Ranipuram Trek

• All our arrangements are fundamental; we do not/cannot provide luxury on such an event.

• In case of unforeseen Weather conditions, government restrictions, or permission changes, certain activities may be cancelled. In such cases, we will try to provide an alternate feasible activity or Postpone option. However, no refund will be provided.

• Once you book the Ranipuram Trek package there will be no cancellation.

• No Refund/No Cancellation Once you reach the property or on the event day.

• You agree to indemnify yourself for the risks involved in the outings varying from destination to destination.

• In case of damage or loss of any equipment or Items of Escape2explore, the responsible member has to bear the cost.

• We have designated pick-up and drop points to make your arrangements for transport to the desired pick-up point accordingly.

• We depend on a third-party transport agency; we don't have direct control over the vehicle or driver. Issues about pick-up and drop times or bus quality are quite rare. If you are too specific, please check before registering.

• Escape2explore is not responsible if any injuries or accidents occur during the event.

• Any client consuming Alcohol, Misbehaving, or causing delay during the event will be terminated without any prior warning, and no refund will be given. Such clients should arrange their transport on their way back, and Escape2explore is not responsible for terminating clients.

• Littering, smoking & consumption of alcohol are banned for Trekking packages.

For Bookings made from Third Party Websites:

• The client is responsible for communicating with a third party (booking website) for cancellation.

• Cancellation / Refund is done by a third party based on their policies. 

Ranipuram Overview

Ranipuram, the picturesque hill station of the Kerala Western Ghats, is as beautiful as it looks in all its flat glory. Ranipuram is a Kasaragod district and the real paradise for nature enthusiasts where one experiences an ideal blend of dense forests, hilly mists, and rich wildlife. With its rolling green hills, dense forests, and breathtaking scenery, it has truly lived up to the reputation of being the "Ooty of Kerala." While not as frequent as some of the other hill stations such as Munnar or Wayanad, Ranipuram is a place that has natural beauty that makes it a place that no visitor should ever skip if he is looking for peace, adventure, and an unbridled sense of communing with nature.

Location and Accessibility

Ranipuram is situated in the Kasaragod district of Kerala, the northernmost one which lies on the border with Karnataka. It is about 85 km from Kasaragod town and 45 km from Kanhangad. The hill station lies at an elevation of about 1,048 meters above mean sea level and hence a peak for the district. The location is also well connected by road, with the closest railhead being Kanhangad, and the nearest airport Mangalore International Airport, 125 km away. The journey to Ranipuram itself is worth taking as the tourists pass through forests, spice estates, and winding roads gazing into the beauty of nature of Kerala.

A Comparison with Ooty

Ranipuram is practically synonymous with Ooty, the most well-known hill station of Tamil Nadu because it shares its healthy climate, rich soil and rolling meadows. But whereas Ooty is highly commercialized, Ranipuram is far from being plagued by mass tourism and hence provides a wonderful destination for those who want to experience a serene and virgin landscape. Whereas Ooty is famous for tea plantations, thick shola forests and montane grasslands characterize the landscape of Ranipuram. The existence here is varied and breathtaking where plants and animals make full use of life in their biotope. The Ranipuram weather is also lovely throughout the year, with temperatures never going beyond 30°C even in summer either, and thus a great haven from the plains' heat and humidity.

Beauty and Attractions of Ranipuram

Trekking trails are one of the main attractions of Ranipuram. The hike up to the hill of Ranipuram is a satisfying exercise since it gives a bird's eye view of nearby areas. Trekking trail runs through evergreen forests, open land, and boulders and is therefore good for novices and experts alike in equal measure. Broad vision of Western Ghats as well as even Karnataka is available at the top, and therefore an eye candy. Other than trekking, Ranipuram is famous for its fauna and vegetation. The Ranipuram jungle contains a very rich list of fauna including elephants, deer, wild boar, and decorative butterflies and birds. It is a paradise for nature photogs and bird-watchers as well due to the presence of different endemic and migratory birds here. The vegetation of the region includes a predominance of shola forest and monsoon grassland, beautifying the region. The second speciality of Ranipuram is that the place has medicinal herbs and plants. It has been providing natural medicine to the locals for a long period, and the flora of the state is blessed in a great way and is hugely helpful in Ayurveda. Its peaceful atmosphere is also a perfect place to practice healing and meditation.

Importance of Ranipuram in Kerala Tourism

Ranipuram is bountiful with Kerala tourism potential. Although it is blissfully underdeveloped compared to Thekkady or Munnar, pristine beauty is an untapped domain for tourism exploitation under eco-tourism. Even the Government of Kerala Department was awakened to the fact that Ranipuram has the potential of being unveiled as a new destination hill station without compromising on its natural image but re-channelling it towards the greening side tourist-focused. The most noteworthy feature of how valuable Ranipuram is to travel to Kerala as a tourist spot is that it provides an example of sustainable tourism. Since mass tourism spoils nature, smaller tourist spots like Ranipuram help in providing examples of environmentally friendly ways of travel. Government and conservation practices prefer to keep the natural face of the location intact without providing the necessary tourism facilities to travellers. Thus, the tourists can witness the beauty of Ranipuram without disturbing its natural landscape.

Apart from this, Ranipuram can be beneficial to the locals by creating employment opportunities in the tourism industry. Homestays, trek guides, eclogues, development of tourism activity in Ranipuram can generate local economic development. Local artisans and farmers can benefit by introducing their centuries-old art and products to tourists and by maintaining their traditions and lifestyles. But the second reason that Ranipuram is important in Kerala tourism is that it is close to other Kasaragod tourist destinations. The area has cultural destinations such as Bekal Fort, Chandragiri Fort, and Ananthapura Lake Temple. A visit to Ranipuram combined with these cultural attractions gives the tourists a complete experience encompassing nature, history, and heritage.

Best Time to Visit and Travel Tips

October to March is the best time to see Ranipuram as the climate is just awesome and perfect to trek. Monsoons (June to September) are the main ones, where it is greener but trails are slippery and tricky to trek. The summers are quite moderate than in the plains and hence a wonderful haven for people who wish to get away from heat. Light woollen apparel, hiking shoes, and sufficient water prove to be convenient for tourists making a tour visit to Ranipuram. Since the area lacks proper commercialization, it would be advisable to carry the essentials like first-aid kits and snacks. An indigenous trek guide also proves worth the tour as they share information about the region's biodiversity along with their folklore. Ranipuram is Kerala's best-kept secret on the traveller's map, where one finds an unpolluted nature paradise for tourists wanting to explore the unexplored beauty of the state. With dense forests, misty mountains, and teemed wildlife, it provides the ultimate escape from urban insanity. Unlike Ooty, yet in its way, Ranipuram is a destination that promises adventure, relaxation, and a deep connection with nature. Although Kerala also promises greener development of eco-tourism, Ranipuram is a place that possesses the virility of the Western Ghats but waits for responsible tourists to witness its splendour. Whether you are a trekker, a nature enthusiast, or just a person in need of some time off, then Ranipuram is a place that must be included in your travel itinerary.

Geography & Climate

Altitude and Landscape Details

India's varied geography supports an amazing variety of altitudes and landscapes, from the Himalayas in the north to the Western Ghats in the south, and from the vast Thar Desert in the west to the delta plains in the east. India's relief is highly varied, from close to sea level along the coastlines to over 8,500 meters for its highest mountains, like Kangchenjunga. Himalayas blanket northern India with their rocky slopes, glacial streams, and deep gorges. Fertile Indo-Gangetic plains and alluvial plains are in the middle. Peninsular India's Deccan Plateau consists of volcanic basalt rock and broken land, and the Eastern and Western Ghats is a coastal hill tract. Rajasthan's Thar Desert is sandy with dunes, and eastern Indian Sundarbans is one of the largest mangrove forests in the world.

Forest Cover and Biodiversity

India is highly ecologically varied with tropical rainforest, deciduous, alpine meadow, and mangrove forest biomes. It is among the 17 megadiverse countries and has a large portion of the world's biodiversity. The Western Ghats and northeastern forests have subtropical and tropical flora, which endemic residents such as the Malabar civet and lion-tailed macaque rely on. The Himalayas are covered with conifer and alpine forests, comprising snow leopards, red panda, and Himalayan monal. Middle and eastern India's deciduous forests harbour tigers, elephants, leopards, and other birds. Sundarbans are a World Heritage site and are the largest tidal halophytic mangrove forests of the world, whose protected animals are Bengal tigers and saltwater crocodiles. India's diversity is also seen in its many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, such as Jim Corbett National Park, Kaziranga National Park, and Ranthambore National Park. The parks conserve the flora and fauna and receive thousands of wildlife enthusiasts annually.

Weather Patterns Throughout the Year

India's climate is diverse owing to its wide geographical spread from the cold Himalayan plateaus to the tropical southern coastlines.

India's climate is commonly divided into four seasons:

• Winter (December to February): It snows in the northern states such as Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, while the middle and southern states experience temperatures between 10°C and 25°C. The weather is nice for seashore resorts such as Goa and Kerala and is therefore a good time for beach tourism.

• Summer (March to June): Most of India becomes hot during summer, particularly the northern and central parts, with temperatures usually touching more than 40°C. However, relief is available in the hill stations such as Manali, Shimla, and Ooty. The southern coastal areas are hot but not extremely hot.

• Monsoon (June to September): Southwest monsoon showers the Western Ghats with heavy rainfall, northeast states, and mid-India. When monsoon showers fields and forests, some of them have to suffer the agony of getting flooded. The world's highest rainfall is reserved for the eastern states such as Meghalaya and Assam.

•  Post-Monsoon/Autumn (October-November): Monsoon withdrawal period, thus clear blue sky and cool weather. Also changeover period from the monsoon season to winter, thus travel time par excellence.

Best Time to Visit

India is touristy throughout the year, but the best time to visit varies according to the location and the kind of experience one wishes to have. May to October would be the most suitable time for tourists of the Himalayas, Leh-Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand when the snow melts and trekking routes would be open. December to February would be the most suitable time for snow enthusiasts and adventure travellers as they can enjoy skiing or snowboarding at Gulmarg and Auli. The best season to travel to Rajasthan, Gujarat, and the plains is between October to March when it is pleasant weather that is cool and fine for sightseeing. The Great Rann of Kutch festival and Pushkar Camel Fair during this season, are particular cultural festivals. October to June is best for wildlife tourists to come to tiger reserves and parks such as Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, and Kanha because animals are on the move and are viewed more. March to May is best to view, however, because animals are viewed in large herds around water holes. Goa, Kerala, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands coastal regions are best accessed from November to March when the air is warm but not humid. Beach, backwater cruises, and water sports are enjoyable during this time.

The Northeastern states like Meghalaya, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh must be travelled to in March-June and September-November when the weather conditions are not cold and the surrounding environment is in the form of greeneries of gorgeous landscapes. Monsoons are unpredictable and also prone to create landslides, and thus the rainy season must be avoided in bulk. Monsoon (June-September) is best for people who like rain-lashed landscapes, waterfalls, and greenery, especially in Kerala, Coorg, and Western Ghats. Monsoon also turns out to be the best time to undergo Ayurvedic therapies in Kerala because the body is said to be most responsive to treatment at this time. In brief, October to March is the most appropriate time to visit all of India because of the favourable weather and crystal blue skies. Some places have some special experiences in specific periods and therefore India is a destination for tourists throughout the year.

History & Cultural Significance of Ranipuram

Origin of the Name "Ranipuram"

Ranipuram is a picturesque hill station in the Kasaragod district of the Indian state of Kerala, famous for grasslands, green land, and some biodiversity. "Ranipuram" was based on local culture and linguistic aspects. "Rani" is "queen" in Sanskrit and Indian languages, and "Puram" is "place" or "city." Ranipuram would then be "Queen's Place" or "Queen's Land." Perhaps it is due to local tradition, royal heritage, or the natural surroundings of the place with a kingly character. It is also believed that Ranipuram could have been a place of significance for the local chiefs or tribal leaders and thus a place of historical significance.

Historical Significance in the Area

The history of Ranipuram is a part of the general history of Kasaragod and north Kerala. Kasaragod was once a great commercial centre, and the topography of the area made it a melting pot for all. As a hill area, Ranipuram was an enclave for many disparate people and rulers who sought refuge in the Western Ghats. This was previously a region of larger Tulu Nadu, the country of Tulu people, with their own social as well as cultural foundation. Alupa dynasty, who between the 4th and the 15th century ruled over some of the regions of present-day Karnataka as well as the northern half of Kerala, ruled over Ranipuram as well as surrounding it. Later, the region was governed by an autonomous branch of Kolathiri rulers, the Vijayanagara Empire in the 16th century, and the Mysore Sultanate under Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali in the 18th century. During British colonial rule, Ranipuram and the entire Malabar tract fell under the Madras Presidency. Its history is linked to patterns of trade and settlements as well. Western Ghats were never a shelter sanctum sanctorum of the tribes, the ascetics, and the traders who escaped from wars along coasts. Cultivation of pepper was in a natural catchment here and passes through Ranipuram were also utilized by pepper, cardamom, and betel leaves-carrying traders who relocated them from the interior to coastal outlets of Kerala.

Influence of Local Communities

The Ranipuram cultural value is primarily influenced by the lifestyle of the aboriginals, i.e., the settlers as well as the tribal people, who have lived in peace with nature for ages. The Malampandarams and Malayarayas are the key tribal communities here who have managed to retain their folklore, traditions, and traditional knowledge about the forest. People of the Ranipuram tribe have, centuries ago, practised shifting cultivation, collection of forest products, and hunting. Their close association with plant and animal life has preserved the country's biodiversity. The tribals also possess rich oral traditions like numerous folklore, songs, and festivals of nature, fertility, and seasons. When Ranipuram developed and got urbanized, its original residents emigrated as well from surrounding localities and stayed there and brought their own tillage culture and beliefs and these got mingled with local uses. The area is proud of the occurrence of Christian, Hinduism, and Islamic religions earlier because of which this region is multicultural. It's laden with churches, temples, and mosques as religious centres as well as social centres. Festivals and village fairs must retain the cultural heritage of Ranipuram. The festivals like Vishu, Onam, and Theyyam rituals are indicators of the rich cultural heritage of Kerala, while the tribal festivals like obeisances to nature gods and goddesses and forefather gods.

Ranipuram is now a prime pilgrimage site for historians, nature enthusiasts, trekkers, and even tourists. While commercialization is increasingly essential, efforts are made to retain the local intelligence and natural harmony of the place. The local people remain at the centre of the conservation activity, evolving eco-tourism without sacrificing the sanctity of their heritage. Last but not least, its cultural heritage and importance are a result of its geographical location on the surface of the earth, its historical rulers, and great tribal ancestry. Through time, the coalescence of varied societies and customs has provided it with the identity it has today, and it gained a position coveted by all in which nature, history, and culture transition smoothly into one another. Flora & Fauna of Ranipuram: A Biodiversity Heaven Situated in the emerald fold of the Western Ghats, Ranipuram is a lesser-known but highly acclaimed gem with breathtaking views, rich biodiversity, and distinctive ecosystems. Situated in the Kasaragod district of Kerala, this hill resort boasts unparalleled variability of fauna and flora and hence is an ecologist's paradise, wildlife enthusiast's delight, and nature lover's haven. With its evergreen forest and shola, the area is of the highest importance in environmental balance with a fine net of life covering unusual flora, massive fauna, and multicoloured birds.

Special Plant Species in Ranipuram

Ranipuram is unique in terms of vegetation density, and Western Ghats endemics dominate it. The flora here includes high mountain grasslands, evergreen forests, and shola forests with specially adapted plant species. Highly suitable is high altitude, high rainfall, and temperate climate for high density of plant diversity. Some of the most lovely flora species of Ranipuram include orchids, wild balsams, and medicinal plants, which are found in profusion, with centuries of use in Ayurveda. Many mosses, ferns, and lichens can survive shade and moisture in the undergrowth and create a forest of greens. Towering forest giants like wild jackfruit, rosewood, and mahogany rule the evergreen forests, whose lofty canopies serve to shelter hundreds of species below. The grasslands are patches of radiating wildflowers, a spot of colour on the rolling hills. One of the most fascinating aspects of the vegetation of Ranipuram is that it holds endemic and rare plant species found nowhere else in this world. These species have developed based on the local climatic patterns of the Western Ghats and are extremely change-sensitive. Delicate plant species such as these need to be conserved so they may be protected from deforestation, habitat degradation, and global warming.

Evergreen and Shola Forests: A Threatened Ecosystem

The Ranipuram landscape has two typical forest types: shola and evergreen. Evergreen forests, aptly named, remain green and vegetative year-round. Swaying together in close canopies, dense leafy coverings, shade the ground below under a complex multi-level organization of life forms of unimaginable complexity. Evergreen forests are also water catch basins for nature, storing rain and refilling groundwater aquifers that supply water to rivers and streams running throughout the country. The shola forests are a peculiar and new type of montane forest on the upper slopes of the Western Ghats. Shola forests occur as small discrete patches of dense trees on rolling grassland. The relatively cool and moist climate of the shola forests allows for the existence of a peculiar type of fauna and flora. Because they are ecologically important and delicate, the forests are the most precious of the Western Ghats. The Ranipuram shola-grassland complex is the key to maintaining biodiversity. The complex serves as a sanctuary to many endemic fauna, which are specially suited to its unique climatic regime. The forests store carbon and hence mitigate climate change by maintaining atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide at constant levels.

Wildlife and Birds of Ranipuram

Ranipuram is not a paradise for plants alone but also possesses a healthy ratio of fauna. The area is bordered by an unbroken sheath of forest of greater extent comprising the Brahmagiri Hills and the Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, which provides space for the free roaming of different species of wild animals. The natural terrain of Ranipuram provides a habitat for these wild animals to live without the unwarranted intervention of human beings. The most iconic wildlife animal to make Ranipuram its habitat is the Indian elephant (Elephas maximus indicus), which will be coming through the area in pursuit of water and nourishment. To have such gigantic gentle beasts of the forest visiting the area shows the environmental value of Ranipuram as being part of an enormous wildlife corridor. Many other spotted mammals that live and graze near such forests are the Indian gaur (Bos Taurus), sambar (Rusa unicolour), barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak), and spectral leopard (Panthera pardus). Fewer more non-secretive species like civets, Malabar giant squirrels, and porcupines inhabit the place.

Also famous for the variety of birds, whom they flock to by birders from all regions of the country, is Ranipuram. The region has migrant and resident birds and is thus a crucial bird habitat. Malabar trogon, great hornbill, Nilgiri flycatcher, and black-and-orange flycatcher are a few of the rare and endangered bird species found here. Birds of prey like crested serpent eagle and black eagle are also commonly seen soaring high above in the canopy. Its bloom richness is the major cause of avifaunal richness. A lot of flora with insects, nectar, and fruits inside them remain there which provide avifaunal richness and wholesomeness to the location throughout the year. There are winter birds of Ranipuram too that live there and provide avifaunal richness to the richness of the location.

Importance of the Site towards Ecological Balance

Ranipuram is of great ecological importance and is a key bridging element of the whole Western Ghats system. The biodiversity of the region is returned to the general environment in the form of climatic regulation, permitting water cycles, and maintaining genetic diversity. The major ecological role of Ranipuram is the storage of water. The rainforests are rain sponges that absorb rain before letting it out to seep into rivers and streams gradually. This helps in providing a steady supply of freshwater in the environment surrounding, which may be beneficial to wildlife and human lives. The shola forests allow the facilitation of this role by storing soil and avoiding erosion. Ranipuram is also very critical to store carbon. Forests have huge amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, and it avoids global warming. Forests should be preserved in a way that the sensitive balance of carbon in the atmosphere and climate change will not be destroyed. Besides that, biodiversity in Ranipuram stabilizes the ecosystem. Plant-herbivore-carnivore-decomposer food web stabilizes the ecosystem to the extent that it can withstand external pressures until such time as it can recover once any one species goes extinct. Extinction of any one species will have a cascading effect, and balance is lost, leading to unforeseen ecological consequences.

Ranipuram needs to be conserved in a way that its mean biodiversity is guaranteed. Habitat loss, forest clearing, and settlements are the most threatening activities for the area's vegetation and fauna. Ecotourism, reforestation, and strong wildlife conservation acts are the demand of the times to maintain Ranipuram as an operational hotspot of biodiversity in the next few years. Ranipuram is a living symbol of the splendorous diversification of the Western Ghats, teeming fauna and flora, and endemic environments. From the highly dense evergreen and shola forest to kingly wildlife and glittering avifauna, the region is the door to the vulnerability and resilience of nature. Apart from beauty, Ranipuram is also located in an important position of ecological equilibrium, water harvesting, carbon sequestration, and conservation of biodiversity. With growing pressures on nature by man, it is our duty to find and conserve such biodiversity hotspots. By encouraging conservation and eco-tourism, it can be ensured that Ranipuram is a haven for its precious flora and fauna, preserving its heritage for the next generation.

Trekking & Adventure Activities

Trekking is a mountaineering adventure sport by which nature enthusiasts can become a part of the beauty of nature and challenge their physical and psychological limits. Trekking in the Himalayas is so gigantic trekking in India's thick Western Ghats has some trekking trails for beginners and experienced trekking trekkers. Other than trekking, adventure sports enthusiasts can engage in nature walks, camping, and other adventure sports to stay close to nature. The book gives a concise overview of trekking routes, ruggedness, trekking experience, safety equipment, and other adventure sports.

Overview of Trekking Routes

• Himalayan Treks: The Himalayas offer sightseeing treks such as the Roopkund Trek, Chadar Trek, Kedarkantha Trek, and Valley of Flowers Trek. These are popular due to high-altitude, glacial landscapes, and alpine meadows.

• Western Ghats Treks: Treks such as the Kudremukh Trek, Mullayanagiri Trek, and Rajmachi Fort Trek offer vistas with green cover, waterfalls, and wildlife.

• Northeast Treks: Sikkim's Goechala Trek and Nagaland's Dzükou Valley Trek offer breathtaking views of multicoloured valleys and beautiful ranges of hills.

•  Rajasthan & Desert Treks: Jaisalmer and Mount Abu Desert treks offer an experience one will never forget among deserts and old forts.

Difficulty Grades of Different Trails

• Easy Treks: These are easy for beginners and possess wide trails, gentle slopes, and short treks. Triund Trek in Himachal Pradesh and Har Ki Dun Trek in Uttarakhand are two of them.

• Moderate Treks: These are meant for experienced trekkers as they possess longer trails, steep ascents, and uncertain climatic conditions. Some examples include the Sandakphu Trek in West Bengal and the Hampta Pass Trek in Himachal Pradesh.

• Difficult/Challenging Treks: These treks involve extreme physical fitness, mountaineering skills, and earlier experience with trekking. They involve challenging weather, hard altitudes, and difficult topography. Ladakh's Stok Kangri Trek and Zanskar's Chadar Trek are a few such instances.

Trekking Experience (What to Expect)

• Scenic Landscape Beauty: The trekking routes pass through the forest, flowing streams, grassy meadows, and snow-covered peaks, all of which pamper the eye with soulfully picturesque vistas.

• Trekkers are exposed to varied flora and fauna, ranging from Himalayan flowers to such elusive animals as the red panda or snow leopards.

• Cultural Interactions: Treks pass through isolated villages where trekkers get a chance to interact with the locals, see how they live, and sample their food.

• Physical and Mental Challenge: Trekking is a physical and mental challenge of willpower, patience, and tolerance.

•  Unpredictable Weather: Hill weather is very unpredictable, and trekkers must anticipate sudden rains, snow, or sudden temperature drops.

Safety Rules

• Prepare Yourself: Gather information about the trek, trail, and weather in advance.

•  Water and Essentials: Bring sufficient water, high-calorie foods, first-aid kit, and prescribed medicines.

•  Proper Equipment: Proper trekking shoes, layered clothes based on fluctuating weather, and a strong backpack.

•  Acclimatization: Acclimatization for high-altitude treks should be made in a manner that the individual will not face altitude sickness.

•  Stay by Markings on Trails: Stay by one's trail markings so that the individual will not get lost and will abide by local law.

•  Go in Groups: Trekking alone is risky; trekking in a group provides help in emergencies.

•  Emergency Contacts: Go with someone else on the hike and keep the contact numbers of the rescue team handy.

Other Adventure Activities: Nature Walks and Camping

• Nature Walks: Short easy walks in a forest, botanical garden, or nature reserve where there are local plants and animals to observe.

• Camping: Nature camping is an excellent way to de-stress, observe stars, and prepare for a bond with nature. Most of the trekking routes have camps for a complete outdoor experience.

• Wildlife Safaris: Trek to wildlife parks and wildlife sanctuaries on foot or via jeep gives one a chance to observe big animals in their natural terrain.

•  Rock Climbing and Rappelling: Rock climbing and rappelling are adventure sports for the adventure enthusiast, the latter challenging one's strength and agility.

•  River Rafting: With river rafting in places like Rishikesh, trekking gives the sport an adrenaline rush.

Places of Interest around and in Ranipuram

Then there's Kerala's Kasaragod district's gem of Western Ghats just waiting to be explored by nature enthusiasts and adventure sports enthusiasts in the form of an unscathed paradise of rolling hills, misty landscape, and diversified flora and fauna. Runipuram is also referred to as Ooty because of its beauty. Apart from its renowned hills, the area is also blessed with numerous places of interest such as viewpoints, waterfalls, worship places, and unexplored sightseeing points adding beauty to it further. As a trekker, nature lover, or simply someone in search of refuge in peace, Ranipuram and the areas around it have plenty to provide.

Ranipuram Hills and Viewpoints

The intriguing fact about Ranipuram is that it is a series of rolling hills having a peak at an elevation of approximately 1,048 meters mean sea level. The thrill of going for trekking to the peaks of the hills is an adrenaline rush type of experience because it is enjoyed by the adventure sports people of the whole world. The upper portion of Ranipuram consists of a shola forest of high canopy cover, grassland, and laterite boulders found overlying above and thus an adrenaline shot but not a long trek. The Western Ghats and Karnataka plains can be viewed from above through scenic beauty views. The landscape looks very picturesque when shot early in the morning and in the evenings and yellows paint the hills. The soft breeze the soft surroundings and the peaceful environment create a place highly conducive to photography and meditation and the joy of being amidst nature and drinking beauty. The place is surrounded by mist during monsoons, and the place looks very dreamy. Right next to it is the Manimala Viewpoint, with hardly less spectacular a view of hills and valleys. This unusual viewpoint is ideal for people who do not wish to be among the crowd and enjoy isolation in nature. Nature lovers and bird watchers would adore it here because some migrant and endemic birds inhabit there.

Scenic Places Nearby Waterfalls

The weather of Ranipuram is blessed with scenic waterfalls and peaceful settings that give it an attraction.

• Malom Falls – Some 20 km from Ranipuram is the less frequented Malom Falls, a picturesque cascade along woody tracts. The fall is especially beautiful during the monsoon season when it's brimful with rainwater and is a pleasure to witness. The area, the 'Coorg of Kerala,' is lush with coffee plantations, spice plantations, and dense forest and wildlife.

• Kottancheri Hills and Forest – A short distance from Ranipuram is the equally unvisited Kottancheri Hills, yet another heaven for nature enthusiasts. The forest is an extension of Karnataka's favorite haunt Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. The forest abounds in wildlife, and on your best days, you might even be able to catch glimpses of elephants, deer, and some birds. Hills to hike is a thrill of adventure, with streams, thick forests, and viewscapes contributing to the ascent.

• Bekal Beach and Fort – If driving a bit more (about 80 km) is okay, then Bekal Beach and Fort is a nice outing. The 17th-century fort is one of the best-preserved ancient monuments of Kerala. The bird's eye view of the Arabian Sea, here, and thus it is a nice blend of nature and history. The beach is renowned for its golden sand and sunset.

Sites of Religious and Cultural Significance

Ranipuram and the region are extremely culturally rich with a great many temples and shrines of religious and historical significance.

• Ananthapura Lake Temple – It is located around 70 km from Ranipuram and is special in the way that it is situated in the middle of a peaceful lake. It is believed to be the residence of Lord Anantha Padmanabha, the deity who rules the mythological Padmanabhaswamy Temple of Thiruvananthapuram, where he spent his first sojourn. The temple has a vegetarian crocodile named Babiya, who is highly revered by the pilgrims.

• Madhur Temple – Madhur Madanantheshwara Temple is a very crowded Lord Shiva pilgrim place close to Kasaragod town. The temple stands out architecturally as it has a humongous gopuram (immensely tall entrance tower) and wood ceilings that are plastered very finely. The temple appears very colourful during its festival season when pilgrims and tourists throng its places in large numbers.

• Mallikarjuna Temple – The Temple built centuries ago at Kasaragod is a Lord Shiva temple with and preference for scenic sculptures and a serene ambience. Worth visiting the place for the individual who wants to get to know the religious past of the location.

Other Offbeat Tourist Spots

A few offbeat tourist places aside from the conventional tourist places of Ranipuram and its nearby areas.

• Parappa Wildlife Sanctuary – About 50 km from Ranipuram, the sanctuary contains varied wildlife such as peacocks, hornbills, and the Malabar civet, a shy animal. The thick forest cover and scenery offer a rich scope for nature walks and photography.

• Valiyaparamba Backwaters – To have the feel of actual adventure amidst peace, it is impossible to miss a trip to Valiyaparamba backwaters. These beautiful lagoon canals form a quiet chain of peaceful waterways that give you the feel of peaceful boat rides, where you can indulge yourselves in the peaceful surroundings and live your life as in village villages.

• Kanwatheertha Beach – One of the area's undeveloped and unspoiled beaches, Kanwatheertha is perfect for a peaceful beach holiday. What makes the beach so stunning is its natural lagoon that forms a little pool of fresh water, perfect for a refreshing splash of cool water.

• Posadigumpe Hill – Located on the border of Karnataka and Kerala, Posadigumpe is a secluded beauty with a bird's eye view of the Arabian Sea and Kerala's green hill. It is a good picnic spot, short trek, and photography point.

Accessibility & How to Reach

It is an easy and convenient place to access us, as there is a well-developed transport facility by road, railway, and air. Varying by distance from the nearby cities and towns, we have various options to offer you safe and comfortable transportation. Situated in the centre of lush Kerala, it is easily accessible from major transport centres, and hence it is an ideal retreat for travellers for nature, adventure, and peace.

Nearest Cities and Towns

We are strategically located close to two major north Kerala towns – Kasaragod and Kanhangad. Both the towns are significant stopovers for visitors from across the nation. Kanhangad, a culturally blessed and naturally beautiful town, is 30 km away, and Kasaragod, the historical town with the famous Bekal Fort, is 40 km. Both the towns are well connected and serve as gateways to explore the breathtaking beauty of the Western Ghats and the coastal beauty of Kerala.

Travel Options

By Road

• From Kanhangad: Travel on NH66 and SH57 for 40 minutes and you are here. The drive is scenic with a view of Kerala's countryside landscape.

•  From Kasaragod: It is a slightly longer journey of around 50 minutes along NH66 and SH57 which is smooth easy travel with clear direction markers and less traffic congestion.

• From Mangalore: Traffic-bottleneck coastal town of Mangalore is roughly 95 km away, and the journey takes around 2.5 hours along NH66. It is smooth travel and good roads.

•  From Bangalore: For those traveling from Bangalore, the distance is 370 km and 7-8 hours. The route through NH75 and NH66 gives one vistas of mountain passes, coffee plantations, and the Arabian Sea.

•  From Coorg: Nature enthusiasts can go to heaven by any other name - Coorg - 150 km from here. A single 4-5 hour drive through serene forests and charming hillscapes is a respite.

By Train

•  Kanhangad Railway Station (KAN) – 30 km, one of the main railway stations on the Mangalore-Shoranur railway line with further connectivity to a range of express and passenger trains from all across India.

•  Kasaragod Railway Station (KGQ) – Almost 40 km away, the Kasaragod Railway Station has a range of trains from high-speed trains such as Rajdhani, and Shatabdi, to long-distance express trains to Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Delhi.

•  Mangalore Central Railway Station (MAQ) – Some 95 km away, a large railway station with extensive rail connectivity to the whole country.

By Airport

• Through Mangalore Airport: Intercity buses, airport shuttle service, and taxis can be availed to move and reach the destination within 2.5 to 3 hours.

• By Kannur International Airport (CNN): About 120 km from here, this is another good option for passengers from the Indian and other foreign major cities.

The moment the tourists arrive at the closest town or transportation centre, all local transport safely carries them through the rest of the distance. Taxis, auto-rickshaws, local bus service, and rented scooters are easily available. Anyone seeking an adventurous experience is always able to discover cycling and trekking trails to engage in nature's beauty in the destination region. To make travel convenient and hassle-free, pre-booking of travel in a cab or travel booking through our services will help you reach conveniently. We also offer travel booking services, pick-up services, and tailor-made travel arrangements for having the guest arrive comfortably at the destination.

Accommodation & Stay Facilities: Resorts, Hotels, Homestays, Camping

Accommodation is one of the primary things that you need to confirm while arranging travel for a trip. The type of stay that you choose can be an essential part of your vacation experience, from convenience and luxury to adventure and cost. Homestay, campsite tour, or a high-end resort – options are endless. We are talking about some of the best choices here for providing varied tastes and prices for an unbeatable experience while travelling.

Resorts: A Luxurious Retreat

Resorts are the best place to experience luxury and comfort and hence the top choice for tourists looking to enjoy luxury. The resorts boast up-to-date amenities like well-typed rooms, sumptuous dining halls, recreation spaces, and spas. The resorts are also located in places of nature like beaches, mountains, or green areas where the tourists can be in peace. Resorts engage in activities around specific topics of interest like spas, adventure sports, or ecotourism. Luxury resorts are equipped with world-class amenities such as infinity pools, private beaches, spas, and fine dining restaurants. They are ideal for honeymooners, families, and those who can afford the best experience. Budget resorts are cheap with low-class amenities but at a lower rate, hence affordable to everyone.

Hotels: Comfort and Convenience

The most common form of accommodation is hotels, and hotels come in different types of tourists. From economy-class hotels to five-star hotels, hotels provide amenities such as room service, housekeeping, Wi-Fi, and in-house restaurant. Based on the rating, hotels can have amenities such as pools, gyms, business lounges, and conference halls. For travellers who want convenience without breaking the bank, three-star hotels and boutique hotels provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices. They provide clean rooms, modern amenities, and personalized attention without the luxury hotel price tag. Businessmen also find hotels convenient for their business trips, like conference rooms and workspaces.

Homestays: A Cultural Experience

Homestays make it possible for one to immerse themselves in the culture and the hospitality of an area. One stays at a host family or the people's home, eating meals that are prepared within the home, and participating in cultural exchange. Homestays are perfect for tourists who need to experience an authentic sense of the customs, rituals, and life of the place they are visiting. Homestays are located in hill stations, countryside towns, or heritage towns and provide a true experience of travel. Homestays are also more economical than resorts and hotels and are appropriately adapted for the budget traveller. Homestays also promote nature-oriented tourism as they help the local community and do not desecrate the local culture.

Camping: An Adventurous Escape

For nature lovers and adventure seekers, camping is the ideal choice to experience the closeness of nature. Wherever it is located near rivers, mountains, or forests, camping provides tourists with a true experience of nature. From basic camp scenarios with tents and sleeping bags to luxury glamping resorts with tidy beds, electricity, and other luxuries, the camps have everything. Then there is the rough camping, where one puts up a tent in a campsite, cooks over a fire, and savors the unbridled rush of the vast outdoors. Backpackers, mountaineers, and hikers would thoroughly enjoy the unbridled and experiential experience. Then there is the glamping, or glamorous camping, where this out-of-door adventure is blended with soft beds, private toilets, and even diners.

Budget and Luxury Accommodation Experience

Budget hotel vs. luxury accommodation depends on different factors such as personal choice, travel purpose, and budget. Budget travellers primarily stay in cheap accommodations such as guesthouses, hostels, and low-budget hotels with limited comfort but at low costs. These are within tourist affordability and allow them to travel without incurring much cost on accommodation. Luxury hotels are, however, all about excellence, exclusivity, and luxury services. All five-star hotels, luxury resorts, and villas fall in this category and feature fine dining restaurants, high-quality personalized services, and attractive interiors. They are ideal for individuals who require relaxation as well as a top-class atmosphere. Regardless of whether it is a budget holiday or a costly vacation, proper choice of accommodations adds to the holiday experience with comfort, convenience, and memories in between.

Local Cuisine & Food Options near Ranipuram

Kerala's Western Ghats' Ranipuram is a nature lover's paradise as well as a culinary haven for the food connoisseurs. The place has a good dining experience with the diversified and rich taste of Kerala. Malabar food to home foods, there is something in Ranipuram and its nearby townships to please everyone.

• Classic Kerala food available: The cuisine of Kerala is characterized by its geography, history, and culture. Coconut, mustard seeds, spices, and curry leaves are applied in enormous quantities while preparing the dish, and hence the food is so delicious. Some of the traditional popular foods to enjoy during a visit to the region of Ranipuram are:

• Puttu and Kadala Curry: One of the breakfast cultures in Kerala, puttu is a steamed rice cake cylinder made using ground rice and coconut. The dish is taken with kadala curry, black chickpea curry thickened with coconut gravy and spices.

• Appam with Stew: Appam is a softly spread soft inner core pancake made of fermented coconut milk soft rice. It is served conventionally with a meat or vegetable stew that could be mutton or chicken prepared in coconut gravy over lightly low simmering heat.

• Malabar Parotta with Beef Curry: One of the Malabar specialities is flaky and crispy Malabar parotta accompanied by spicy and rich beef curry. Parotta layers absorb the flavor of curry, and it is an irresistible dish.

• Karimeen Pollichathu: Pearl spot fish (karimeen), a Kerala speciality, is marinated, and grilled while being wrapped in banana leaves. It is an irrepressible dish due to its smoky and sour flavor.

• Kappa and Meen Curry: Kappa (tapioca) is one of Kerala's favourite foods and is typically consumed with spicy fish curry. The locals like to consume this duo, and it tastes best at traditional restaurants.

• Sadhya: Veggie extravaganza, sadhya is traditionally served on banana leaves and consists of a combination of dishes like avial, thoran, olan, sambhar, rasam, pappadam, and payasam. Traditionally prepared during festive seasons and celebrations.

Offbeat Local Food Experiences

Besides these traditional food sources, the surrounding area of Ranipuram also offers offbeat local food experiences where the tourists can witness the Kerala food culture.

• Toddy Shops and Local Delicacies: The locally produced palm juice wine, toddy, is found in some of the small taverns near and around Ranipuram. In addition to fresh toddy taps, the taverns provide spicy seafood dishes like prawns fry, crab roast, and mussels curry.

• Home Cooked Food in Homestays: Traditional Kerala home food prepared by their hosts is provided by most homestays near and in Ranipuram. This is a more intimate and traditional food option.

• Taste Tests of Spice Plantations: Taste tests are offered at plantations where one can get a taste of spices that give taste to the cuisine of Kerala. Plantations consist of taste sessions where tourists can have a taste of fresh spices, home-made pickles, and organically cultivated fruits.

• Traditional Sweet Sweets: Kerala is also renowned for dessert foods like Ada Pradhaman (payasam of jaggery and rice), Chakka Varatti (jackfruit jam), and Unniyappam (oil-fried dumplings of banana and rice). They are readily available at bakeries and sweets shops.

• Restaurants and Eating Centers Near Ranipuram: While Ranipuram itself is a quiet hill station with not many business hubs, nearby towns Kanhangad and Kasaragod have decent dining places where foreigners can taste true Kerala cuisine.

• Hotel Viceroy, Kanhangad: A local eatery that is well-liked and has plenty of Kerala cuisine ranging from seafood cuisine to Malabar biryani.

•  MRA Bakery & Restaurant, Kasaragod: This restaurant is famous for tasty snacks, Malabar biryanis, and fresh bakery products.

• Thalassery Cafe, Kanhangad: If you are looking for authentic Thalassery biryani, you're on the correct page. They have aromatic biryanis with crunchy fried chicken and delicious curries.

• Ruchi Restaurant, Bekal: Situated just in front of the picturesque Bekal Fort, Ruchi Restaurant has a huge menu featuring vegetarian and non-vegetarian Kerala dishes.

• Street Food Stalls: To be consumed on the spot, roadside shops here offer a variety of spicy treats like banana fritters (pazham pori), egg puffs Kerala style, and hot chaats.

Local Culture & Community Around Ranipuram

Located in the peaceful backdrop of the Western Ghats, Ranipuram is a nature lover's paradise and a cultural treasure trove. The region is home to aboriginal tribal societies whose lives are extremely interdependent with nature. The tribes have been living their flourishing legacy, tradition, and religion for centuries, and Ranipuram is a region that is extremely rich culturally. Travellers in this picturesque region can get to know the unique traditions, festive colours, and exquisite handicrafts that dominate local life.

Tribal Communities and Their Traditions

Ranipuram and surrounding villages are inhabited by a number of aboriginal tribes, i.e., Malabar Hill Tribes like Kurichiyas, Paniyas, and Adiyas. Aboriginal tribes have lived there for centuries and maintained their own distinct tradition, language, and customs. The people of Kurichiyas are known for their skills in archery and farming. They were fierce warriors in the past, protecting their native land from foreign invasion. They still follow the art of sustainable agriculture today and are still rooted in the forests. The Adiyas and Paniyas have another socio-cultural set-up and work in the fields of agriculture and handicrafts primarily. Traditional healing practices and local medicines are also followed by the majority of the tribal communities. Music and dance form an integral part of tribal culture. They are embodied in the dances such as Theyyam, and Kolkali, and tribal folk songs describing the stories of gods, ancestors, and nature. They are not entertainment but a medium of transmission of tradition and sharing knowledge from generation to generation regarding their prosperous past.

Local Festivals and Events

Regional cultural diversity is best at its indigenous festivals and celebrations. Festivals at Ranipuram and surrounding areas include regional folklore, tribal culture, and Hinduism. The festivals are succeeded by music, dance, rural festivities, and traditional rituals. Theyyam is the most religious of the local festivals, a highly theatrical and devotional dance ritual conducted at temples and sacred groves. Face masks and head adornments adorn gorgeously-clad dancers impersonating gods, ancestors, and mythic creatures. They dance to drums, chant to rhythmic invocations, and provide trance performances that lead to a fantastically rich cultural experience by the name Theyyam. Kerala's harvest festival, Onam, also is celebrated with great fanfare and show in Ranipuram. It is celebrated with grand-scale feasting, traditional games, flower arrangements (Pookalam), and the popular Vallamkali (boat race) throughout the region. Another vibrant celebration is Vishu, Malayalam New Year, which is celebrated with ritual, family dinner, and the Vishukkani ceremony where the residents get up to see a tastefully laid-out spread of auspicious offerings. Apart from these all-year-round festivals, there are seasonal and nature-based festivals by the tribal community. Another significant festival is Thira Festival when natives perform ritual dances as an offering to gods and to pray for prosperity and good health.

Handicrafts and Cultural Experiences

No trip to Ranipuram would be considered complete without a visit to the fine handicrafts of the local craftsmen. The locals have a rich history of producing eco-friendly and sustainable products out of materials that are available locally around them such as bamboo, coir, and wood. The best-known handicraft of the area is bound to be bamboo weaving. The expert craftsmen produce delicate baskets, mats, and ornaments from very thin pieces of bamboo. The products are not just functional but also indicate a sense of taste on the part of the local craftsmen. Pottery is also a centuries-old occupation flourishing in the region. The locals make clay and earthenware vessels by hand using time-tested techniques handed down generation by generation by potters settled in the region. Locals use them for everyday cooking and cooling provisions because of their natural cooling tendency. Jewellery and seed ornaments prepared with seeds, natural stones, and beads are also popular among visitors. They reflect the history of the religion and culture of tribal individuals. Special souvenirs representing the essence of the rich cultural heritage of Ranipuram are handmade jewellery articles. Tourists can also witness these crafts live in local stores and artisan workshops. Engaging in these activities helps the local artisans and provides more understanding of their craft and traditions.

Photography & Sightseeing in Ranipuram: A Nature Lovers' Paradise

Ranipuram, as a part of the Western Ghats of Kerala, is a secret paradise renowned for its green scenery, misty hills, and high biodiversity. It is a paradise for photographers with lots of opportunities to shoot stunning landscapes, wildlife, and colours of the sunset and sunrise. For any serious photographer or even a hobbyist who desires the best photograph, Ranipuram offers a very gorgeous canvas that keeps changing season by season. The next guide offers the most appropriate locations for photography, tips for photography to shoot marvellous sunrises and sunsets, and some tips on wildlife photography.

Best Photo Spots in Ranipuram

1. Ranipuram Peak: Ranipuram Peak would be the destination for the photographer. It has an elevation of about 1,025 meters above sea level, and the top of the peak offers lovely sights of the rolling hills, the thick forest, and the distant Arabian Sea on a sunny day. The best time to visit there would be early morning or late evening when the golden light softens the landscape and makes it beautiful.

2. Shola Forests: The thick Shola forests in Ranipuram are a haven for nature photographers. The lighting and shadow between the thick leaves provide the perfect settings for shots. The area is also blessed with strange flora and fauna, and hence a perfect spot for macro photography and capturing tiny structures of plants, mushrooms, and insects.

3. Grasslands and Rolling Meadows: The green rolling grasslands have a stunning sheen over the hills and forests surrounding them. During monsoons, especially, grass is lush green and there is an ethereal sheen due to the mist, and meadows look most photogenic. The interaction of sunlight with the rolling terrain can be captured beautifully in excellent landscape photography.

4. Butterfly Garden: For nature and macro photography enthusiasts, Ranipuram butterfly garden is a place one should definitely visit. There are both some species of butterflies at the garden offering nice photography shots of colored as well as patterned detailed wings. Best time to photograph these species is early morning when the animals are very relaxed.

5. Wildlife Trails and Viewpoints: There are two trails in Ranipuram that lead you to secluded viewpoints from where you can capture amazing photographs of the valleys and thick forests. On the treks along these trails, you can even catch glimpses of the endangered wildlife species such as deer, bison, and birds, and thus is a perfect destination for wildlife photography.

6. Taking Sunrise and Sunset Photos: The loveliness of Ranipuram is realized at sunrise and dusk when the sky is filled with a rainbow of colours. A few guidelines on how to make the most of these moments of beauty follow:

Best Places for Sunrise Photography

• Ranipuram Peak: The top is the perfect place to witness the sun rising as the first rays of the sun illuminate the foggy hills, painting an enchanting picture. Be faster than the sun to reach the top at least 30 minutes before sunrise and capture the best shot.

• Wild Valley Vistas: You will find several Wild Valley vista points with open space to the horizon as you walk. Find spots where you can position subjects such as rocks or trees in the foreground to create depth.

Best Places for Sunset Photography

•  Western Hillsides: Any west-facing hill or vantage point is a great place to shoot sunsets. Golden light reflected off the hills is a psychedelic sight.

•  Forest Edges and Open Fields: Warm sunlight coming through the trees provides a mystical atmosphere to your photos. Silhouettes of trees or animals against the sun's setting are great snaps.