Korkai

Korkai
Vazhavallan
Village
Location in Tamil Nadu, India
Korkai (India)
Coordinates: 8°38′0″N 78°4′0″E / 8.63333°N 78.06667°E / 8.63333; 78.06667
CountryIndia
StateTamil Nadu
DistrictThoothukudi
 • Rank5M x 10M.
Population
 (2011 census)
 • Total
3,986
Tamil
 • AgriculturistsTamil
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
Nearest VillageVazhavallan

Korkai is an ancient port city and archaeological site located in present-day Thoothukudi district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It was one of the earliest capitals of the Pandya dynasty and served as a major center of pearl fishing and maritime trade in ancient South India. Korkai was situated near the estuary of the Tamiraparani River and was an important port on the Gulf of Mannar.

The site is significant for its role in early historic trade networks linking South India with the Roman Empire, the Mediterranean world, and Southeast Asia.