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.
• 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.
By road -
Peak Season (October to February)
Moderate Season (June to September)
Low Season (March to May)
Know before you go
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.