The city is an important trading center of spices and commercial crops, especially rubber.
Kottayam became India's first city to achieve 100% literacy in 1989 and the district became the first tobacco free district in India on September 28, 2008.
The city of Kottayam is also known as Akshara Nagari (City of Alphabets) in honour of its contributions to print media and literature. It is known as the Land of Letters, Lakes and Latex, and it was recently also titled 'the Mural City'.
The climate in this district is moderate and pleasant. From June through September, the south-west monsoon brings in heavy rains.From October to December, Kottayam receives light rain from the northwest monsoon.
The Rubber Board, a body set up by the Government of India for the development of the rubber industry, is located at Kottayam.Kottayam is a trading place of other commercial crops like spices cultivated widely in the surrounding areas. The Plantation Corporation of Kerala has its headquarters at Kottayam.
The culture of Kottayam is influenced mainly by the large presence of the Syrian Christian community The cuisine of Kottayam is the same as rest of Kerala, but with a distinct Syrian Christian influence seen in the use of cocunut and spices, as well as beef, pork and sea food.
Tourism is a major contributor to the economy as many tourism related businesses thrive in the town. Kumarakom, a popular tourist destination in Kerala, is located 14 km from the town. Wagamon, another tourist destination is located on the borders of the districts of Kottayam and Idukki. Kottayam is known for religious tourism.
Six major Malayalam newspapers – Malayala Manorama, Mathrubhoomi, Deshabhimani, Deepika, Madhyamam and Mangalam – and around thirty periodicals are published from Kottayam.