Palakkad, often called the Gateway of Kerala, is a land of lush paddy fields, historical forts, and serene landscapes. Tucked between the Western Ghats, it bridges Kerala with Tamil Nadu through the Palakkad Gap — a natural mountain pass. Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, or spiritual seeker, reaching Palakkad is the first step to discovering a unique slice of South India.
In this detailed guide, we will walk you through all the travel options available to reach Palakkad efficiently — whether you’re planning a road trip, taking a flight, or traveling by train. Let’s get started!
Where is Palakkad Located?
Palakkad is situated in the central region of Kerala, close to the Tamil Nadu border.
- Latitude: 10.7867° N
- Longitude: 76.6548° E
It is roughly:
- 140 km northeast of Kochi
- 50 km west of Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu)
- 350 km southwest of Bengaluru
Because of its strategic location, Palakkad is very well connected by all modes of transport.
Reaching Palakkad by Air
Nearest Airports
1. Coimbatore International Airport (CJB)
2. Cochin International Airport (COK)
-
- Distance to Palakkad: Approx. 120 km
- Driving Time: 2.5–3 hours
- Connectivity: Extensive domestic and international connections.
From the Airport to Palakkad
- By Taxi:
Prepaid taxi counters are available. A taxi ride from Coimbatore Airport costs about ₹1,800–₹2,500 depending on vehicle type. - By Bus:
From Coimbatore, you can take a bus from Gandhipuram Bus Stand (reachable by auto or cab from the airport) directly to Palakkad. - By Train:
Coimbatore Junction railway station (15 minutes from the airport) connects frequently to Palakkad by passenger and express trains.
Pro Tip:
Coimbatore Airport is the most convenient option due to its proximity and fast access to Palakkad.
Reaching Palakkad by Train
Palakkad boasts two main railway stations:
- Palakkad Junction (PGT): Major station for express and long-distance trains.
- Palakkad Town (PGTN): Serves local and regional passenger trains.
Major Train Routes to Palakkad
- From Chennai: Cheran Express, Alleppey Express, Palakkad Express
- From Bengaluru: Kongu Express, Island Express
- From Mumbai: Netravati Express, Mangala Lakshadweep Express
- From Delhi: Kerala Express (via Coimbatore)
- From Kerala cities: Trains from Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode.
Onboard Facilities:
Indian Railways offers:
- Air-conditioned coaches
- Sleeper and seating arrangements
- Pantry car services on major express trains
Booking Your Train Tickets:
- Official website: IRCTC
Pro Tip:
Book your tickets at least 30–45 days in advance, especially if traveling during festivals or holidays.
Reaching Palakkad by Road
If you love scenic drives, a road trip to Palakkad is an unforgettable experience!
By Car
Major Road Routes:
- From Kochi:
Via NH544 – Approx. 3 hours drive (140 km) - From Coimbatore:
Via NH544 – Approx. 1.5 hours drive (50–60 km) - From Bengaluru:
Via NH948 and NH44 – Approx. 7.5–8 hours drive (365 km) - From Chennai:
Via NH44 and NH544 – Approx. 9–10 hours drive (600 km)
Toll Charges:
Expect toll charges ranging from ₹100–₹400 depending on the route.
Self-Drive Rental Options:
- Zoomcar
- Revv
- Myles Cars
Available in nearby cities like Coimbatore and Kochi.
By Bus
Private and Government Buses Operate Regularly:
- KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation)
- TNSTC (Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation)
- Private Volvo and sleeper coaches
Major Bus Routes to Palakkad:
- Coimbatore to Palakkad (buses every 15–20 minutes)
- Bengaluru to Palakkad (overnight sleeper buses)
- Chennai to Palakkad (semi-sleeper/sleeper options)
Booking Sites:
- RedBus
- AbhiBus
- KSRTC official website
Pro Tip:
For overnight trips from Bengaluru or Chennai, opt for AC sleeper buses for maximum comfort.
Reaching Palakkad by Taxi or Cab
Outstation taxis are a great choice for a hassle-free journey to Palakkad, especially if you’re traveling with family or a group.
Popular cab service providers:
- Ola Outstation
- Savaari
- Gozo Cabs
Approximate Cab Charges:
- Coimbatore to Palakkad: ₹1,800–₹2,500
- Kochi to Palakkad: ₹3,500–₹4,500
Tip for Travelers:
Always check if your cab has a valid Interstate Permit, especially when traveling from Tamil Nadu to Kerala.
Best Time to Travel to Palakkad
Choosing the right season will make your travel experience even better.
- October to March (Winter): Pleasant, cool weather. Best for sightseeing.
- April to June (Summer): Hot and dry; early morning travel recommended.
- July to September (Monsoon): Rainy but lush green; ideal for nature photography lovers.
Weather Overview:
- Summer Temperature: 25°C–38°C
- Monsoon Temperature: 24°C–32°C
- Winter Temperature: 18°C–28°C
Local Transport in Palakkad
Once you reach Palakkad, getting around is simple:
- Auto Rickshaws: Common and economical
- Taxis: Available through apps and local operators
- Buses: Kerala State Transport buses connect towns and villages
- Bicycle Rentals: Available for short city tours
Recommended Travel Itineraries
For 1-Day Visitors:
- Palakkad Fort → Malampuzha Dam → Dhoni Waterfalls
For Weekend Visitors:
- Silent Valley National Park → Malampuzha Gardens → Kollengode Palace → Nelliyampathy Hills
Pro Tip:
Start early morning to cover maximum attractions without crowds.
Important Travel Tips for Reaching Palakkad
- Advance Bookings:
Plan your tickets or hotel stays early during the holiday season. - Keep Local Currency:
Some areas accept only cash, especially for auto rides or local shops. - Weather Readiness:
Always check the forecast if traveling in the monsoon. - Plan Your Transit:
If flying into Coimbatore, ensure you have a pre-booked cab or bus timing to avoid last-minute rush. - Food Breaks:
En route, explore South Indian cuisine like dosa, idli, and sambar at local restaurants.
Conclusion:
No matter how you choose to travel — by air, rail, or road — reaching Palakkad is convenient, scenic, and filled with little surprises along the way. This charming district in Kerala awaits you with its misty hills, ancient forts, and heartwarming hospitality.
So plan your journey wisely, pick your best route, and get ready for an unforgettable Palakkad adventure!
Suggested Articles:
- Kerala for First-Timers – Essential Travel Tips & Guide
- Places to See Kerala in May 2025
- Kerala Travel in April for Best Places
- Hill Stations to Visit Kerala in October 2025
- Kerala Most Famous Hill Stations
- Where to go for Village Tourism in Kerala
- Kerala Most Beautiful Lakes
- Places to Visit in Palakkad
- Palakkad Must-Visit Temples
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Which is the nearest airport to Palakkad?
Coimbatore International Airport is the closest, about 60 km away.
2. Is there a railway station in Palakkad?
Yes, Palakkad has two — Palakkad Junction and Palakkad Town stations.
3. Are there direct buses to Palakkad from Bengaluru?
Yes, several overnight sleeper buses connect Bengaluru and Palakkad daily.
4. Can I hire a self-drive car to Palakkad?
Yes, services like Zoomcar are available from Kochi and Coimbatore.
5. What is the fastest way to reach Palakkad?
Flying into Coimbatore and taking a taxi to Palakkad is the quickest option.
