Vanchi (sometimes Vanchi Muthur) was the ancient capital of the Chera kingdom till 2nd century AD. The Chera were one of the ancient dynasties which ruled parts of present day Central Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu in southern India.
Archeology, numismatics, literature, common knowledge all point to Thiruvanchikulam, near the famous sea-port Muziris (near present day Kodungallur, Kerala state). However, some scholars point towards Vanchi Muthur as in the Kanthallur-Kizhanthur (Kuzhumur) region of the Idukki district of Kerala.