[citation needed] The history of Ranni can be traced back 5000 years to the early settlement of Adi Dravidans around Sabarimala and Nilakkal.

In the 18th century, Anizham Thirunal Marthandavarma of Vennad annexed the Thekkamkoor kingdom and confiscated all the lands that belonged to the former rulers.

[citation needed] Ranni was a part of the Central Travancore region before the unification of India.

According to the 2001 Census of India, Ranni spans a total of 1,004.61 square kilometres (387.88 sq mi).

[citation needed] As of 2011,[update] Ranni taluk had a census population of 198,194, of which 94,773 were males and 103,421 were females.

The population of migrant workers from the northern parts of India has increased over the last few years because of the shortage of local unskilled manpower.

The hilly terrain, high humidity and good rain makes it suitable for rubber cultivation, and Ranni is one of the largest rubber-producing taluks in Kerala.

Ranni taluk has the largest Non-resident Indian (NRI) population in the state of Kerala, which is another major source of income.

Auto rickshaws are also available and are generally hired for short distances (1–3 km) where bus services are lacking.

[citation needed] A train service connecting Ranni to industrial centers is a long-standing demand of citizens.

The Mar Thoma Teachers’ Training College Ranni is a self-financing institution affiliated with MG University and approved by NCTE.

Citi TV The channel, established in 2002, telecasts news, documentaries, advertisements, albums and other programs.

[19] The Hindu temple of Sabarimala is located in this taluk, situated approximately 66 km (41 mi) from the town of Ittiyappara.

It is a resting place for pilgrims to Sabarimala and belongs to a few nair families in Ranni.

The four Panikar families who hold the title are the Meempallil (മീമ്പള്ളിൽ), Kerukattu (Padiyarakkalayil, കേറുകാട്ട്), Pangattu (പങ്ങാട്ട്) and Cheruthalayathu (ചെറുതാലയത്ത്).

A significant number of Malankara Orthodox Christians and Mar Thomites also migrated from surrounding areas.