The place is renowned as home to the St Mary's Orthodox Old Christian Church, believed to have been founded by Apostle St Thomas in AD 52. It is one among the seven and a half churches built by St Thomas in Kerala. Niranam is situated 30 km from Kottayam and is 110 km north of the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram.

Niranam Festival held here is a major draw, attended by devotees from far and near.

Niranam is also noted as the birthplace of the great Malayalam poets known as the 'Kannassa Panickkaranmar'. They are attributed with the translation of the epic Ramayana from Sanskrit to Malayalam - 'Kannassaramayanam'.

Nearest airport is at Kochi. Trivandrum International Airport is 115 km to the south. Thiruvalla Railway Station serves Niranam.