An interesting route, especially as you plan to reach Kanyakumari through Kerala and return to Pollachi through Tamil Nadu. Under ideal driving conditions – good roads and no traffic congestion – you can reach Kanyakumari from Pollachi (through Kerala), a distance of about 455km in nearly 9 hours; on the return leg, you can drive from Kanyakumari to Pollachi via Tamil Nadu, a distance of about around 416km away, about 6.30 hours. But you have not mentioned any duration or preference for night halts.
With children aged four and eight in tow, and both the routes passing through some interesting tourist destinations, we suggest the following (with approximate distance and time).
Starting from Pollachi, you can drive straight to North Paravur, in about 3 hours, 146km. Sightsee and lunch. From North Paravur, drive to Kochi in about one hour, 33km. Spend a night – or two if you want to see its many attractions – and then proceed to Alappuzha, almost 50km and 1hr away. Alappuzha is around 58km and a little over an hour’s drive from Kochi, so depending on the time you start from Kochi, you can either break for a snack or lunch; from here, drive to Kollam. Alappuzha to Kollam is less than 2 hours’ drive, 86km, via the shortest route. You may stay the night here or carry on to Thirvananthapuram, which is a little over an hour’s drive, 65km away. If you are staying in Kollam, the following day, drive to Thiruvananthapuram and take a look around. After lunch, proceed to Kanyakumari, about 90km and 2 hours’ drive away.
On the return journey, make a relaxed start from Kanyakumari, and reach Tirunelveli, in about 1.30 hours, 85km. Break for lunch. Carry on to Madurai, 2.30 hour, 158km away. Spend the night and a take a shopping break. Drive to Pollachi (186km, nearly 3 hours) on the following morning.
Kanyakumari to Pollachi is around 416km away, about 6.30 hours. So if you want to shorten the duration of your trip, you can travel from Kanyakumari to Pollachi the same day, with a halt in Madurai (Kanyakumari to Madurai – 245km, 3.40 hours; Madurai to Pollachi – 186km, nearly 3 hours).
While planning, take into account stoppage at toll booths, sudden traffic disruptions, car-related problems, etc. Get the latest information about interstate travel permits (including validity and tax) and other regulations and keep your papers ready for inspection.
Members of the Automobile Association of Southern India (www.aasindia.org/index.htm) can avail the detailed route guide (with details of petrol pumps, emergency help, etc.) as well as other assistance while travelling.