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About Arakkal Museum

Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM; Monday closed

Peak Day & Hours: 11:00 AM and 03:00 PM

Suggested Duration: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours

Tickets: Available Offline

Nearest Railway Station: Kannur Bus Stand, about 2 km away

Nearest Airport: Kannur International Airport, about 26 km away

Nearest Bus Stop: Kannur Bus Stand, about 2 km away

Arakkal Museum, Kannur, is the only museum in Kerala that showcases the legacy of the Arakkal family, which was Kerala’s only Muslim royal dynasty. This museum is a part of the Arakkal Palace, known as Arakkalkettu, which was home to the ruling Arakkals. They once controlled large parts of the Malabar Coastline and the Lakshadweep Islands, and this museum showcases the rich maritime history along with the cultural and administrative legacy left behind by these rulers, making it one of the must-include items in your Kerala tour package. The exhibits in the museum include royal furniture, official documents, weaponry, utensils, and portraits. These portraits depict the mix of Islamic and Kerala traditions, and are maintained by the Archaeology Department of Kerala.

The museum’s beautiful and elegant wooden architecture, inner courtyards, and coastal scenery make it an alluring yet historically rich place to visit. It is a must-stop destination for history enthusiasts as well as casual travellers.

Arakkal Museum Highlights

• Witness the Arakkal Museum, Kannur’s Islamic legacy, as this is the only museum in Kerala dedicated to a royal Muslim family.
• Observe ancient royal artefacts like swords, telephones, manuscripts, and coins, which were used by the Arakkal rulers.
• Behold the Indo-Islamic architecture, connecting Kerala woodwork with Mughal-style architecture.
• View rare official documents that reveal the Arakkal family’s trade and governance.
• Learn about Kerala’s coastal history and its links with Arabian traders.

How To Reach Arakkal Museum

By road -

By car/taxi: The Arakkal Museum is about 4.1 KM from Kannur city centre, you can reach there in around 13 minutes via Ayikkara Government Hospital Rd. Visitors can also take a taxi from the city centre to the Arakkal Museum.

Best Time To Visit Arakkal Museum

Peak Season (October to February)

Weather Insights: Cool, dry, and pleasant climate is ideal for sightseeing.
Things to Do: Museum visits, nearby beach exploration, heritage walks in Kannur town.

Moderate Season (June to September)

Weather Insights: Monsoon rains make the surroundings lush, but travel may be disrupted.
Things to Do: Ideal for indoor visits like the museum, photography, and enjoying coastal greenery.

Low Season (March to May)

Weather Insights: Hot and humid weather with daytime temperatures soaring above 35°C.
Things to Do: Early morning museum visits, coastal drives, and quick tours before noon to avoid the heat.

Arakkal Museum Other Essential Information

Know before you go

Make sure to check the opening hours of the museum in advance as it is closed on Mondays and public holidays.
Dress modestly and comfortably, keeping in mind the religious and historical importance of the site.
Plan your visit early in the day for better fighting and fewer crowds.
Do not touch or capture any artefacts unless you are allowed to.

Point of Interest for Arakkal Museum

Explore the Gallery of Maritime Power

Get a chance to see rare maritime artefacts, trade route maps, and naval equipment. This gallery of the museum highlights their dominance over the Lakshadweep islands and the Arabian Sea trade. The exhibits offer great insight into how Arakkals strategically used Kerala’s geography to build diplomatic and economic power in this region.

Step into the Council Hall

You can visit the majestic Durbar Hall, where the Arakkal rulers used to conduct royal meetings and govern local affairs. The hall has polished wooden flooring, vintage ceiling fans, and throne-like chairs. The hall echoes the voices of rulers who once spoke with the colonial power, like the British and Tipu Sultan. This council hall is a great glimpse kept preserved and provides glimpses of Kerala’s regal administration.

Examine the Royal Weaponry and Artefacts

Get a chance to observe and behold the complexly designed weapons used in the defensive roles. The weapon collection reveals the dynasty’s alliances and military preparedness, ranging from Mughal-style swords to British-made rifles and traditional Malabari daggers. The museum also contains royal robes, crests, and antique furniture that creates a full picture of the Arakkal’s nobility and their daily lives.

Admire the Palace Architecture and Courtyard

You can wander through the palace’s timber-lined halls, high wooden ceilings, and a beautiful open courtyard that offers views of Kerala’s traditional architecture with a mix of Islamic architecture. There is also a little mixture of native and Persian influences that creates a peaceful and aesthetic atmosphere. You can sit on the stone benches or observe the artefacts, as the museum is perfect for people seeking to connect with Kerala’s maritime and cultural heritage.

Tourism Board Alliances

Arakkal Museum FAQs

What is special about the Arakkal Museum?

The Arakkal museum, Kannur, Kerala, is the only museum dedicated to a Muslim royal family, known as the Arakkal family. This family ruled the major part of the Malabar Coast and the Lakshadweep Islands. This museum showcases the artefacts, furniture, documents, weapons and the architecture that connects Kerala and Islamic influences, which makes it a unique historic and cultural site.

What are the Arakkal Museum timings?

The Arakkal museum timings are from 10:00 AM to 05:30 PM, with a lunch time from 01:00 PM to 02:00 PM. The museum is closed on Mondays and public holidays. If you are planning to visit, confirm the timings by calling ahead of your visit time or date.

Is photography allowed inside the museum?

Yes, you can photograph most of the parts of the museum, but it is still advised to ask the authorities before capturing. Do not violate the rules if they deny you to click pictures, and make sure you respect the norms of the museum.

Is the museum suitable for children or educational trips?

Yes, the museum is well-suited for children, school tours, and history enthusiasts. Its artefacts are simple, well-labelled, and easy to follow, and help kids to understand the diversity of Kerala’s past, including its trade, Islamic influence, and royal heritage.