Arakkal Museum

Arakkal Museum in Kannur (celebrated across Indian history as the former royal durbar hall of the Arakkal Kingdom, the only Muslim royal dynasty to ever rule in Kerala, governing the sovereign coastal principality of Cannanore and the Lakshadweep Islands from the 12th to the 20th century under hereditary matrilineal rulers known as Ali Rajas and Arakkal Beevis, world famous for its preserved timber and-laterite palace architecture, gold embroidered royal robes, silver walking canes, brass astrolabes, ancient nautical maps, and colonial British Dutch diplomatic treaties), located at Ayikkara in Kannur in Kerala, stands as the land of looms and lore's premier royal maritime museum.

Converted into an official heritage museum in 2005 by the Kerala Department of Archaeology and the Arakkal Royal Trust, the museum occupies the Durbar Hall section of the historic Arakkal Kettu (palace complex) overlooking the Arabian Sea near Mopla Bay fishing harbor.

It's the home of the royal throne room decorated with teakwood carved ceilings and antique Dutch glass chandeliers, the original silver seals (Mudras) and brass coin minting dies used by the Ali Rajas to govern Lakshadweep atolls and spice fleets, the ancient bronze cannons and double edged royal scimitars presented by Arab and European admirals, the collection of 17th century navigational telescopes and brass maritime compasses, the rare family genealogical trees tracing lineage back to the Chirakkal royal family and Cheraman Perumal, and an intensely dignified, nostalgic historical ambiance where coastal sea breezes waft through arched wooden shutters.

It represents a rich Kerala matrilineal Islamic royalty, trans oceanic Lakshadweep maritime governance, and colonial diplomacy where royal durbar relics, silver thrones, antique naval maps, and Kannur history unite in Arakkal Museum.

Located in Ayikkara along the Mopla Bay coastline, it sits just 3 km south of Kannur Main Railway Station (CAN), 2 km from St. Angelo Fort, 27 km from Kannur International Airport (CNN), and 8 km from Muzhappilangad Drive in Beach, easily accessible by auto rickshaw, town bus, or taxi via City Beach Road.

Kerala's Sole Muslim Royalty & Lakshadweep Island Rule

The Arakkal dynasty followed the unique Marumakkathayam (matrilineal) system of inheritance, where female monarchs (Arakkal Beevis) held equal sovereign power with male kings (Ali Rajas).

From this coastal durbar hall, the Arakkal rulers controlled the Lakshadweep archipelago for centuries, commanding formidable merchant fleets that traded coir and spices across the Persian Gulf.

Truth is, standing beneath the teakwood durbar ceiling while examining the royal silver seals used to govern Lakshadweep is fascinating.

Naval Astrolabes, Royal Canes & Mopla Bay Harbor

Maritime Relics: Displays 18th century brass astrolabes, antique nautical compasses, and British treaty documents signed with the East India Company.

Mopla Bay Harbor: Sits directly adjacent to the historic natural fishing harbor built during the Portuguese era, bustling with motorized dhows and fresh seafood landings.

Kannur Coastal & Heritage Circuit

Coastal Heritage Walk: Sits just 1.5 km from St. Angelo Fort (1505 AD), 2 km from Payyambalam Beach, and 3 km from Baby Beach.

District Day Tour: Connects smoothly with Muzhappilangad Drive in Beach (12 km), Parassinikkadavu Snake Park & Temple (18 km), and Dharmadam Island (16 km).

After exploring the royal history of Arakkal Museum, visit St. Angelo Fort, stroll Payyambalam Beach, or tour Kannur.