Bangalore to Palakkad – A Monsoon Road Trip

Author : The Roaming Shoes | Published On : 01 Jul 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 recognising 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 stop. 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.

On our return Journey we retraced the route through Coimbatore, Salem and Dharmapuri. Due to congestion on NH 44 near Krishnagiri, Google Maps diverted us through the quieter state highways via Palacode and Rayakottai before rejoining the highway at Hosur for the final stretch to Bangalore.

I honestly wouldn’t recommend this route at all. Large stretches of the road are in poor shape. Not just a few bumps here and there, but narrow, dusty, and rough enough to sap all the fun out of driving. 

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.

Where we stayed

We were traveling with our parents and wanted a slow, unhurried vacation where we could spend time together rather than chasing a checklist. It was also my birthday, so we decided to splurge a little on the stay and chose Au Revoir Wellness Resort near Malampuzha Dam. 

Our rooms had balconies opening out to misty hills and the forest. And the infinity pool overlooking the dam quickly became our favourite, despite the water being quite cold. Just outside, the road along Malampuzha Dam made for beautiful walks and easy cycling. The hospitality was great and the food was good. But the service in the restaurant was quite slow. Perhaps because it was close to Onam and they were short staffed. But overall, this stay truly shaped our Palakkad experience. And I would recommend it whole heartedly. Read More…