ARIKAMEDU

Arikamedu, an abandoned city of South India and a flourishing Indo Roman trade centre during the 1st century BC is located about 7 Km south of Pondicherry on the bank of Ariyankuppam River. Far from the din and bustle of a city, it is the only surviving historical place in South India with a cultural continuity from 300 BC-1800 AD which was acquired by the Archaeological survey of India since 2004.

As you enter the territory of this heritage site, you will come across the relics of walls, columns  and mortars standing forlorn along the bank of Ariyankuppam River that will take you back to the glorious days of Roman trade in this region. The dilapidated building of the French Jesuit Mission belonging to the 18th century is one of the striking relics of French architecture and a sight to behold! Such archaeological evidence as well as the travel accounts of the French astronomer Guillaume Le Gentil clearly indicate that the city had a fascinating urban settlement between 100BC till 100 AD. 

As you make your way into the precincts of Arikamedu which is marked by a fencing by the Archaeological Survey of India, you will come across a derelict structure of a thoroughfare standing amidst palm and coconut fringed verdant meadow which is presumably the entrance to the main site. The place has a tranquil charm of its own being located in an offbeat destination and not much frequented by tourists.

The feeble existence of a storehouse amidst the ruins will remind you of the opulent economy of the Orient and its exchange of riches with the Occident. It is the only port which bears the history of Tamilian trade with Imperial Rome. Many of the valuable artefacts and relics belonging to the Roman era are preserved in the Pondicherry Museum for public view that give you a clear notion about the history and culture of Arikamedu.