Arikamedu Tour from Pondicherry to an Ancient Indo-Roman Port

Show all photos
4 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Delve into the history of Arikamedu, one of South India’s key archaeological sites, on this private half-day tour from Pondicherry. Once a bustling Indo-Roman trading port, Arikamedu showcases remnants of ancient commerce, including workshops and warehouses along the Ariyankuppam river. This guided experience provides insight into the maritime trade that connected cultures from the 2nd century BCE to the 2nd century CE, highlighting the region's role in early globalization. Engage with the local community as the tour supports local guides and businesses, ensuring an enriching experience that respects the site’s heritage.

- Half-day private guided tour of Arikamedu from Pondicherry
- Explore archaeological remains of an ancient trading port
- Includes pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Focus on local culture and community involvement through guided insights

What's Included

Private transportation
Public Boat ride to the site
Guide

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Pick up from Hotel lobby

Itinerary

Duration: 4 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    Explore low brick foundations, remnants of warehouses, bead-making workshops, and quay-like structures along the riverbank. This was not a city of palaces, but of commerce—artisans shaping semi-precious stones, merchants negotiating pepper, textiles, and gems. Scientific analysis of beads found here shows advanced drilling techniques, indicating skilled local craftsmanship rather than Roman manufacture, challenging older assumptions that Rome dominated production. Arinyakuppam Standing by the river is essential. Geological studies suggest the river was once deeper and navigable by sea-going vessels, explaining Arikamedu’s strategic importance. This is where Roman ships likely anchored, goods transferred to smaller boats, and cultures exchanged ideas along with merchandise. It’s also where guides can layer in stories of Tamil Sangam literature, which references overseas traders known as Yavanas—a literary corroboration of the archaeological record.

    3 hours • Admission ticket included
  • 2
    Pondicherry

    The drive from Pondicherry to Arikamedu would be half an hour each way

    1 hour • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by 5 Senses Walks

Tags

Half-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Archaeology Tours
Car Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Show more

from per person
Was {{formatPrice(summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount, currency, 2)}}
Book Now