Bangalore–Palakkad Road Trip: A Monsoon Travel Experience

Author : The Roaming Shoes | Published On : 01 Nov 2026

I’ve always believed I was born for the monsoon. Scratch that. I was literally born in the monsoon, which probably explains my lifelong obsession with rain-drenched getaways. While some people chase summer sunshine or winter snow, I find pure joy in mist-covered hills, chai that tastes better when it’s raining, and watching clouds sneakily swallow entire landscapes.

And when it comes to monsoon magic, Kerala is my perennial weakness. After spending the last two birthdays in Munnar (yes, the hills have officially started recognizing me as a regular, I decided it was time to give another corner of Kerala a chance. Enter Palakkad – a town on the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border that comes with hills, forests, paddy fields, coconut trees, and just enough charm to lure me in.

Those four days were a delightful blur of Chukku coffee by rain-soaked windows, UNO games that got a little too competitive, cycling along the dam in the mornings, feasting on fresh fish, and, of course, celebrating another monsoon birthday exactly the way I love – amidst nature and with loved ones. Now, let me take you on a little virtual journey.

Bangalore to Palakkad

We drove from Bangalore to Palakkad. Sush wanted a road trip and 8 hours (on map) did not seem bad. In reality though, it stretched to almost 11 hours for an odd 420 kilometres. Of course this included, breakfast and lunch stops. But the real culprit behind the delay was the unusually busy highway. It was packed with trucks, making it hard to maintain a decent speed. And the final stretch — the Coimbatore bypass leading into Palakkad — turned into a slow crawl on a narrow two-way road, stuck behind trucks chugging along at 40-45 kms/hr. Let’s just say, I wouldn’t exactly recommend this as the best way to reach Palakkad.

If you’re planning this trip, my advice: skip the drive. Take the train instead. It’s quicker, hassle-free, and the Coimbatore–Palakkad stretch is stunning – the kind of route that makes you fall in love with train journeys all over again.

Accommodation in Palakkad

Choosing where to stay in Palakkad depends entirely on the kind of trip you’re planning and also, who you’re traveling with. If it is a short visit focused on sightseeing, then Palakkad town is the place to be. It’s the most convenient base, with well-connected transport and easy access to market and restaurants. That said, the town is a bit chaotic and let’s say not the most scenic.

If you are looking for a slower, more peaceful retreat (or even a romantic getaway) with a bit of sightseeing on the side, consider staying near the Malampuzha Dam area. The area is insanely scenic and is away from all the hustle and bustle of the city while not being too far from it. Just keep in mind that you will need your own transport, as getting around otherwise can become expensive.

Kollengode is another option that may tempt you with its rural charm and lush surroundings. However, accommodation choices are limited, and it is quite far from the town and other amenities. But if your idea of travel is to slow down, read, write, and take long walks along paddy fields, it might just be the perfect fit.

Best Things to do in Palakkad

There’s plenty in Palakkad to keep you busy for 3–4 days, but I wouldn’t suggest cramming it all into a rigid checklist of “must-dos.” Sure, go see the charming villages, the roaring waterfalls, or the monsoon-swollen dams. But also give yourself time to slow down. Soak in the scenery, take unhurried walks, and savour the comfort of local food. It’s often these small, unplanned moments that end up defining the trip, at least for us.

With that in mind, here are the experiences we loved in Palakkad and the ones you might want to add to your own travel list.

Spend a day exploring the scenic villages – Kollengode and Pallassena

Palakkad’s charm lies in its countless picturesque villages. But it is Kollengode that has recently found the spotlight due to social media and rightly so! Picture endless stretches of vibrant paddy fields framed by towering Nelliyampathy hills, with waterfalls cascading down their slopes like silver threads. Kollengode feels like a living postcard. No wonder it has been the backdrop for many Malayalam movies. So, spend a day simply driving around the village, pausing at scenic viewpoints, wandering into old temples, and soaking in the slow pace of village life.

While in Kollengode, make time for a hearty Kerala meal at Ayappan’s Hotel. The food is simple, economical, and tasty. But it was the dam fish fry that completely won over my dad and Sush. On your way back, stop by Chellan Chettan’s tea stall. The tea itself may not be extraordinary, but the old-world vibe of the shop carries its own charm and is part of the experience.

I would recommend making a stop at Pallassena too, another lovely village on the way to Kollengode. Here, coconut groves dotting vast paddy fields and narrow winding lanes create postcard-perfect scenes, perfect for a pit stop, a short walk, or some truly frame-worthy photographs. Read our detailed travel story of Bangalore to Palakkad – A Monsoon Road Trip .