Arcot is a city and taluk located in the Ranipet district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Situated on the southern banks of the Palar River, it serves as a geographic point between the Mysore Ghat and the Javadi Hills.
The city occupies a strategic position along a trade route connecting Chennai with Bangalore or Salem. It forms part of a Tri-City area alongside the adjacent municipalities of Walajapet and Ranipet.