Arakkonam (also "Arkonam") (Tamil: ) is a mid-sized Town in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, with a population of about 101,626 as per the census 2011. This town is located in the Vellore District about 69 kilometres (43mi) (via rail) from the state capital of Chennai. Arakkonam is supposedly one of the hottest towns in India, where the temperature can exceed 43C (110F) for several peak days in the summer. The name of the town is believed to have been derived from the Tamil word Aaru konam meaning hexagon (ancient name was "arunthamizh kundram"), since it has six important places on its six sides. Nearby towns include Kanchipuram, Tiruttani, Tiruvalangadu, Thakkolam, Manavoor and Sholingur Paranji. Arakkonam is one of the important railway junctions in South India. The station was known as Arkonam until a few years ago. It is an important junction since the Chennai-Mumbai railway line branches off from the railway line going to Bangalore, Hubli, Mangalore, Goa, Coimbatore...
