Nestled at the foothills of the Western Ghats, Palakkad Tour is a scenic and culturally rich district in Kerala, often referred to as the “Gateway to Kerala.” Known for its lush paddy fields, historical forts, pristine dams, and majestic hills, Palakkad Tour is a perfect blend of nature, history, and culture.
Unlike Kerala’s more famous destinations like Munnar and Wayanad, Palakkad remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, making it an ideal offbeat getaway for travelers seeking peace, adventure, and authentic Kerala experiences.
This Palakkad Tour covers everything you need to plan your trip, including how to reach, the best time to visit, accommodations, must-visit places, travel routes from Kochi and Kozhikode, distances from major cities, and local cuisines.
How To Reach Palakkad? 🚗🚆✈️
Palakkad is well-connected by road, rail, and air, making it easily accessible from Kochi, Kozhikode, and Coimbatore.
By Road 🛣️
Palakkad is located on NH 544 (formerly NH 47), making it easy to reach by road.
- From Kochi (145 km) – A 3.5-hour drive via NH 544.
- From Kozhikode (130 km) – A 3-hour drive via NH 966.
- From Coimbatore (55 km) – A 1.5-hour drive, making it the closest major city.
Regular KSRTC buses, private taxis, and self-drive cars are available from nearby cities.
By Train 🚆
Palakkad has two major railway stations:
- Palakkad Junction (PGT) – A major railway hub connecting Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, and Mumbai.
- Palakkad Town Railway Station (PGTN) – Used for local and short-distance trains.
From the railway station, take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or bus to your hotel.
By Air ✈️
The nearest airports are:
- Coimbatore International Airport (55 km) – The best option, well-connected to Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, and Bangalore.
- Kochi International Airport (110 km) – A good alternative, with international connections.
From the airport, take a taxi or bus to Palakkad.
Best Time To Visit Palakkad ☀️🌧️
Palakkad enjoys a tropical climate, but certain seasons offer the best experience.
| Season | Months | Weather | Best Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | November – February | Cool & Pleasant (18°C–28°C) | Sightseeing, Trekking, Wildlife Exploration |
| Summer | March – May | Hot & Dry (25°C–38°C) | Temple Visits, Cultural Festivals |
| Monsoon | June – September | Heavy Rainfall (22°C–30°C) | Greenery, Waterfalls, Photography |
Best Time to Visit: November to February for comfortable weather, outdoor activities, and scenic beauty.
Palakkad Hotels & Resorts 🏨🌿
Palakkad Tour offers a mix of heritage hotels, nature resorts, and budget stays, ensuring a comfortable and culturally rich experience.
Luxury Resorts & Heritage Stays 🌳
- Kairali – The Ayurvedic Healing Village – A luxury wellness retreat offering Ayurveda therapies and organic food.
- Sithara Guest House – A heritage homestay with traditional Kerala architecture.
- Kalari Kovilakom – A royal palace-turned-Ayurvedic retreat, ideal for relaxation.
Mid-Range & Budget Hotels 🏡
- Hotel Indraprastha – A popular mid-range hotel with modern amenities.
- Sayoojyam Residency – A budget-friendly stay with excellent hospitality.
- Boothapandi Riverside Retreat – A charming eco-resort near Silent Valley National Park.
For an authentic experience, stay in a heritage homestay or an Ayurvedic retreat.
Best Places To Visit In Palakkad 🌄🏰
1. Palakkad Fort
Built by Hyder Ali in 1766, this well-preserved granite fort is a historical marvel and a great spot for photography and evening strolls.
2. Malampuzha Dam & Gardens
A beautiful dam with lush gardens, a ropeway, and a fish-shaped aquarium, perfect for family outings and boating.
3. Silent Valley National Park
A UNESCO-listed tropical rainforest, home to rare species like the Lion-Tailed Macaque and Malabar Giant Squirrel.
4. Nelliyampathy Hills
A lesser-known hill station, ideal for trekking, tea plantation visits, and breathtaking valley views.
5. Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
One of the best tiger reserves in South India, offering jeep safaris, bamboo rafting, and elephant spotting.
6. Dhoni Waterfalls
A scenic trekking spot leading to a stunning waterfall hidden in the forest.
7. Jain Temple of Jainimedu
An ancient 15th-century Jain temple, known for its granite carvings and spiritual significance.
8. Seethargundu Viewpoint
A panoramic hilltop viewpoint, perfect for sunrises and breathtaking landscapes.
Palakkad from Kochi 🚗
Palakkad is just 3.5 hours from Kochi, making it a perfect weekend getaway.
- Distance: 145 km
- Travel Time: 3.5 hours
- Route: Kochi → Thrissur → Palakkad
2-Day Itinerary from Kochi
- Day 1: Visit Palakkad Fort, Malampuzha Dam & Silent Valley National Park.
- Day 2: Explore Nelliyampathy Hills, Dhoni Waterfalls & return to Kochi.
Palakkad from Kozhikode 🚗
Palakkad is just 3 hours from Kozhikode, making it an easy weekend retreat.
- Distance: 130 km
- Travel Time: 3 hours
- Route: Kozhikode → Mannarkkad → Palakkad
2-Day Itinerary from Kozhikode
- Day 1: Drive to Palakkad, explore Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary & Dhoni Waterfalls.
- Day 2: Visit Silent Valley National Park, enjoy a nature walk & return.
Palakkad Distances from Major Cities
| City | Distance | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Coimbatore | 55 km | 1.5 hrs |
| Kochi | 145 km | 3.5 hrs |
| Kozhikode | 130 km | 3 hrs |
| Bangalore | 380 km | 7.5 hrs |
| Munnar | 160 km | 5 hrs |
Palakkad Local Cuisines 🍛🌶️
Palakkad is known for its flavorful Tamil-Brahmin and Kerala-style dishes, influenced by both Tamil Nadu and Kerala’s rich culinary traditions.
Must-Try Dishes 🍽️
- Palakkad Sambar – A unique coconut-flavored sambar.
- Ada Pradhaman – A Kerala-style jaggery and coconut dessert.
- Avial – A mixed vegetable curry cooked in coconut gravy.
- Pazham Nurukku – Ripe bananas boiled with jaggery and coconut.
Try these at local eateries, heritage homestays, and Ayurvedic resorts.
Final Thoughts 🌿🏰
Palakkad is a hidden gem of Kerala, offering a perfect mix of nature, history, and culture. Whether you want to explore historical forts, relax in hill stations, or go wildlife spotting, this offbeat destination guarantees an unforgettable experience.
So pack your bags and explore the timeless beauty of Palakkad! 🌳✨
