The Cheras controlled the central and northern parts of Kerala and the Kongu region of Tamil Nadu.  

• Vanji was their capital and the ports of the west coast, Musiri and Tondi, were under their control.  
• Vanji is identified with Karur, while some scholars identify it with Tiruvanchaikkalam in Kerala.  
• Now it is accepted by most scholars that there were two main branches of the Chera family and the Poraiya branch ruled from Karur of present-day Tamil Nadu. 

Source: Tamil Nadu state board.