Perumbavoor is a town that has traditionally been at the forefront of the timber industry. It was elevated to the status of a municipal town on January 1, 1953. The first governing council was headed by K. Harihara Iyer as Chairman. Perumbavoor is well known for its timber trade and small-scale industries.

The town is located about 38 kilometers northeast of Ernakulam. The municipal boundaries are: Rayamangalam and Koovappady Panchayats to the north, Vengola Panchayat to the south, Vazhakulam Panchayat to the west, and Kothamangalam to the east.

The town has a relatively level topography, consisting of plains, valleys, and hillocks. Within the municipal limits are several important religious and cultural landmarks, including Iringole Kavu, Dharma Sastha Temple, Pulakkottu Sastha Temple, Kalagramam, numerous sacred groves (Kavus), the Town Juma Masjid, St. Theresa’s Church, and many other Muslim and Christian places of worship.

Several major tourist attractions are located in and around Perumbavoor, drawing visitors from different places. These include Kalady, the birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya; Malayattoor Church; St. Thomas Church; the Kodanad Elephant Training Centre; Chelamattom Krishnaswamy Temple; Vallam St. Theresa’s Church, renowned for its mural paintings; Iringole Forest; Kallil Temple; Thiruvairanikkulam Temple; Thattekad Bird Sanctuary; Bhoothathankettu; and Kanjoor St. Sebastian’s Church.