The town is home to many popular educational institutions, hospitals, restaurants, hotels, and retail stores.

Kottiyam is strategically located and therefore a regular stopover for long-distance travellers wishing to freshen up during their journeys.

Kottiyam is on the National Highway 66 between Kazhakoottam town and Kollam City.

The nearest major railway station is Kollam Junction.Mayyanad and Paravur railway stations are closer, but some passenger trains and a few express trains have halt there.

Adichanalloor is a special grade grama panchayath in Kollam.