ARIKAMEDU; THE ARCHEOLOGICAL HERITAGE OF SOUTH INDIA

If you love historic sites, archeology, and ancient remains fascinate you then you can see lots of them on Indian trips, especially in South India. 

Honeymoon places in south India are quite popular amongst tourists. But South India has some of the best historical sites, one of the most popular ones being Hampi. 

Today let’s explore another archeological site with a golden past; Arikamedu in Puducherry Located at a distance of 4 km from the beautiful city of south India, Puducherry, near the banks of the river Ariyankuppam, Arikamedu was discovered in an excavation from 1947- 1950 by Sir Mortimer Wheeler and Jean Marie Casal.

Puducherry earlier known as Pondicherry is among the top tourist destinations in India. 

Apart from visiting Arikamedu, there are many things to do in Pondicherry, which will give you unforgettable experiences. 

The story of Arikamedu goes like this, it was once just a fishing village, but gradually it emerged as a major trading port and harbor town. 

According to UNESCO, it acted as the main port for Greco-Roman trade with the Indian subcontinent. 

Once revered as the “mother of all bead centers” across the globe, Arikamedu now lies in ruins that speak of the history of Arikamedu. It was a hub of trade and commerce from the 2nd Century BCE to the 8th Century BCE. 

Arikamedu’s location played a pivotal role in making trade possible with the Roman and European countries. 

BEST TIME TO VISIT ARIKAMEDU

Situated near the coastline, Arikamedu in Puducherry is now no more than the remains of a once flourishing hub or trade and commerce center. 

But Arikamedu is a piece of art for archeology enthusiasts, architecture students, and history lovers. The best time to visit Arikamedu is in October and March, as the weather conditions are temperate and comfortable for traveling. 

Travelers also visit Aurobindo Ashram, which is a popular spiritual hub. Whenever you plan a trip to South India, make sure to keep Pondicherry on your list. There are many amazing places to visit in Pondicherry, which will leave you speechless. 

There is no accommodation in Arikamedu, specifically. However, there are many good accommodations near Arikamedu. If you want a comfortable and luxurious stay then Radisson Resort Pondicherry is a good option. Several other hotels near Arikamedu offer reasonable stay options for tourists. Jeyam Residency, Petit Palais, La Villa Heritage, and many other hotels near Arikamedu are situated within an area of 3 km from Arikamedu. 

Many people wonder what Arikamedu ticket prices are. But the good news is that Arikamedu has free entry. The Arikamedu timings for visiting are from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM every day. Arikamedu is an archeological site, and maybe in the future Arikamedu ticket prices may vary, according to government rules.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN ARIKAMEDU 

On entering the town of Arikamedu, you will witness ruins of tall perpendicular moss-laden walls, mortar, gateways, bead-making units, and ancient remains of dockyards exhibiting the magnificence of the history of Arikamedu. 

Several antique items of Terra Sigillata (Red Roman clay pottery finish), Amphorae jars, pots, glass beads, glassware, stone beads, lamps, etc. have been found during Arikamedu archeological excavations. These items will be displayed at a museum and will be open for general public viewing soon. Visiting this museum will be among the best things to do in Arikamedu. 

ACTIVITIES TO DO IN ARIKAMEDU 

The major attractions of Arikamedu are the remains and ruins of the ancient trade town. There are not many activities to do in Arikamedu, apart from visiting the remains. However, many places nearby are a must-visit, tourists must plan their trip according to Arikamedu timings and enjoy other activities as well. 

Promenade Beach: famous for its pristine beaches like Paradise Beach with azure blue waters and vast shorelines, Pondicherry, boasts another priceless gem; Promenade beach. The sunsets and sunrises from the promenade are to die for. Other attractions include The Joan of Arc Statue, a Mahatma Gandhi effigy, a lighthouse, and much more. 

Veerampattinam Beach: At a short distance of 1.6 km from Arikamedu, lies another magnificent shore of Veerampattinam Beach. Witness a unique site, of two rivers merging into the sea at this beach. 

Our Lady Of The Immaculate Conception Cathedral: Just like the story of Arikamedu, the story of this cathedral also takes you back to the ancient era of 1692. This church is amongst the most famous places to visit in Pondicherry. It even houses paintings gifted by Napoleon III and was visited by legendary personalities like Mother Teresa.

HOW TO REACH ARIKAMEDU FROM PONDICHERRY

Arikamedu, the land lost in time, is situated at a distance of approximately 4 km from Pondicherry. The distance of the ruins from Pondicherry bus station is around 8.5 Km. Several government-run buses, autos, and taxis can take you to Arikamedu in 25 minutes.

AN IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER 

Even though Arikamedu is a popular tourist spot, finding good restaurants near Arikamedu used to be a challenge earlier. Even to date, finding anything to eat in the archeological site is difficult, therefore it is recommended that visitors carry snacks and water with them when visiting the place. 

The spot By Villa Shanti, Mira Restaurant and Cafe, Indian Coffee house, and many other exotic restaurants near Arikamedu and neighboring areas will give you the taste of authentic coastal cuisine