Palakkad and Periyar Tour Plan from Coimbatore
By JAGAT : [28/April/25] Coimbatore is located in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The city has earned the sobriquet ‘Manchester of India’. A well-crafted tour plan covering Palakkad and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary offers the perfect mix of culture, nature, and wildlife. Nestled along the borders of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, both destinations are easily accessible from Coimbatore and provide two completely different yet complementary travel experiences. While Palakkad, also known as ‘Granary of Kerala’, is popular for its serene countryside, ancient forts, and lush green paddy fields, Periyar offers a taste of Kerala’s wild heart with its dense forests, rich biodiversity, and famous boat safaris on the Periyar Lake.
This travel itinerary is ideal for families, nature enthusiasts, and road trip lovers looking to explore offbeat South India over a long weekend or for 4-5 days. Starting from Coimbatore, this journey takes you through picturesque routes, quaint villages, and into the calmness of the Western Ghats. You’ll get a complete idea about the ideal route, must-visit spots, travel tips, and timing to help you plan a smooth and enjoyable Palakkad and Periyar tour from Coimbatore.
An Itinerary to Escape to Nature’s Lap - 4 Nights and 5 Days
Day 1: Transfer to Palakkad from Coimbatore (53 km - Approx. 2 Hours)
Your journey begins with a peaceful drive from Coimbatore to Palakkad. At just 53 km away, Palakkad is close enough for a relaxed morning start, yet far enough to feel like a true escape. Once you check into your hotel or homestay, the rest of the day is yours to relax and unwind after the drive. Take a gentle evening walk nearby or enjoy some local Kerala cuisine before turning in early for a packed day ahead.
Day 2: Full Day Sightseeing in Palakkad
Palakkad is often called the gateway to Kerala. Located at the base of the Nilgiri Hills, it’s a scenic spot with a mix of green landscapes, rich traditions, and peaceful surroundings. Here, a sightseeing expedition for the entire day gives you a chance to visit some of the best-known attractions in and around Palakkad.
Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in Palakkad -
• Palakkad Fort • Dhoni Waterfall • Yakshi Statue • Rock Garden • Kalpathy Temple • Kava View Point
Day 3: Transfer to Periyar National Park from Palakkad (291 km - Approx. 6 Hours)
Rise early for your road journey from Palakkad to Periyar National Park, one of Kerala’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. The drive is long but incredibly scenic, weaving through forested hill roads, tea estates, and sleepy villages of Kerala’s Idukki district. After about 6 hours, you’ll arrive at Thekkady, the main town near Periyar. Once you check into your resort or eco-lodge, take some time to rest or enjoy a gentle walk around the spice-scented streets of Thekkady.
Day 4: Explore Periyar - Wildlife, Spices, and Martial Arts
Today is all about exploring the wonders of Periyar National Park. Start with an early morning boat safari on the Periyar Lake. As the mist rises off the water, you might spot herds of elephants, wild boars, bison, or even a tiger if you’re lucky. After the safari, visit Abraham’s Spice Garden, a family-run plantation where you can learn about cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and other spices that grow abundantly in the region.
Post lunch, dive into Kerala’s cultural side with a visit to the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre, where you can witness an electrifying performance of Kalaripayattu, one of the oldest martial art forms in the world. The show is dramatic, powerful, and a truly unique experience. Retire for the evening with a quiet dinner, perhaps sampling a local Kerala thali or some warm stew with appam.
Day 5: Return to Coimbatore from Periyar National Park
On your final day, enjoy a relaxed breakfast before beginning your return journey from Periyar National Park to Coimbatore. The distance to be covered is about 277 km, which is quite a long one, engaging 7-8 hours ofthe day. Therefore, it is better to opt for an early check-out from Periyar and head towards Coimbatore to end the beautiful trip.
