THE ARAKKAL MUSEUM in Kannur city is one of the most significant and frequently visited attractions of the south that celebrates the memory and grandeur of Kerala's only Muslim royal family- the Arakkal Ali Rajas. Previously a majestic palace of the royal family and their actual place of residence, this museum is a true testimony to the impeccable Muslim architecture and design. The Durbar Hall of this palace, which was once the official venue of gathering for the kings and their nobles, has now been converted into the Arakkal Kettu Museum and is managed by the Arakkal Family Trust.
Many artefacts dating to the rule of the Arakkal Dynasty and various relics of the royals are put up on display at this museum. Entering the Arakkal Museum, you feel like you have been teleported to the 1600s- the entire palace oozes with sheer elegance and polished grace. The artefacts and heritage items of the Arakkal Dynasty have been maintained perfectly here and will never fail to stun you with their ostentatious grace and awe-striking class.

Best Time To Visit Arakkal Museum Even though the Arakkal Museum is not very vulnerable to the weather patterns of the city, it is best to explore this museum when the climate is friendly and pleasant. Kannur enjoys an amicable climate throughout the year but is definitely most enjoyable during the winter months which begins from September and goes on till the last days of February.
Architecture of Arakkal Museum The complex of the Arakkal Museum is shaped like a long cuboid that lies amidst a wide and open ground. This vast ground was used to offer Namaaz five times a day by the Arakkal royalty and their nobles. This tradition goes on till date, and many people offer their daily Namaaz here, especially on Fridays. The main palace block is laid over a huge ground with the Arakkal Museum in the centre and four mosques around the periphery. The museum is shaped like a long cuboid that is interconnected by passages and hallways. The entire structure is built mainly out of laterite and wood, a style of architecture typical to the Muslim Kings. This two-storied edifice is immaculately managed and maintained by the authorities. The upper floor of the museum has double-heighted ceilings and extremely wide hallways. The windows here are unique as they are tainted in shades of blue and red, providing a playful and vivid show of lights inside.

Apart from these, there are exhibits that stand as testimonies to the Arakkal rulers’ relationship with European colonial powers as well as those relating to their maritime activities and monopoly on spice trade.