Arcot is a town and urban area of Ranipet district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Located on the southern banks of Palar River, the city straddles a trade route between Chennai and Bangalore or Salem, between the Mysore Ghat and the Javadi Hills. As of 2011, the city had a population 69,331. The sweet makkan peda is a local speciality while Arcot biryani, a rice-based traditional food, is also served here. Arcot Mudaliars and Muslims are the dominant communities followed by Naidus and Vanniyars in Arcot town.
