Ranipuram is one of the hill top areas in Kerala. It can be reached from two different directions; Pottenplave (near Kudiyanmala) and Kappimala (Near Alakkodu).

Ranipuram is a hill station region, located within Kasargod district of Kerala.

Location of Ranipuram
Ranipuram is located in the 750 meters (2,460 ft) above sea level adjacent to Kottancheri-Talacavery mountain range. Ranipuram is located about 48 kilometres east of Kanhangad between the Panathur and Malom towns. By road Ranipuram is accessible from Panathady at kanhangad-panathur state highway. Other trekking paths through dense forest are available from Panathur, Maruthom and Malom which needs permission from forest officers.

History of Ranipuram
Ranipuram has the evidence of pre-settlement traditions exist in the form of `Theyyam`, a folk dance to please the mother goddess held in the month of May. This place was formerly known as Madathumala until the 1970s, when it was purchased by the Catholic Diocese of Kottayam for the purpose of settlement. The settlers renamed it as Ranipuram in memory of the Virgin Mother.

Trekking in Ranipuram
There are two trekking routes available through the South Western Ghats Mountain Range in India moist deciduous forests. The 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 outstanding. The undulating cloud-topped hills in Ranipuram stretch up to the plains and ocean on the horizon. This is unexplored territory for the nature enthusiast and birdwatcher.

Landforms in Ranipuram
The 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. Ranipuram holds enormous latent for ecotourism and may develop into a premier hill station 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.

Visiting Information
Ranipuram is about 79 km from Madikeri via the Bhagamandala-Panathoor route. The road to Madikeri is broken and muddy so it is better not to drive a regular car on it. But Kasaragod is nearer, and the road is motorable and steep in places, hence one can find Jeep Taxis at the bottom Ranipuram. The road ends abruptly one kilometer after reaching Ranipuram from the Kerala side, the other side has not been developed by Karnataka.