Kodungallur

Kodungallur is a municipality in the Thrissur district of Kerala, India. It is situated on the banks of the Periyar River near its estuary, close to the Arabian Sea, and forms part of the historic Muziris region that hosted ancient trade networks.

Historically, the area around Kodungallur was the site of Muziris, a major port under the Chera kingdom that engaged in trade with the Roman, Greek, and Arab worlds. In recent decades, excavations at nearby Pattanam have uncovered evidence of urban settlement, maritime trade, and cultural exchange associated with Muziris.

Cultural landmarks include the Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple, a major Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Bhadrakali, known for the Bharani festival held in the Bharani nakshatra. Cheraman Juma Masjid (Cheraman Juma Mosque) at Kodungallur is regarded as one of the oldest mosques in India, with traditions dating its construction to the early medieval period.

Modern Kodungallur has a mixed economy with fishing, agriculture, and small industries; it is connected by road via National Highway 66 and is served by nearby railheads and the Cochin International Airport for air travel.