Arakkal Kottaram

Arakkal Kottaram (celebrated across India as the historic royal palace seat of the Arakkal Kingdom, the only Muslim royal dynasty in Kerala's history that ruled the coastal realm of Cannanore and the distant Lakshadweep archipelago), situated in Ayikkara overlooking the Arabian Sea just 3 km south of Kannur town in Kerala, is one of the state's most unique, culturally significant, and architecturally distinctive heritage palaces.

Dating back to the 16th century, the Arakkal dynasty followed a unique matrilineal system of royal succession (Marumakkathayam) where the eldest member of the family, whether male (titled Ali Raja) or female (titled Arakkal Beevi)—inherited the throne as sovereign ruler, commanding a powerful naval fleet that governed spice trading routes across the Arabian Sea for centuries.

It's the home of the royal palace complex (Arakkal Kettu) constructed with red laterite stone blocks, indigenous teakwood timber ceilings, and Dutch colonial shuttered verandahs, the Arakkal Museum housed in the converted royal Durbar Hall (Upparikka) showcasing rare royal artifacts including original brass telescope navigators, bronze royal seals, silver swords, heirloom Qurans with calligraphy, antique maritime compasses, royal royal canopied beds, portraits of historic Arakkal Beevis, and the historic Arakkal Mosque and royal burial grounds situated directly opposite the palace gates.

It represents a rich maritime, matrilineal royal, and architectural sanctuary where Malabar Islamic culture, Dutch influenced royal woodworking, naval spice trading history, and peaceful coastal courtyard ambiance unite in Ayikkara.

Located in Ayikkara just 3 km from Kannur Railway Station (CAN), 2 km from St. Angelo Fort, 4 km from Payyambalam Beach, and 27 km from Kannur International Airport (CNN), easily accessible by town buses, auto rickshaws, and private cabs.

Kerala's Sole Muslim Dynasty & Matrilineal Rule

The Arakkal family held sovereign sway over Cannanore and administered the Lakshadweep islands until the British took control in the late 19th century.

Their unique Marumakkathayam succession gave rise to powerful female sovereigns called Arakkal Beevis who signed international treaties with European powers.

Truth is, walking through the cool wooden Durbar Hall while reading treaties negotiated between the Beevi and the British Governor is deeply fascinating.

The Durbar Hall Museum & Naval Artifacts

Upparikka Museum: Renovated by the Kerala Tourism Department, the museum exhibits antique coins, royal silverware, and antique nautical instruments.

Maritime Heritage: Exhibits detail the naval skirmishes fought by Arakkal admirals against Portuguese and Dutch armadas across Malabar waters.

Ayikkara Waterfront & Royal Mosque

Arakkal Mosque: Situated adjacent to the palace, this historic mosque features traditional Kerala tile roof wooden architecture.

Ayikkara Fishing Harbour: A short stroll brings visitors to Mopla Bay and Ayikkara harbor where colorful fishing boats unload daily catches.

After touring Arakkal Kottaram, walk along the sea ramparts of St. Angelo Fort nearby, explore the fishing harbor at Mopla Bay, or relax on the sands of Payyambalam Beach in Kannur.