About Ranipuram
Have you ever heard of Ranipuram? If not, you are missing out on one of the most beautiful and serene hill stations in India. Located in the Kasaragod district of Kerala, Ranipuram is a hidden gem in the Western Ghats that offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. I had the chance to visit Ranipuram last week and I was blown away by its natural beauty and tranquility.
Ranipuram is situated 750 m above sea level and is adjacent to the Kottancheri-Talakaveri mountain range. It is often compared to Ooty, the famous hill station in Tamil Nadu, because of its cool climate, deep woods and enthralling trekking trails. But unlike Ooty, Ranipuram is not crowded or commercialized. It is a place where you can enjoy nature in its purest form at the time of writing this blog.
I reached Ranipuram by car from Kanhangad, which is about 45 km away. The road was winding and scenic, passing through lush green valleys and forests. I could see the misty peaks of Ranipuram looming ahead as I approached the destination. I checked into a DTPC cottage, which was cozy and comfortable. I decided to explore the surroundings and take a short trek to the top of the hill.
The trek was moderate and enjoyable, with well-marked paths and signboards. The forest was rich in biodiversity, with various species of plants, birds and animals. I even spotted a herd of elephants grazing in the distance. The view from the top was breathtaking, with a panoramic vista of the landscape and the neighbouring states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. I felt like I was on top of the world.
I spent some time at the summit, soaking in the fresh air and the serene atmosphere. I then descended back to the base and had a delicious lunch at a nearby restaurant. I also visited some of the other attractions in Ranipuram, such as the Peacock Serviced Villa, where I stayed for a night, the Tea Museum, where I learned about the history and culture of tea production in Ranipuram, the Wax Studio, where I saw some amazing wax sculptures and models, and the Karnataka Siri Horticulture Garden, where I admired some exotic flowers and plants.
I had a wonderful time in Ranipuram and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves nature and adventure. It is a hidden gem in the Western Ghats that deserves more recognition and appreciation. It is a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate your mind and body.
Key things to consider.
If you are planning to visit Ranipuram, here are some tips that might help you:
- The best time to visit Ranipuram is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and dry.
- You can reach Ranipuram by bus from Kanhangad or Kasaragod railway stations or by taxi from Mangalore or Kannur airports.
- You can book your accommodation at DTPC cottages or Peacock Serviced Villa online or by phone.
- You can hire a guide or a jeep for trekking or sightseeing at reasonable rates.
- You can carry some snacks and water for your trek as there are no shops or restaurants on the way.
- You can wear comfortable clothes and shoes for your trek as the terrain can be rough and slippery.
- You can avoid littering or harming the environment as Ranipuram is a plastic-free zone.
I hope you enjoyed reading about my trip to Ranipuram. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below. And if you have visited Ranipuram or plan to visit it soon, please share your experience with me. I would love to hear from you.
Thank you for reading!
Guguls