Cortalim is located roughly midway on the main route connecting Panjim to Margao and Vasco (National Highway 17).

The current local name for the village, Kutthalle, is derived from the previous name Kushasthale (place where holy grass is grown for ritual sacrifice), also attributed to Krishna's birthplace, Dwarka.

Before the Portuguese conquest of Goa, Cortalim village was also the site of the Mangueshi temple, dedicated to a form of Shiva.

During the demolition of temples across Salcete ordered by the Viceroy António de Noronha, a local Brahmin gotra emigrated with the idol to its current location in Priol, Ponda.

Novo Palmar, Thana, Nauta, Consua, 1st Arvalle, 2nd Arvalle, Zomboll, Chovoth, Vollant, Igorje Vaddo, Bondir, Maddant, Panzentar, Chaudi, Sotrant, Gallio, Almabhat, Dumiabhatt and Virabhat are the various wadde (wards) of the village.