Ranni

Ranni is a quaint hill station in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. It is an up-and-coming tourist destination and rests quietly on either side of river Pampa. Ranni has grown to become a hub of history, pilgrimage, natural beauty, and politics. It is only 66 kms away from the famous Sabrimala Temple, and pilgrims like to rest in Ranni's beautiful surroundings before taking off on their spiritual journey. 

With its 5000-year-old history, a plethora of natural waterfalls and dense forests, unique flora and fauna, and spiritual roots, Ranni should be on every traveller's go-to list. Ranni derives its name from the word "Rani", meaning "queen". Ranni has a 5000-year-old history and shares Kerala's diverse religious and spiritual history. It is not only very close to the Hindu Sabrimala Temple, built 2000 years ago, attracting lakhs of pilgrims every year, but also houses one of the earliest churches of the region, the St. Thomas Orthodox Church.

Not only that, Ranni is home to some gorgeous waterfalls- Perumthenaruvi and Aruvikuzhi waterfalls being some of them. The former is 17 kms from Ranni, and flows at the height of 100 meters, while the Aruvikuzhi waterfalls (11kms from Ranni) are considered one of the most well-hidden secrets of the place - it's gushing flow is regenerated every year during monsoon season. Both are fine picnic spots to enjoy and chill with family and friends. For trekking opportunities, travellers can visit the Charalkunnu hill, about 13 kms from Ranni, to trek and hike. Ranni, interestingly, is also one of the most literate districts in India, with a 95% literacy rate.