Arakkal Museum
Explore the legacy of Kerala's only Muslim royal family at the Arakkal Museum, a former palace showcasing rich history and architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat.
Arakkal Museum
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the legacy of Kerala's only Muslim royal family at the Arakkal Museum, a former palace showcasing rich history and architecture.
"A must-visit for history lovers, offering a walk through the legacy of the Arakkal family."
Carry your footwear
No shoe racks available, so be ready to carry your footwear inside.
Camera Fee
There's a small fee for using cameras, including mobile phones.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Arakkal Royal Furniture
Durbar Hall
Admire antique furniture that once graced the halls of Kerala's only Muslim royal family.
Royal Weapons Collection
Exhibition Hall
See swords, daggers, and spears that tell tales of the Arakkal dynasty's maritime power.
Architectural Charm
Palace Building
Experience traditional Kerala architecture with laterite walls, wooden floors, and stained-glass windows.
Copies of the Holy Quran
Display Area
View historical copies of the Quran, reflecting the religious heritage of the Arakkal rulers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Carry your footwear
No shoe racks available, so be ready to carry your footwear inside.
Camera Fee
There's a small fee for using cameras, including mobile phones.
Respect the artifacts
Avoid touching exhibits to help preserve history.
Embrace the history
Appreciate the rich heritage; it's a treasure trove for history buffs.
Tips
from all over the internet
Carry your footwear
No shoe racks available, so be ready to carry your footwear inside.
Camera Fee
There's a small fee for using cameras, including mobile phones.
Respect the artifacts
Avoid touching exhibits to help preserve history.
Embrace the history
Appreciate the rich heritage; it's a treasure trove for history buffs.
Combine with other sites
Visit nearby St. Angelo Fort for a fuller Kannur experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Arakkal Museum to be a significant cultural landmark offering a unique glimpse into Kerala's only Muslim royal family. While some feel the exhibits could be more extensive, the historical artifacts, traditional architecture, and the intimate feel of the former palace are highly appreciated. It's considered a worthwhile visit for those interested in heritage and untold stories.
"Arakkal Museum, also known as Arakkal Kettu Museum, is part of the Arakkal Kettu (palace complex) of the Arakkal family, the only Muslim royal family in Kerala.
No parking space for the museum, have to park on the road side.
Open from 10 to 5PM and Entry ticket is Rs.20 for adults and Rs.30 if using camera (including mobile phone camera) 🥹
No footwear allowed and there’s no proper place / shoe racks to keep them
There’s a stinking smell at the entrance 🤧
The building is built with laterite and wood, displaying local Kerala architectural styles. The upper floor has wide hallways, wooden flooring; windows often with coloured glass panes (red and blue), giving decorative light effects. Roof structures include wooden rafters, bamboo, fish tiles & Mangalore tiles.
Some of the artifacts & displays include: Arakkal family seal, wooden chest / storage for grains, adhara petti, Royal furniture, mantle sticks, kitchen utensils (including cookware), glassware, wooden boxes, etc. Weapons: swords, daggers, spears used by the royal family. Old telephones, telescope; copies of the Holy Quran. And copies of some letters. Do not touch / break any artifacts.
For some it would be a just an old house with some displays and for those who appreciate the heritage and culture it would be a treasure cove of history and culture.
Though renovated by the Kerala government, it is still owned and managed by the Arakkal Royal Trust"
Prem Redeemer
"Visiting the Arakkal Museum was like stepping into a lesser-known but incredibly rich chapter of Kerala’s history. This beautifully maintained museum offers a walk through the legacy of the Arakkal family, the only Muslim royal family in Kerala—and that in itself makes it a unique and important cultural landmark.
The museum is housed in a portion of the original Arakkalkettu (Arakkal Palace), and walking through its halls feels like leafing through pages of a living history book. From antique furniture and royal correspondence to weapons, artifacts, and portraits, every corner holds a story—of diplomacy, seafaring trade, and a regal way of life that once flourished here.
What I especially loved was how intimate the experience felt. It’s not a massive space, but that’s part of its charm. It invites you to slow down and take in the details—the crests, the calligraphy, the echoes of a family that played a significant role in the Malabar region’s history.
The museum staff were welcoming, and the exhibits are curated with care and dignity. If you’re someone who appreciates heritage, culture, and untold stories, this place is a must-visit.
A perfect addition to your Kannur itinerary—simple, graceful, and deeply enriching."
Abhijna
"The Arakkal Museum in Kannur offers a fascinating glimpse into the legacy of Kerala's only Muslim royal family, the Arakkal dynasty. Housed in the renovated Durbar Hall of the Arakkalkettu (Arakkal Palace), this museum showcases a rich collection of artifacts, including royal copies of the Quran, antique furniture, ancient telephones, telescopes, and ceremonial items, reflecting the family's maritime influence and cultural connections.
The architecture itself, featuring laterite and wood construction with stained-glass windows, adds to the historical ambiance. While some visitors feel the exhibits could be more extensive, the museum remains a significant cultural site, providing insights into the Arakkal family's role in the region's history.
Located just a few kilometers from Kannur town, it's a worthwhile visit for those interested in Kerala's diverse heritage."
Davis K Andrews
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Arakkal Museum is located a few kilometers from Kannur town. You can reach it by auto-rickshaw or taxi. Parking can be challenging, often requiring you to park on the roadside.
Unfortunately, there is no dedicated parking space for the museum. Visitors typically have to park on the roadside, which can be inconvenient.
While direct public transport might be limited, local buses ply the routes near the museum. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available in Kannur and can take you directly to the museum.
From Kannur Railway Station, you can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw. The journey is relatively short, and they will know the exact location of the Arakkal Museum.
Yes, the St. Angelo Fort is a notable nearby attraction that history enthusiasts often combine with a visit to the Arakkal Museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum is typically open from 10 AM to 5 PM. It's advisable to check for any seasonal changes or public holiday closures before your visit.
The entry ticket is Rs. 20 for adults. There is an additional charge of Rs. 30 if you plan to use a camera, including your mobile phone.
Advance booking is generally not required for the Arakkal Museum. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance upon arrival.
Photography is allowed inside the museum, but there is an additional fee of Rs. 30 for camera usage, which includes mobile phones.
While there isn't a strict dress code, it's a historical and cultural site. Modest attire is recommended. You will also need to remove your footwear before entering.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The museum displays artifacts from the Arakkal family, including royal furniture, weapons like swords and daggers, kitchen utensils, glassware, old telephones, telescopes, and copies of the Holy Quran. +1
For history and culture enthusiasts, it's a treasure trove offering insights into Kerala's only Muslim royal family. Some find it a bit small, but the heritage is significant.
The building showcases traditional Kerala architecture, built with laterite and wood. It features wide hallways, wooden flooring, and windows with colored glass panes that create decorative light effects.
While not always explicitly advertised, some visitors have mentioned guided experiences or knowledgeable staff who can share stories about the Arakkal family's history.
The Arakkal family was the only Muslim royal dynasty in Kerala, known for their maritime power and trade influence along the Malabar Coast. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no food facilities within the Arakkal Museum itself. You'll need to find dining options in Kannur town.
The area around Kannur offers traditional Kerala cuisine, including seafood, Malabar biryani, and local snacks.
It's generally advisable not to bring outside food and drinks into historical sites like museums to maintain their cleanliness and preservation.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is permitted inside the Arakkal Museum, but there is an additional fee of Rs. 30 for camera usage, which includes mobile phones.
The stained-glass windows creating colored light effects, the antique furniture, and the architectural details of the palace are popular subjects for photography. 
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites and museums to ensure the safety and preservation of the property. It's best to avoid it.
Visitors often capture the unique ambiance created by the colored glass windows and the historical artifacts that tell the story of the Arakkal dynasty.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's important to manage expectations: the museum is not a theme park. Encourage children to be respectful of the artifacts and the quiet atmosphere. The lack of shoe racks means parents might need to help younger children manage their footwear. Consider visiting during less crowded times to allow for a more relaxed exploration.
🏛️ History Buffs & Culture Enthusiasts
The museum's setting within the former Arakkalkettu palace adds to the immersive experience. Appreciating the traditional Kerala architecture and the stories behind each exhibit will be particularly rewarding. It's a chance to uncover a lesser-known but vital part of Indian history.
📸 Photographers
+1 The antique furniture and the collection of weapons also make for compelling subjects. Remember the camera fee applies, so factor that into your plans.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of the Arakkal Dynasty
Walking through the museum, you'll encounter artifacts that speak volumes about their regal lifestyle and historical importance. These include royal furniture, ceremonial weapons like swords and daggers, personal effects, and even copies of the Holy Quran, reflecting their religious and cultural identity. The museum also displays old telephones and telescopes, hinting at their engagement with the wider world and their maritime ventures.
While the museum might not be as grand as some other historical sites, its intimate scale allows for a more personal connection with the past. It offers a glimpse into a lesser-known but significant chapter of Kerala's history, making it a valuable visit for anyone interested in understanding the region's diverse cultural tapestry.
The Arakkal Royal Trust, in conjunction with the Kerala government, manages the museum, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities and Etiquette
Photography is allowed, but be aware of the additional camera fee, which applies even to mobile phones.
For those planning their trip, consider visiting during the morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak crowds and the heat of midday.
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