Kunnamkulam Malayalam: [kun̪ːəm kuɭ̺ːəm] is a municipal town located in the Thrissur District of Kerala, India, with historical origins tracing back to the Paleolithic age. Renowned for its deep-rooted cultural heritage, vibrant printing industry, and religious diversity, the town has evolved into a significant commercial hub in central Kerala. Its strategic location and excellent connectivity make it an important economic and cultural node, linking the southern regions of Kerala with North Malabar, and serving as a crucial point for travel and trade. Kunnamkulam is situated approximately—Thrissur (22 km south), Kochi (90 km south), and Palakkad (80 km northeast) and 8 km from the renowned pilgrimage centre of Guruvayur.

The region around present-day Kunnamkulam has a rich and layered history that traces back to the Sangam period (circa 3rd century BCE to 4th century CE). During this era, the area was part of the ancient Mahodaya Pattanam under Chera dynasty's territory, which engaged in active trade with the Roman Empire and other civilizations of the time.

Historically, the town was part of the Punnathur chiefdom, one of the four royal branches of the Talappilli lineage, the others being Kakkad, Ainikkur, and Manakkulam. Kunnamkulam served as the administrative headquarters of the Talappilli Taluk (modern-day Thalapilly) until 1860.

The early cultural development of the region was influenced by the arrival of Syrian Christian communities, who established some of Kerala’s earliest churches and played a key role in shaping Kunnamkulam’s emerging identity. By the medieval period, Kunnamkulam had evolved into a significant settlement for the Nasrani (Syrian Christian) community.

In the late 18th century, during the reign of Shakthan Thampuran, the ruler of the Kingdom of Cochin, Kunnamkulam gained further strategic prominence. Shakthan Thampuran actively promoted trade and urban development across central Kerala and encouraged the settlement of Syrian Christians in commercial hubs such as Kunnamkulam, Thrissur, and Irinjalakuda. These policies contributed to the town’s growth as a vibrant commercial centre and a symbol of religious pluralism. Kunnamkulam came to be regarded as "the chief centre of Orthodox Christians in the state."

A notable demographic shift occurred in 1789, during the invasion of Tippu Sultan, Christian families from Chattukulangare migrated to Kunnamkulam. The Talappilli Rajas facilitated their resettlement by allocating land and permitting the construction of churches. These settlers established themselves along both sides of the town’s main street, significantly contributing to its commercial vibrancy and multicultural character.

During the colonial period, Kunnamkulam continued to thrive under both Portuguese and British influence. The Portuguese period witnessed increased foreign trade and closer ties with Christian communities. Under British rule, the town further expanded as a Christian-majority urban centre, noted for its distinct settlement pattern and its status as a well-organized commercial town.

As of 2011 Census, Kunnamkulam had a population of 54,071 with 25,392 males and 28,679 females. The municipality caters 13,156 households with an area of 34.18 km² (13.20 sq mi). 9.3% of the population was under 6 years of age. Literacy rate of Kunnamkulam city is 96.84% higher than state average of 94.00%. In Kunnamkulam, Male literacy is around 97.71% while female literacy rate is 96.08%.