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Cochin to Palakkad by car

Book a car from Cochin to Palakkad for the old fort, Malampuzha Dam and the rice fields at the foot of the Western Ghats.

Malampuzha dam Garden mountains Kerala
Distance
About 145 km by road
Drive time
3.5 hours one way
Pickup
Cochin
Destination
Palakkad, Kerala
Trip type
Same-day return possible
Vehicles
Sedan, SUV, tempo traveller, coach

About the trip

Palakkad sits at the gap in the Western Ghats that links Kerala with Tamil Nadu, a green district of rice fields, palm-lined roads and old agraharam villages. Visitors come for Tipu's Fort, the gardens at Malampuzha Dam and trips to Silent Valley or Nelliampathy hills. The road runs north on NH 544 via Thrissur, then east through the Palakkad gap.

What to see in Palakkad

On the road

NH 544 via Thrissur and Vadakkencherry. Leave by 7 am; Malampuzha is best in the evening when the garden lights come on.

A same-day plan

  1. 7:00 AMPickup from your place in Cochin
  2. 10:30 AMReach Palakkad and visit the old fort
  3. 11:30 AMWalk through Kalpathy heritage village
  4. 1:00 PMLunch in town
  5. 2:30 PMMalampuzha Dam, gardens and the ropeway
  6. 5:00 PMStart back to Cochin
  7. 8:30 PMDrop at your place

Timings are a guide — tell us when you want to leave and what you want to see, and the driver will work around it.

Choose your vehicle

SedanEtios, Dzire or similarUp to 4 guests

Airport runs, couples and small families on short trips.

SUVInnova Crysta6–7 guests

The usual pick for family trips, ghat roads and long days on the highway.

PremiumInnova Hycross, Fortuner4–6 guests

Extra room and comfort for special occasions and senior guests.

Tempo Traveller12 to 18 seatsGroups

Extended families, pilgrimage parties and office outings.

Mini coach & coach32 to 50 seatsLarge groups

Weddings, school trips and temple tours with a big party.

Every car is air-conditioned and comes with an experienced driver. Our quote is all-inclusive — fuel, tolls, parking, interstate permit and driver batta — and is confirmed in writing before you book.

More car trips from Cochin

Book a car for this trip

Send us the date, pickup point, number of people and whether you need a return. We reply with the vehicle and a single all-inclusive price.

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