Palakkad Fort (Tipu's Fort)
Granite fort in the middle of the town, built in the 18th century and now looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Comfortable outstation travel
Madurai to
Palakkad Cab
A comfortable half-day drive from Madurai across the Palakkad Gap into Kerala, ending in the town of paddy fields, palms and the old Palakkad Fort. Useful for family visits, weddings, college and hospital trips, onward travel by train from Palakkad Junction, and as a base for Malampuzha, Nelliyampathy and Silent Valley.
Road distance230 km
Travel time4.5 – 5 hours
Trip optionsRound trip · Multi-day
One-way drop fare
Madurai to Palakkad one-way taxi fare
Based on about 230 km by road. Fare = km × per-km rate + ₹400 driver bata.
| Vehicle | Rate | Charged km | One-way fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan (4+1) | ₹15/km | 230 km | ₹3,850 |
| SUV (6+1) | ₹19/km | 230 km | ₹4,770 |
| Innova (7+1) | ₹20/km | 230 km | ₹5,000 |
| Innova Crysta (6+1) | ₹23/km | 230 km | ₹5,690 |
- Toll and parking are extra.
- Distance is approximate; the exact km depends on your pickup and drop address.
- Final fare is confirmed by our team before booking.
Route at a glance
Madurai to Palakkad by road
Times are typical driving times; traffic, weather and stops can change them.
- Road distance
- About 230 km
- Driving time
- 4.5 – 5 hours
- Usual route
- Via Dindigul, Oddanchatram, Palani, Udumalpet and Pollachi
- Road conditions
- From Madurai the cab takes NH 44 to Dindigul, then the highway via Oddanchatram, Palani and Udumalpet to Pollachi, and from there the state road across the Kerala border into Palakkad. If you prefer, the driver can instead go via Coimbatore and Walayar on NH 544; extra km apply. Palakkad is in Kerala, so the Kerala state permit is extra along with toll and parking.
- Best time to travel
- Open all year. October to February is the most pleasant time. The southwest monsoon (June to September) brings heavy rain and the Palakkad Gap can be very windy; March to May is hot on the plains. The Kalpathy chariot festival in November draws large crowds to the town.
Journey highlights
Make more of your trip to Palakkad.
Our drivers know the major routes and popular stops along the way.
01Four-lane NH 44 from Madurai to Dindigul for a quick start
02Option to stop for darshan at Palani on the way
03Coconut groves around Udumalpet and Pollachi
04Western Ghats views as the road enters the Palakkad Gap
05Door drop at any address, hotel or Palakkad Junction / Town railway station
Destination guide
Places to visit in Palakkad
Malampuzha Dam and Gardens
Dam and landscaped gardens a short drive from town, with a ropeway, rock garden and the large Yakshi sculpture.
Kalpathy Heritage Village
Old Tamil Brahmin agraharam on the banks of the Kalpathy river, known for its temple and the annual Kalpathy Ratholsavam chariot festival in November.
Nelliyampathy Hills
Hill area of tea and coffee estates reached by a ghat road via Nenmara, good for a day trip from Palakkad.
Silent Valley National Park
Protected rainforest north of Palakkad, entered via Mukkali near Mannarkkad; visits are run by the Forest Department.
Dhoni Waterfalls
Forest waterfall near Palakkad reached by a guided trek through the Dhoni reserve forest.
FAQ
Madurai to Palakkad — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the one-way taxi fare from Madurai to Palakkad?
For about 230 km, the one-way fare is Sedan ₹3,850, SUV ₹4,770, Innova ₹5,000, Innova Crysta ₹5,690. This is 230 km × the per-km rate plus ₹400 driver bata. Toll and parking are extra, and our team confirms the final fare before booking.
How long does the Madurai to Palakkad journey take?
The Madurai to Palakkad drive covers about 230 km and takes approximately 4.5 – 5 hours, depending on traffic and halts.
Is there a minimum distance for a one-way cab?
Yes. One-way trips are charged for a minimum of 130 km. Longer trips are charged for the actual road distance.
Are toll and parking charges included in the Madurai to Palakkad fare?
No. Toll and parking are extra and are paid at actuals during the trip.
What does a Madurai to Palakkad round trip cost?
Round-trip fares depend on your dates and the total kilometres. Select Round Trip in the live calculator or call us with your plan for a quotation.
Which vehicles are available for Madurai to Palakkad?
We offer Sedan (4+1), SUV (6+1), Innova (7+1) and Innova Crysta (6+1) for Madurai to Palakkad. Luggage reduces usable passenger space, so share your passenger and bag count before confirming.
How long does the Madurai to Palakkad drive take?
Usually 4.5 to 5 hours with a tea break. A stop at Palani for darshan adds about 2 hours or more on festival days.
Can we visit Palani temple on the way?
Yes. Palani is on the usual route. Tell us when booking and plan time for the winch or rope car, or the steps, at the hill temple.
Is a Kerala permit charged on this route?
Yes. Palakkad is in Kerala, so the interstate permit is added at actuals along with toll and parking. Our team shows it in the quotation before you confirm.
Can you include Malampuzha or Nelliyampathy?
Yes. Malampuzha is close to town; Nelliyampathy is a separate ghat drive. Ask us for a round-trip quote with sightseeing and a night halt if needed.
Do you drop at Palakkad Junction railway station?
Yes. We drop at Palakkad Junction (Olavakkode), Palakkad Town station, the bus stands, hospitals, colleges or any address in the district.
Is GST included in the fare?
Yes. GST is included in the quoted fare. Toll, parking and the Kerala permit are extra.
How do I book?
Balaji Travels has run cabs from Madurai since 1991. Call or WhatsApp +91 98596 85968; our booking desk is open 5 AM–9 PM (India time), daily.
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