Pandaw Cruises has announced the launch of a new riverboat for the Kerala backwaters in South India, scheduled for debut in October 2025.
The 10-cabin ship RV Kochi Pandaw will be custom-built for this unique route while preserving the traditional Pandaw design, including classic staterooms and wraparound promenade decks. This will be Pandaw's 4th ship in India, underscoring the growing demand for river cruises in the region.
Constructed at a shipyard in Cochin/Kochi under the guidance of Pandaw’s build team and local naval architects, RV Kochi Pandaw reflects a collaboration aimed at offering an authentic and seamless cruising experience. The boat will serve an 8-day circular itinerary from Kochi, navigating through the extensive network of Kerala's backwaters, spanning ~900 kilometers of interconnected waterways/rivers and lakes.
Tourists will explore a diverse range of cultural and scenic locations, including ancient churches, Hindu temples, artisan villages, and the renowned beaches of the Malabar Coast. The Kochi Pandaw aims to attract both new travelers and Pandaw regulars, many of whom are expected to combine this journey with other popular expeditions on the Ganges or Brahmaputra rivers.
RV Kochi Pandaw will depart weekly, with Cochin International Airport offering easy flight connections to Europe, South-East Asia, and major Indian cities.
Prices for the 7-night itinerary start at US$4,950 per person.