Arikamedu

Situated 20 kilometres from the French colonial town of Pondicherry, which takes a half hour to reach, Arikamedu in Pondicherry is a popular spot because it is an ancient Roman trade centre hidden from the eyes of the commonplace Tamil people. 'Arikamedu' is a Tamil word that means 'eroding mount.' Rome, Cholas occupied this port town where it is located, and French, serving as a very famous maritime centre from 1st century BC. The glass bead manufacturing factory of Arikamedu is popularly known as the Mother of all bead centres globally.

In the 1940s, the first dig in Arikamedu took place, and since then, the excavations are continuously being carried out from it. When you enter, you will come across the relics of walls and columns standing forlorn with the bank of the Ariyankuppam River, giving the feel of Roman trade in this region. This place is calm because it is situated at an offbeat place where tourists rarely come. The timings begin from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm on Monday to Saturday and from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm on Sundays for all tourists. There is no entry fee for any tourist.

How To Reach Arikamedu Pondicherry:

Arikamedu in Pondicherry is 9 kilometres from the Pondicherry bus stand and can be travelled by any public transport like buses, autorickshaws, and cabs. Puducherry Road Transport Corporation buses ply between places and can reach Arikamedu in 20 minutes. 

Best Time To Visit Arikamedu In Pondicherry:

Winter season, or we can say that starting summer, is the best time to visit Pondicherry. November to February is the perfect time to plan a holiday here. The humidity is low in the winter, and Pondicherry has temperate and mild weather to spend days with your family and friends. It would be best to visit Arikamedu in Pondicherry in the evenings for the best beauty experience with the breezy air. The summers are hot, with a temperature of 41 degrees Celsius, and not feasible to roam around much. 

Places To Visit Near Arikamedu Pondicherry:

Pondicherry Museum:

Located in the heart of Pondicherry, the Pondicherry Museum is a must-visit. It houses a collection of artefacts showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage and history.

Auroville:

Auroville, known as the "City of Dawn," is a unique experimental township close to Arikamedu. It promotes unity, peace, and sustainable living. You can explore the Matrimandir, the focal point of Auroville, and enjoy the serene ambience of the area.

Paradise Beach:

Located around 7 kilometres from Arikamedu, Paradise Beach is a beautiful stretch of golden sand and clear blue waters. It's an ideal place to relax, sunbathe, and enjoy water sports.

Serenity Beach:

Another popular beach near Arikamedu is Serenity Beach, known for its tranquillity and scenic beauty. Stroll along the shore, watch the mesmerizing sunset, or even try surfing.

Chunnambar Boat House:

Situated around 10 kilometres from Arikamedu, Chunnambar Boat House offers boating experiences in the backwaters of Pondicherry. You can hire a boat and cruise along the Chunnambar River, a delightful experience.

Gingee Fort:

Visiting Gingee Fort is highly recommended if you're interested in history and architecture. Located approximately 70 kilometres from Arikamedu, this majestic fort complex dates back to the 13th century and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Mahabalipuram:

Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site about 100 kilometres north of Arikamedu. It's famous for its ancient rock-cut temples and stunning stone sculptures, including the Shore Temple and the Pancha Rathas.

Pichavaram Mangrove Forest:

Situated around 120 kilometres from Arikamedu, the Pichavaram Mangrove Forest is a unique ecosystem of interconnected waterways and dense mangrove forests. You can explore the area by boat and witness its remarkable biodiversity.