Slated to launch in October 2025 is Pandaw’s new vessel for the backwaters of Kerala in South India: the ten-cabin Kochi Pandaw.
Specifically designed for this particular route, the Kochi Pandaw is the river cruise line’s fourth ship in India and was built to keep up with the country’s growing demand for river cruise vessels.
The Kochi Pandaw’s unique design is the result of a collaboration between Pandaw managers and Kochi based specialist naval architects. Nevertheless, this vessel retains the much-loved classic Pandaw cabin and wrap round promenade decks, enabling it to keep the cruise line’s signature look.
According to Pandaw founder Paul Strachan: “We have long dreamed putting a Pandaw into the wondrous Kerala backwaters, no ship in design and style could be more perfect for this than one of our smaller Pandaws, with their social atmosphere and impeccable service levels.”
An extraordinary river journey
Once it’s up and running, 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 900 km of waterways that connect rivers with lakes.
The Kerala backwaters offer an incredible diversity of culture in addition to breathtaking scenery, beaches and its own cuisine. There will be exciting visits to ancient churches, Hindu temples, artisan villages, and the legendary beaches of the Malabar coast.
It is anticipated that many Pandaw regulars will combine this route with a river expedition on the Ganges or Brahamputra, where Pandaw is well established as the premier operator.
