Tyndis

In Tamil, the term "Thondi" refers to either "a small bay-like landscape" or to the "navel". Like Virai or Arikamedu-Virampattinam, Thondi is sometimes referred to as "Munthurai", meaning "the port in front [of the town]". It is also called "Kanalam Thondi", meaning "the coastal town with backwater lakes or backwaters with flowers". Tamil poems describe it as "valam kezhu", signifying its prosperity, much like Muziris. The port of Thondi also had a goddess ("Ananku"). • Periplus of the Erythraean Sea - Tyndis • Pliny the Elder (Natural History) - Tyndis • Peutinger Table - Tondis • Claudius Ptolemy (Geography) - Tyndis == Sources ==

The location of Muziris provides clues for identifying Tyndis, which was 500 stadia (~92 km) north of it ("by river and sea"). The exact location of the port remains uncertain. Possible candidates include the following modern sites: • Kadalundi • About 117 km north of Kodungallur • At the mouth of the Chaliyar and Kadalundi rivers • Etymology: Kadal (sea) + Thundi (navel) • An open harbour entrance through a channel ~ 12 m deep that does not require dredging. • Ponnani • About 74 km north of Kodungallur • At the mouth of Bharathappuzha river • Located opposite the Palakkad Gap • Panthalayini Kollam (Quilandy) ==See also==