Arcot is a city and urban 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 or Salem, between the Mysore Ghat and the Javadi Hills (Javvadhu malai). As of 2011, the city had a population of 70000. The sweet makkan peda is a local speciality while Arcot biryani, a rice-based traditional food, is also served here.