The city is approximately 150 km (93.2 mi) from the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram.
The city is an important trading center of spices and commercial crops, especially rubber.
Major Kerala print media such as Malayala Manorama, Deepika and Mangalam are headquartered in the town

Roadways

 

Railway

 

Air

The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, 90 km to the north

Ferry & Port

 The Kerala State Water Transport Department (KSWTD) operates ferry services through the backwaters in and around Kottayam city. Ferries are a major mode of transport to the town connect to the tourist destination of Kumarakom and Alappuzha, as well as several smaller destinations. There are two major ferry jetties in the city - Town Jetty and Kodimatha 

 

Kottayam district consists of 5 taluks:^[4]

1. Kottayam
2. Changanassery
3. Vaikom
4. Kanjirappally
5. Meenachil

The four municipalities in the district are Kottayam, Vaikom, Changanassery and Pala. It has 11 development blocks and 73 Panchayats.^[4] Administratively, Kottayam district consists of two Revenue divisions - Kottayam and Pala - each under the control of a Revenue Divisional Office

TOURIST SPOTS IN KOTTAYAM  Vennimala - The hill of victory  Vennimala is located nearly 15 km from the Kottayam town and can be assessed easily through the Kottayam- Kumili road.The major attractions at Vennimala are its age old Lord Sreerama and Lekshmana temple. It is believed that Lord Rama as well as Lakshmana came to this spot during their exile. There were numerous big and small fresh water ponds this hill.Vennimala Sree Rama Lakshamana Perumal Temple Vennimala Sree Rama Lakshamana Perumal Temple is one among the oldest Rama Temples in South India. Vennimala Sree Rama-Laksmana temple, situated in 4th ward of Puthupally, is 2 km south to Vellor in Kottayam district. Devotees can reach here through K.K.Road from Kottayam via Manarkad and turn right at the 8th mile. A board of Vennimala Temple shows the way. The place is about 15 km from Kottayam. It is believed that Lord Rama and Lakshmana during their period of exile visited this hillside. At that time numerous sages meditated in the caves of Vennimala. Upon the request of the sages Lakshmana killed many demons who were a threat and nuisance to the sages. Thus the place came to be called ‘Vijayadri’ in Sanskrit. The name means ‘hill of victory’ as Lakshmana won the battle with demons. Vijayadri in Malayalam became Vennimala.