Ranipuram: Check out 'North Kerala's Vagamon' for a great summer escape

Are you scouting through travel websites or texting travel-junkie friends to get a cue about the perfect getaway this vacation? With searing heat waves sweeping across the plains, what about a slice of paradise with misty hills, cool climes and exciting trekking trails?

The naturally spellbinding Ranipuram, which has earned the sobriquet ‘North Kerala’s Vagamon’ not for nothing, ticks all the boxes in style. A vacay to this charming spot with family would be undoubtedly memorable.

Ranipuram, which is 65km away from Kasaragod, sits pretty on the borders of the Kasaragod district (Kerala) and the Kodagu district (Karnataka), and you could savour the beauty of Talakaveri forests on the Karnataka side.

A two-hour drive from Kasaragod or Kanhangad will take you to Ranipuram and make it a point to start the journey just before or at the break of dawn. Requisite nod from authorities concerned would permit you to take a leisurely stroll on the lush green prairie. You can reach the grasslands after walking through verdant forest where sunlight fails to seep through the canopy. Ranipuram gives the travellers the opportunity to touch the top of the iconic Western Ghats.

Kerala’s Ooty too
As Ranipuram, which is 750m above sea level, boasts of nature’s pristine beauty and tranquility, no wonder it is also known as ‘Kerala’s Ooty’. This attractive village is the highest region in Kasaragod district and earlier it had the appellation ‘Madathumala’.

Ranipuram is paradisaical for trekkers and nature enthusiasts as it is oozing with greenwood, wild flowers, meadows and grasslands and to top it all a pleasant and cool weather. If you want to spend a day or two in this wonderful destination, the District Tourism Promotion Council has put in place cottages for the travellers.

What to do
Go on a trekking spree in Ranipuram and be on the lap of nature. You can visit Talakaveri and the famous Talakaveri temple is situated in the valley of the hill where Kaveri River originates. It would be a sin if you don’t step into the age-old Bekal Fort if you are in Kasaragod. You can reach Ranipuram from Bekal Fort in 90 minutes.

Travel tips
Keep an eye on weather forecast before chalking out the itinerary.
Pack appropriate clothes for the trip.
Carry an umbrella or a hat as it will be pretty sunny though there will be a nip in the air.
Make sure to carry umbrellas and raincoats all the time.

Trekkers should have adequate quantity of potable water and food with them. Don’t litter in the hills. Plastic bottles and plastic covers should be brought back to base camp.

When to visit
Though Ranipuram is an all-season tourist destination, rains would be heavy during monsoon season. You can tour Ranipuram anytime during the summer and winter seasons.