AUD $9,290Main Deck Twin Sharing
30-11-202607-12-2026AUD $11,148Main Deck Twin Single Use
30-11-202607-12-2026AUD $11,613Upper Deck Twin Sharing
30-11-202607-12-2026AUD $13,935Upper Deck Twin Single Use
21-12-202628-12-2026AUD $8,445Main Deck Twin Sharing
21-12-202628-12-2026AUD $10,134Main Deck Twin Single Use
21-12-202628-12-2026AUD $10,557Upper Deck Twin Sharing
21-12-202628-12-2026AUD $12,669Upper Deck Twin Single Use
29-12-202605-01-2027AUD $7,601Main Deck Twin Sharing
29-12-202605-01-2027AUD $9,121Main Deck Twin Single Use
29-12-202605-01-2027AUD $9,501Upper Deck Twin Sharing
29-12-202605-01-2027AUD $11,402Upper Deck Twin Single Use
13-01-202720-01-2027AUD $8,445Main Deck Twin Sharing
13-01-202720-01-2027AUD $10,134Main Deck Twin Single Use
13-01-202720-01-2027AUD $10,557Upper Deck Twin Sharing
13-01-202720-01-2027AUD $12,669Upper Deck Twin Single Use
20-01-202727-01-2027AUD $9,290Main Deck Twin Sharing
20-01-202727-01-2027AUD $11,148Main Deck Twin Single Use
20-01-202727-01-2027AUD $11,613Upper Deck Twin Sharing
20-01-202727-01-2027AUD $13,935Upper Deck Twin Single Use
28-01-202704-02-2027AUD $7,601Main Deck Twin Sharing
28-01-202704-02-2027AUD $9,121Main Deck Twin Single Use
28-01-202704-02-2027AUD $9,501Upper Deck Twin Sharing
28-01-202704-02-2027AUD $11,402Upper Deck Twin Single Use
04-02-202711-02-2027AUD $10,134Main Deck Twin Sharing
04-02-202711-02-2027AUD $12,161Main Deck Twin Single Use
04-02-202711-02-2027AUD $12,668Upper Deck Twin Sharing
04-02-202711-02-2027AUD $15,202Upper Deck Twin Single Use
12-02-202719-02-2027AUD $10,134Main Deck Twin Sharing
12-02-202719-02-2027AUD $12,161Main Deck Twin Single Use
12-02-202719-02-2027AUD $12,668Upper Deck Twin Sharing
12-02-202719-02-2027AUD $15,202Upper Deck Twin Single Use
20-02-202727-02-2027AUD $8,445Main Deck Twin Sharing
20-02-202727-02-2027AUD $10,134Main Deck Twin Single Use
20-02-202727-02-2027AUD $10,557Upper Deck Twin Sharing
20-02-202727-02-2027AUD $12,669Upper Deck Twin Single Use
27-02-202706-03-2027AUD $10,134Main Deck Twin Sharing
27-02-202706-03-2027AUD $12,161Main Deck Twin Single Use
27-02-202706-03-2027AUD $12,668Upper Deck Twin Sharing
27-02-202706-03-2027AUD $15,202Upper Deck Twin Single Use
07-03-202714-03-2027AUD $7,601Main Deck Twin Sharing
07-03-202714-03-2027AUD $9,121Main Deck Twin Single Use
07-03-202714-03-2027AUD $9,501Upper Deck Twin Sharing
07-03-202714-03-2027AUD $11,402Upper Deck Twin Single Use
15-03-202722-03-2027AUD $8,445Main Deck Twin Sharing
15-03-202722-03-2027AUD $10,134Main Deck Twin Single Use
15-03-202722-03-2027AUD $10,557Upper Deck Twin Sharing
15-03-202722-03-2027AUD $12,669Upper Deck Twin Single Use
01-10-202708-10-2027AUD $8,361Main Deck Twin Sharing
01-10-202708-10-2027AUD $10,034Main Deck Twin Single Use
01-10-202708-10-2027AUD $10,453Upper Deck Twin Sharing
01-10-202708-10-2027AUD $12,541Upper Deck Twin Single Use
09-10-202716-10-2027AUD $9,290Main Deck Twin Sharing
09-10-202716-10-2027AUD $11,149Main Deck Twin Single Use
09-10-202716-10-2027AUD $11,614Upper Deck Twin Sharing
09-10-202716-10-2027AUD $13,934Upper Deck Twin Single Use
17-10-202724-10-2027AUD $9,290Main Deck Twin Sharing
17-10-202724-10-2027AUD $11,149Main Deck Twin Single Use
17-10-202724-10-2027AUD $11,614Upper Deck Twin Sharing
17-10-202724-10-2027AUD $13,934Upper Deck Twin Single Use
25-10-202701-11-2027AUD $9,290Main Deck Twin Sharing
25-10-202701-11-2027AUD $11,149Main Deck Twin Single Use
25-10-202701-11-2027AUD $11,614Upper Deck Twin Sharing
25-10-202701-11-2027AUD $13,934Upper Deck Twin Single Use
02-11-202709-11-2027AUD $9,290Main Deck Twin Sharing
02-11-202709-11-2027AUD $11,149Main Deck Twin Single Use
02-11-202709-11-2027AUD $11,614Upper Deck Twin Sharing
02-11-202709-11-2027AUD $13,934Upper Deck Twin Single Use
10-11-202717-11-2027AUD $9,290Main Deck Twin Sharing
10-11-202717-11-2027AUD $11,149Main Deck Twin Single Use
10-11-202717-11-2027AUD $11,614Upper Deck Twin Sharing
10-11-202717-11-2027AUD $13,934Upper Deck Twin Single Use
18-11-202725-11-2027AUD $9,290Main Deck Twin Sharing
18-11-202725-11-2027AUD $11,149Main Deck Twin Single Use
18-11-202725-11-2027AUD $11,614Upper Deck Twin Sharing
18-11-202725-11-2027AUD $13,934Upper Deck Twin Single Use
26-11-202703-12-2027AUD $9,290Main Deck Twin Sharing
26-11-202703-12-2027AUD $11,149Main Deck Twin Single Use
26-11-202703-12-2027AUD $11,614Upper Deck Twin Sharing
26-11-202703-12-2027AUD $13,934Upper Deck Twin Single Use
20-12-202727-12-2027AUD $9,422Main Deck Twin Sharing
20-12-202727-12-2027AUD $11,307Main Deck Twin Single Use
20-12-202727-12-2027AUD $11,779Upper Deck Twin Sharing
20-12-202727-12-2027AUD $14,132Upper Deck Twin Single Use
28-12-202704-01-2028AUD $9,290Main Deck Twin Sharing
28-12-202704-01-2028AUD $11,149Main Deck Twin Single Use
28-12-202704-01-2028AUD $11,614Upper Deck Twin Sharing
28-12-202704-01-2028AUD $13,934Upper Deck Twin Single Use
05-01-202812-01-2028AUD $8,361Main Deck Twin Sharing
05-01-202812-01-2028AUD $10,034Main Deck Twin Single Use
05-01-202812-01-2028AUD $10,453Upper Deck Twin Sharing
05-01-202812-01-2028AUD $12,541Upper Deck Twin Single Use
13-01-202820-01-2028AUD $9,290Main Deck Twin Sharing
13-01-202820-01-2028AUD $11,149Main Deck Twin Single Use
13-01-202820-01-2028AUD $11,614Upper Deck Twin Sharing
13-01-202820-01-2028AUD $13,934Upper Deck Twin Single Use
21-01-202828-01-2028AUD $9,290Main Deck Twin Sharing
21-01-202828-01-2028AUD $11,149Main Deck Twin Single Use
21-01-202828-01-2028AUD $11,614Upper Deck Twin Sharing
21-01-202828-01-2028AUD $13,934Upper Deck Twin Single Use
29-01-202805-02-2028AUD $9,290Main Deck Twin Sharing
29-01-202805-02-2028AUD $11,149Main Deck Twin Single Use
29-01-202805-02-2028AUD $11,614Upper Deck Twin Sharing
29-01-202805-02-2028AUD $13,934Upper Deck Twin Single Use
06-02-202813-02-2028AUD $9,290Main Deck Twin Sharing
06-02-202813-02-2028AUD $11,149Main Deck Twin Single Use
06-02-202813-02-2028AUD $11,614Upper Deck Twin Sharing
06-02-202813-02-2028AUD $13,934Upper Deck Twin Single Use
14-02-202821-02-2028AUD $9,290Main Deck Twin Sharing
14-02-202821-02-2028AUD $11,149Main Deck Twin Single Use
14-02-202821-02-2028AUD $11,614Upper Deck Twin Sharing
14-02-202821-02-2028AUD $13,934Upper Deck Twin Single Use
22-02-202829-02-2028AUD $9,290Main Deck Twin Sharing
22-02-202829-02-2028AUD $11,149Main Deck Twin Single Use
22-02-202829-02-2028AUD $11,614Upper Deck Twin Sharing
22-02-202829-02-2028AUD $13,934Upper Deck Twin Single Use
01-03-202808-03-2028AUD $9,290Main Deck Twin Sharing
01-03-202808-03-2028AUD $11,149Main Deck Twin Single Use
01-03-202808-03-2028AUD $11,614Upper Deck Twin Sharing
01-03-202808-03-2028AUD $13,934Upper Deck Twin Single Use
09-03-202816-03-2028AUD $9,290Main Deck Twin Sharing
09-03-202816-03-2028AUD $11,149Main Deck Twin Single Use
09-03-202816-03-2028AUD $11,614Upper Deck Twin Sharing
09-03-202816-03-2028AUD $13,934Upper Deck Twin Single Use
17-03-202824-03-2028AUD $9,290Main Deck Twin Sharing
17-03-202824-03-2028AUD $11,149Main Deck Twin Single Use
17-03-202824-03-2028AUD $11,614Upper Deck Twin Sharing
17-03-202824-03-2028AUD $13,934Upper Deck Twin Single Use
25-03-202801-04-2028AUD $8,361Main Deck Twin Sharing
25-03-202801-04-2028AUD $10,034Main Deck Twin Single Use
25-03-202801-04-2028AUD $10,453Upper Deck Twin Sharing
25-03-202801-04-2028AUD $12,541Upper Deck Twin Single Use

Inclusions

    • Board RV Kochi Pandaw and explore Kochi's vibrant culture and history.
    • Experience traditional Kerala life in Kavalam and explore the historic boat-building techniques.
    • Visit St. Mary’s Basilica, an ancient church, and explore Kerala's diverse spiritual heritage.

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