Ranipuram
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Ranipuram is a small place in Kasargode district of Kerala state, south India. This place was formerly known as Madathumalauntil 1970s when it was purchased by the Catholic diocese of Kottayam from the Kandoth family branch, the local landlords ,for the purpose of settlement.Settlers renamed it as Ranipuram in memory of the virgin mother. Evidence of presettlement traditions exist in the form of 'Theyyam' a folkdance to please the mother goddess held in the month of May.Presently 'Marathis' form a good number of the local population probably the remnants of an earlier settlement from the north. About 48 km east of Kanhangad on the panathoor road branching off at panathady. Lying 1016 m(Google earth) above sea level adjacent to Bhagamandala forest range.
In beauty and bounty of nature comparable to Ooty but differs in being warmer and the absence of lakes. An ideal place for trekking.There are two trekking routes available through the dense broadleaved evergreen forest .Part of the way the climb is assisted by cut steps . The ambiance of the forest trail is remarkable and once you reach the "Mani"(grass covered hilltop)the view is superb. The undulating cloud topped hills stretch up to the plains and ocean on the horizon.
This is unexplored territory for the nature enthusiast and birdwatcher. Butterflies are in abundance and birds of the evergreen biotope like the black eagle,crested serpent eagle and little spider hunter common. Elephants pay visits in the summer months and leopards have been sighted in the not too distant past. The place holds immense potential for ecotourism and may develop into a premier hillstation in Kerala with the judicious development of amenities. Tourist cottages are available here provided by the KTDC and some private players have entered the scene. Presently jeeps are the main mode of transport from panathady.
