town, southern Kerala state, southwestern India, near Vembanad Lake at the mouth of the Minachil River south-southeast of Kochi (Cochin). The town is a centre of the Syrian Christian (Christians of Saint Thomas) community, which traces its origin to the apostle St. Thomas (Thomas, Saint), who is believed to have visited Kerala in 53 CE and to have established seven churches on the Malabar Coast. Kottayam developed into an important market centre in the early 20th century after tea and rubber plantations were established in the nearby Anaimalai Hills. It is also an educational and cultural centre, with several schools, including three Christian colleges (two of which are for women) and several professional colleges, all affiliated with the University of Kerala. Pop. (2001) town, 60,728; urban agglom., 172,878.