The place gets its name from the Muvattupuzha River and is the meeting point of the Thodupuzha, Kothamangalam and Kaaliyar rivers. The strategic location of Muvattupuzha between the high ranges and the ports of Kochi and Alappuzha made it an important commercial center till the dawn of 19th century. With the arrival of modern means of transport, Muvattupuzha lost its prominence.
Vazhakkulam village near Muvattupuzha is very famous for pineapple cultivation.