Known as the “Gateway to Kerala,” Palakkad is a land of lush greenery, rolling hills, and peaceful villages. It is an old district located at the foot of the Western Ghats, full of history, culture, and natural beauty. From ancient forts and serene temples to wildlife sanctuaries and landscapes, Palakkad has it all.

How to Reach Palakkad?

1. By Road:

Through road transport, Palakkad is very accessible as there is a good road connection from this town to other towns in the country. It is located right on the boundary of two southern states of India namely Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and to the National Highway number 544. Palakkad is only 50 km away from Coimbatore and it will take you just 1 to 1.5 hrs by car to travel to Palakkad. It takes approximately 3.5-4 hours from Kochi to reach Palakkad.

2. By Train:

Train travel is another preferred method of reaching Palakkad. The town has two railway stations that consist of Palakkad Junction (Olavakkode) and Palakkad Town. Palakkad Junction is an important railway station from where trains run frequently to and from Palakkad to Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Trivandrum, and other destinations. The Palakkad Town station is not very big but very useful for travelling around the Kerala town.

3. By Air:

The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport (CJB) which is about 60 km from Palakkad. From the Palakkad airport,  you can hire a taxi or board a bus to reach the town and it will take about 1.5 hours. The other closeby airports are the “Kochi International Airport” which is about 140 km away and “Kozhikode Calicut Airport” which is 110 km away and connects several domestic as well as many international destinations to Palakkad.

Best Time to Visit Palakkad

1. Winter (November to March)

This is the best season to be in Palakkad as the climate is relatively cool, the temperatures commonly being between 20°C and 30°C during this season. The fresh green vegetation, gentle winds, and crystal clear sky make it perfect to witness the sightseeing, trekking, the silent valley, Malampuzha Dam, Nelliyampathy hills, and many more. It is also a good time for festivals like Kalpathy Ratholsavam which adds some cultural angle to the trip.

2. Monsoon (June to October)

Palakkad is good for a visit in the Monsoon season as it receives heavy rainfall and looks completely green. The paddy fields and forests are very beautiful at this time and the waterfalls like Meenvallam, Dhoni, and many other falls present a beautiful scene. Because of the wet weather, activities like trekking, hiking, camping, etc become a little challenging but on the other hand, it becomes a preferred season for those who love to see the rain and a quiet environment.

3. Summer (March to May)

Palakkad witnesses an extremely hot climate during the summer season and the temperature may go up to 38°C. But mornings and evenings are a little cooler than in the afternoon. This is the right time to visit places such as Nelliampathy hill station or simply a shaded place like Palakkad Fort. It is good to know that summer means relatively fewer visitors and you can travel there at a slow pace if you do not mind the heat.

Top Places to Visit in Palakkad

1. Palakkad Fort: The town has several sightseeing heritage sites, the most noted being the Palakkad Fort also known as Tipu’s Fort. Constructed by Hyder Ali in the 18th century it remains even to this day and gives an indication of the area.
2. Silent Valley National Park: Those who like nature should also not miss the Silent Valley National Park. This is a rainforest reserve for plants, animals, and birds that are endangered in the region.
3. Malampuzha Dam and Garden: Malampuzha is also a favourite place for outings. There are well-manicured gardens close to the site where different flowers, fountains, and ropeway rides are available for aerial sightseeing.
4. Nelliampathy Hills: You can go to Nelliampathy easily because these hilly areas are some kilometres away from Palakkad. The roads are zig zag and lead through tea and coffee farms, it is cool and very beautiful.
5. Mangalam Dam: This dam site should interest anyone who wants a fair glimpse of what it is like to relax in total serenity. It is about 52 km away from the city centre and is surrounded by beautiful greenery and has plenty of wildlife to spot.
6. Dhoni Hills: If you are a trekking lover, then Dhoni Hills is the spot that will offer it. There are many trekking trails including rugged trails, uneven courses, and dense forests with gurgling springs.

What to Do in Palakkad?

• Wildlife Tours: If you want to see some rare and endangered species, then Palakkad can be the destination of your holiday dreams. Go to its great wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
• Cultural Tours: Palakkad district is full of cultural and traditional values. Discover its rich cultural sites and history of the distinct way of living of the people in this place.
• Historical Tours: The district is an ideal place to learn about the historical background and the golden era of Kerala.
• Sightseeing Tours: Sightseeing is one of the most exciting activities you can experience when in Palakkad. Due to its many attractions and striking scenery, there are several fascinating areas that you can explore.
• Adventure Activities: With beautiful hills and tall mountains, you can enjoy many exciting adventurous activities in Palakkad. Whether it is hiking or trekking, many places in the city will make you go wild.

Where to stay in Palakkad?

Palakkad will provide accommodation for every type of traveller who will be visiting the area, whether luxury, budget, or mid-range. You can stay in places such as Malampuzha and Nelliampathy, which offer luxurious cottages and nearby budget hotels in the town.