How to Reach

How to Reach

Palakkad, located in central Kerala along the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, is well-connected by air, rail, and road. Thanks to the Palakkad Gap in the Western Ghats, it's one of the easiest gateways into Kerala from Tamil Nadu and a major transit point for travelers heading to hill stations, heritage sites, and backwaters.

 By Air

Palakkad does not have its own airport, but it's well-served by two major airports nearby:

1️ Coimbatore International Airport (CJB) – Tamil Nadu

•  Distance: 55 km |1.5-hour drive
• ✅ Nearest and most convenient airport
•  Flights available from: Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Gulf countries

 Tip: Book a cab or KSRTC bus from Coimbatore airport to Palakkad town.

2️ Cochin International Airport (COK) – Kerala

• Distance: 105 km | 3-hour drive
• Ideal if you’re combining Palakkad with Kochi, Munnar, or Alappuzha.

By Train – Palakkad Junction (PGT)

Palakkad is a major railway hub on the Southern Railway network.
It has two key railway stations:

1️ Palakkad Junction (PGT) – Broad-gauge

 Located 5 km from the city center

• Well-connected to Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Kochi, Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad
• Major Trains:
  • Kanyakumari Express (Bangalore – Kanyakumari)
  • Amritha Express (Trivandrum – Madurai)
  • Kerala Express (New Delhi – Trivandrum)
  • Palakkad Express (Chennai – Palakkad)

2️ Palakkad Town Station (Palakkad Town – PGTN) – Meter-gauge

Closer to the city, used mostly for short-distance or regional routes

 Tip: Choose Palakkad Junction (PGT) for long-distance trains.

 By Road – Well Connected with Kerala & Tamil Nadu

Palakkad has excellent road connectivity via National and State Highways.

 By Bus:

• KSRTC (Kerala) and TNSTC (Tamil Nadu) run frequent buses to/from:
  ✅ Coimbatore (1.5 hrs)
  ✅ Thrissur (1.5 hrs)
  ✅ Kochi (3 hrs)
  ✅ Kozhikode (4 hrs)
  ✅ Pollachi, Madurai, Dindigul, Salem, Bangalore

 By Car or Taxi:

• Easily accessible via NH-544 (Coimbatore – Thrissur route) and SH-52 (connecting to Tamil Nadu)
• Scenic drive with paddy fields and hill views

 Approximate Road Distances to Palakkad

Tip: Self-drive from Coimbatore or Kochi is a great way to enjoy the scenic Western Ghats.

Local Transport in Palakkad

•  Auto-rickshaws and taxis for local travel
•  City buses connect major suburbs and tourist spots
•  Bike rentals available in town for budget and solo travelers

 Quick Travel Tips:

✔️ Book train or flight tickets well in advance during festival seasons (like Onam or Kalpathy Ratholsavam)
✔️ Avoid late-night road travel through ghats during monsoons
✔️ If you're combining with hill stations like Nelliampathy or Valparai, hire a local cab or jeep

Palakkad is one of the most accessible districts in Kerala, offering smooth connectivity to both Kerala’s backwaters and Tamil Nadu’s plains. Whether you’re coming for history, culture, or nature, getting to Palakkad is easy and scenic.