Trankebar was a Danish colony in India from 1620 to 1845.

In the beginning of the 17th century, King Christian 4. decided that Denmark should establish itself as a colonial power, and in 1620 Trankebar became the first Danish colony. Trankebar lies in Southeast India in what is now known as the state Tamil Nadu.

Trankebar was founded as a tradingpost by Ove Gjedde, who was also responsible for the construction of the local fort and a local factory. The primary commodities traded in Trankebar were cotton-textiles.

In 1845 the Trankebar colony was sold to England.