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The Mighty Brahmaputra & Kerala Backwaters – India River Cruise

The Mighty Brahmaputra & Kerala Backwaters – India River Cruise

From AUD $17,776

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Description

Exploring the far extremes of India from the North-East Assam region to the South-West Kerala, this combo cruise takes you 3,000 KM on two distinct small ship river expeditions in the lesser visited parts of the country. Combining Pandaw’s popular expedition along the wild Brahmaputra River with our newest itinerary sailing the backwaters of Kerala, embark on an adventure not to be missed with Pandaw.

Trip Name
The Mighty Brahmaputra & Kerala Backwaters - India River Cruise
Days
16
Overview
Vessel Type: River Boat Length: 57 metres Passenger Capacity: 36 Built / refurbished: 2014 The RV Kindat Pandaw, launched in Myanmar in 2014, is a shallow-draft river expedition vessel measuring 56.63 m in length with a 10 m beam and 1.1 m draft, designed to navigate virtually anywhere along the river. Accommodating 36 guests in 18 teak-and-brass staterooms, the vessel offers panoramic French windows, air-conditioning, Nespresso machines, minibars with complimentary drinks, spa-branded amenities, premium mattresses, yoga mats, and nightly turndown service. Cabins are split between eight upper deck and ten main deck staterooms, providing a blend of intimacy and space, while multi-configuration plugs, hair dryers, and electric safes ensure convenience. Complimentary evening canapés, 24-hour laundry, and expedition flasks enhance onboard comfort. Dining is flexible with a bistro-style space offering both indoor and outdoor seating, supplemented by semi-buffet breakfasts and lunches, theme dinners, and lean menu options. Guests enjoy local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas, and an extensive wine list, with welcome and farewell cocktails enhancing the social experience. Public spaces include a library, onboard bakery, and 24-hour hospitality bar. Excursions are supported with bottled water, cold towels, shoe cleaning, first aid-trained guides, and quality mountain bikes for independent exploration. Safety is maintained with certified crew, fire systems, 24-hour watch, and a full complement of officers, chefs, guides, and housekeeping staff.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 GUWAHATI
Embark you Pandaw vessel in Guwahati, gateway to Assam. Meet your crew for the next 7-nights and set sail upstream onto the Mighty Brahmaputra River.
Day 2 - DAY 2 SUTARGAON RIVER VILLAGE
Today we stop at a local village consisting of migrant populations that have settled and been provided with official status by the government. Their charming village is the perfect place to learn about life along such a dramatically changeable river.
Day 3 - DAY 3 SILGHAT AND SAFARI
Setting sail early morning we reach Silghat, at the doorstep of Kaziranga National Park. We make our first venture into this park in the afternoon in search of the reserve’s most famous inhabitant, the Royal Bengal Tigers for which the park boasts the highest density of any place in the world. Tiger spotting is extremely rare but chances to see Kaziranga’s other famous inhabitants are abundant.
Day 4 - DAY 4 KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK
We leave the ship in the early morning for our second Jeep safari into Kaziranga National Park. Mornings are the perfect time to spot the Indian One-Horned Rhinos, Buffalos, Elephants plus a host of birdlife, including hornbills and kingfishers. Following your safari, we visit a typical Assamese tea garden and learn about the process from bush to cup. After lunch onboard we sail downstream toward Tezpur and if time permits, visit Bamuni Hills, a 9th century temple complex that lies in ruins overlooking the town.
Day 5 - DAY 5 NAMERI NATIONAL PARK
After an early breakfast we head ashore and drive north toward the state of Arunachal Pradesh to explore our second national Park – Nameri National Park. Here we take a float trip down the Jia – Bhoreli River of around 2 hours and enjoy the abundant birdlife and breathtaking scenery backdropped by the Blue Hills in the Eastern Himalayan range. We return for lunch onboard and set sail downstream.
Day 6 - DAY 6 MYSTICAL MAYANG
Stepping ashore in Mayang, a sizeable village along the shores of the Brahmaputra, we learn about the history of magic and sorcery that was prevalent in the region. We visit the fascinating Mayang museum which explains how various mantras were used for anything from curing ailments to identifying a thief. We are then welcomed into the home of a local Mayang resident for a discussion and perhaps demonstration of some tricks.
Day 7 - DAY 7 SUALKUCHI SILK WEAVING VILLAGE
Sualkuchi is a major centre for weaving in Assam. Here we learn about the entire silk making production from the cocoon, to spinning and weaving to make the typical saree worn by local women. There is a chance to buy some local silken souvenirs and experience a traditional folk dance before we return to the ship by electric rickshaw.
Day 8 - DAY 8 GUWAHATI
After breakfast, disembark the ship 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 9 - DAY 9 ARRIVE KOCHI
Transfer to Maradu port 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 10 - DAY 10 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 11 - DAY 11 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 12 - DAY 12 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 13 - DAY 13 ALLAPUZHA - THOTTAPALLI
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 14 - DAY 14 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 15 - DAY 15 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 16 - DAY 16 RETURN - KOCHI FOR DISEMBARKATION
Dissembarkation and transfers to the Cochi International Airport.
Day 17 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
15-03-202630-03-2026AUD $17,776Main Deck Twin Sharing
15-03-202630-03-2026AUD $21,332Main Deck Twin Single Use
15-03-202630-03-2026AUD $22,221Upper Deck Twin Sharing
15-03-202630-03-2026AUD $26,665Upper Deck Twin Single Use
23-02-202710-03-2027AUD $19,404Main Deck Twin Sharing
23-02-202710-03-2027AUD $23,285Main Deck Twin Single Use
23-02-202710-03-2027AUD $24,255Upper Deck Twin Sharing
23-02-202710-03-2027AUD $29,106Upper Deck Twin Single Use

Inclusions

    • Explore Kaziranga National Park, home to Bengal Tigers and One-Horned Rhinos.
    • Visit Sualkuchi Silk Weaving Village, famous for Assam's traditional silk sarees.
    • Experience the rich Christian heritage of Kerala at St. Mary’s Basilica and Kuriakose Elias Chavara's ancestral home.

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