Arcot is a town and suburb of Vellore city 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, between the Mysore Ghat and the Javadi Hills - (Javvadhu malai). As of 2011, the town had a population of 55,955. The sweet, Makkan Peda, originated locally. Biryani, a rice-based traditional food is served here.