Pottery finds from the area indicates that Vizhinjam has been a part of Indian Ocean trade at least since the second century BCE.

[citation needed] A preliminary investigation[9] by University of Kerala led by archaeologist Ajit Kumar has revealed the fort might have originally been 800 m2 (8,600 sq ft) in area.

The fort's wall can be found on the northern and western (seaside) parts and has been constructed using large boulders set in mud mortar.

Sangam era texts such as Pandikkovai,[10] Iraiyanar Akapporul Kalingattuparani of Jayamkondar, and Vikrama Chola are said to have numerous references to the existence of a fort, port and a mansion at Vizhinjam.

Srivaramangalam copper plates[11] of Pandyan King Nedum Chadayan (8th century CE) have reference to Vizhinjam and its fort.

[13] As per historians, Vizhinjam, located at the extreme south-western tip of South Asia, served as an important port throughout the history of the region.

The location is economically and geopolitically significant as a key point connecting the shipping between Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

[16] As per a Reuters report, China had also wanted to partner with an un-named Indian company to build the port, but its overture was rejected by New Delhi on grounds of national security.

[17] As of November 2024, the port has started trails and handled over 1 lakh containers and 46 ships during the trial period in the last four months.