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Ranipuram Trekking is one of the best offbeat trekking trails in the Western Ghats. This is an easy trek and ideal for beginners. The hills on this trek are covered with green tropical forests and grasslands. On reaching the highest peak of the trek, you will witness the panoramic view of the valleys, landscapes, and the Arabian Sea in the far west. Ranipuram is popularly known as the ‘Ooty of Kerala’ due to its lush greenery and breathtaking views from the misty mountains. This is an ideal trek for nature and adventure lovers, offering an unforgettable experience.
Factors That Affect Trekking In Ranipuram
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Certain factors affect trekking in Ranipuram, and it is advised to consider these while planning for a trekking trip to these hills:
Rainy Season: The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall in Ranipuram, hence the trek becomes more challenging. A dry and cool season is preferable for trekking here.
Climate: Climate is another important factor that affects trekking. It is not possible to trek in a very hot or very cold climate. The ideal and comfortable temperature for trekking is between 20 to 30 degrees.
How To Reach Ranipuram
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Ranipuram is reachable by Air, train, or road. The nearest airport is the Mangalore International Airport, which is 125 km from Ranipiuram. You can hire a taxi from the airport to reach the trek.
Tourists can also take a train to Kanhangad Railway Station and take a taxi to cover the rest 45 km to reach Ranipuram.
About The Ranipuram Trek
Ranipuram trek is ideal for everyone and offers a chance to reconnect with nature. Right from evergreen enchantment to panoramic vistas, to enigmatic boulders, this trek offers all in one. Ranipuram can be divided into three sections:
1. First View Point
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
The journey begins at the Forest Check Point, where visitors purchase the tickets and start trekking on a gentle incline through lush green forests. After walking for 150 metres you will reach a place with a temporary structure that offers food, refreshments, and snacks. The left route goes to Talacauvery National Park, Coorg, and the right path takes you to Ranipuram Peak.
Distance: 430 metres
Duration: 15 minutes
2. Forest Watch House
Photo: Truewebsolution / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
After taking the right turn, you will now descend for around 200 metres and enter the forest area. Enjoy the beauty and fragrance of the dense forest. After crossing two forest areas, you will reach a shola grassland, an open area. After 10 minutes of walking, you will spot a forest watchhouse. You can enjoy the breathtaking views from the top of the ridge, on both sides.
Distance: 1.7 km
Duration: 45 minutes
3. Ranipuram Peak
Photo: Niranjan / Wikimedia Commons
From this point, ascend for 100 metres more to reach the Maruthamalai Peak. This peak gives you a 360-degree view of the surrounding misty mountains. The Ranipuram Trek will face right in front of you. Descend from this peak for 50 metres and then continue to ascend for 10 minutes by rocky terrain to reach the Ranipuram Peak.
Distance: 330 metres
Duration: 10 minutes
Places To Visit Near Ranipuram
After enjoying the Ranipuram trek, you must plan to visit the following nearby places to make your trip more fruitful.
1. Coorg
Photo: Akshay S A / Wikimedia Commons
Coorg is a beautiful hill station, located on the eastern side of the Western Ghats. It was formerly called Madikeri. It has several coffee plantations and has pleasant weather all through the year. River Cauvery originates from Brahmagiri Hills in Coorg. Tourists must visit this beautiful hill town and witness some of the best scenic views, vibrant waterfalls, intoxicating aroma of spices, and coffee plantations.
Location: Midway between Mysore and Mangalore, Karnataka
2. Bhagamandala
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Bhagamandala is a pilgrimage place where you will find a Triveni Sangam of river Cauvery, Kannike, and Sujyoti. This place is a mix of charming and modern. There is a temple near the Triveni Sangam, known as Sri Bhagandeshwara Temple, which is enclosed with huge walls and faces east. Tourists visiting Ranipuram must also plan to pay their respects at this ancient temple.
Location: Coorg
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
3. Tadiandamol Trek
Photo: Jyotirmoy / Wikimedia Commons
This is a very popular trek in Karnataka, that takes you to the highest peak in the Coorg district. The trail takes you through lush green forests, hills, and coffee plantations. The post-monsoon season is the ideal time to take this trek as it offers mystic hill views and greenery around. The trek begins at Nalknad Palace and is one of the most popular treks in Kodagu.
Location: Coorg
Duration: Around 6 hours
Where To Eat
Photo: Lakshmiaju / Wikimedia Commons
Tourists will find some decent eating joints near Ranipuram, like Santrupthi, Cafe Coffee Day, and Big Mishra Pedha. You can either take a quick bite before embarking on the trek or eat wholesome food after getting back from the trek.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
The best time to visit Ranipuram is from late June to February. Post-monsoon and winter are the prime season for trekking in Ranipuram. During this time the beauty of Ranipuram can be witnessed at its best as the whole area looks vibrant in lush greenery.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Vaikoovery / Wikimedia Commons
Cost For Trekking:
The trekking price in Ranipuram is very minimal. It costs ₹30 for adults and ₹15 for children. Apart from this cost, the other cost will be for transportation used to reach Ranipuram. It is a very pocket-friendly trip and at hardly any cost you will experience one of the most beautiful treks in Kerala.
Tips For Travellers
- Wear proper trekking/hiking shoes and comfortable clothes
- Carry water and energy food in your backpack, like dry fruits, fruits, energy bars, etc.
- Wear a hat and apply sunscreen to keep yourself protected from sun’s rays
- Carry an extra pair of clothing, an umbrella, and a raincoat as well
Ranipuram trekking is purely a refreshing experience as the trek is easy and offers stunning views of the surrounding tropical montane forest. You will also witness the thriving flora and fauna of the trek. After reaching the peak you will be mesmerised by the misty mountain peaks and surrounding views of valleys. So, plan with TripXL and take a trek to this adventurous place.
Cover Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
