Kottapuram is a part of the Thrissur district and at the southernmost border of the Kodungallur municipality. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Kottapuram which is a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Verapoly, has its see here.
Kottapuram is one of the biggest vegetable markets in Kerala. It is located close to the town of Kodungallur. The Kollam-Kottapuram national waterway III ends at Kottapuram. It has been built near to the Kottapuram bridge.
In olden times cranganore was known as Muzaris. Muzaris was the main port for entering to Kerala(known as vanchi) Thiruvanchikkulam was the capital of vanchi rajiam. It is near to Kottapuram Fort. AD 50's ST: Thomas(The appostale of christ)came here through this port. The first Muslim Mosk build by Cheraman perumal by the request of Malic Dinar is located near the Fort. Kottapuram is a common place name in the Indian state of Kerala. The word means 'the place around a Fort' (Kotta means Fort). Since there are many fortresses in Kerala, the state has many places with a similar name. This particular place gets its name from a fort constructed by Portuguese in 1503. only relics of the fort is seen as it was destroyed by Zamorin as well as Tipu sultan. The fort is known as cranganore Fort. The fort is almost ruined now.