Cynometra travancorica Bedd. is used as a substitute for Saraca asoca in Asokarishta, a well–known Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation for various gynaecological disorders. The pharmacological properties of this plant have not been reported so far. Presently, the cytotoxic effect of methanolic extract of C. travancorica was analyzed on Daltons Lymphoma Ascites (DLA), colorectal (HCT–15) cancer cells and normal intestinal epithelial (IEC–6) cells. Anti–tumour activity was assessed on DLA induced solid and ascites tumour models in mice. The extract exhibited cytotoxicity towards DLA, HCT–15 cells with IC50 values 65±5.6 and 112±6.3 µg/mL, respectively and did not show any toxic effect on IEC–6, implying its specificity on cancer cells. Extract treatment (500 mg/kg b. wt) reduced the solid tumour by 51.1% and increased the life span of ascites tumour bearing mice by 50.3%. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of the extract showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and phenols. Thus the study reveals the cytotoxic and anti–tumour potential of C. travancorica.