A new Pandaw ship in India is slated to sail Kerala’s backwaters next year.
Pandaw has revealed its plans to launch a fourth ship in India to sail the backwaters of Kerala from October 2025, which can only be due to increasing demand for river cruising in the region.
The new build, 10-cabin ship, Kochi Pandaw, will include the classic Pandaw cabin design and wraparound promenade decks to allow passengers to take in the incredible diverse culture and scenery along the South Indian coastline.
According to a report in Travel Agent Central, the new ship will offer an “eight-day round trip from Kochi port taking in the main towns and remote areas of the backwaters with nearly 560 miles of waterways that connect rivers with lakes”.
Cruises will include excursions to local temples, churches and beaches along the Malabar coast. Travel Agent Central notes that it is likely Pandaw customers may combine the new itinerary with a river expedition on the Ganges or Brahmaputra, both tours already popular amongst river cruisers.
Pandaw wins back customers
Pandaw has had highs and lows in recent years, having had to call in liquidators in 2021 due to a lack of funding and Covid19. It has since risen back from the dead and is investing in new ships and opening up new routes.
Pandaw has also launched new itineraries sailing The Ganges and Brahmaputra. The new 7-night Brahmaputra tour takes in stunning scenery, dramatic wildlife and colourful working villages. Guests begin their journey in Guwahati where you will sail past Peacock Island, witness the endangered Golden Langur monkey and as they head towards Silghat where if you’re lucky you will observe river dolphins and birds of prey. Pandaw also has a new 10-night Full Brahmaputra tour on offer as well.
The new 14-night All Ganges river cruise starts at either Kolkata or Varanasi and sails on the Ganges River. The Katha Pandaw will visit over 20 towns and villages, including places of sacred importance, battlefields, working villages and the world’s largest opium factory to name a few before ending at Varanasi or Kolkata.
India’s Ganges River also a hit with cruisers
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises also operate in India on its India & the Sacred Ganges tour. Taking in numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites — particularly in the Golden Triangle — made up of New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, the itinerary includes visiting the beautiful Taj Mahal, Humayun’s Tomb and The Amber Palace.
