Arikamedu

Arikamedu is an archaeological site in Puducherry district with remains of stone structures and artifacts spanning multiple historical periods. The grounds contain both ancient foundations and remnants of colonial-era missionary structures, revealing how the location was occupied and used across different eras.

The site was systematically excavated in the 1940s, uncovering layers of settlement dating back to ancient times. The findings demonstrated the extent of trade networks that once linked this location with distant Mediterranean regions.

The site is remembered for its role as a bead-making center, with evidence of craft production techniques visible across the excavated areas. This industrial heritage reflects how skilled artisans once worked here, leaving traces of their daily labor.

Access to the grounds is straightforward and costs nothing, with daytime hours available for exploration. The site is more comfortable to visit during the cooler months when the weather is milder.

Among the artifacts recovered are items showing that inhabitants here engaged directly in trade with distant Mediterranean coastal regions during ancient times. This discovery was significant because it revealed the scale of long-distance commerce that existed in the ancient world.