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Arakkal Museum, Kannur

Highlights

View the royal family’s original wooden throne
See old maps of Lakshadweep’s coral islands
Spot vintage swords and daggers used by Arakkal rulers
Walk through the durbar hall’s carved teak pillars
Read letters from the British East India Company
Glimpse the family’s personal Quran collection with gold calligraphy

Travel Tips

Use the wheelchair and rest areas wisely: The museum offers a wheelchair on request, but the upper floors are not accessible. Plan to have one or two group members stay with anyone who cannot climb, and use the shaded benches in the courtyard for rest breaks between rooms.
Combine with a short walk to the nearby beach for easy pacing: After the museum, a flat 10-minute walk leads to the calm Arakkal beach, ideal for a relaxed stroll or seated rest. This helps seniors avoid fatigue from standing all day, and groups can split into two smaller walking paces without losing anyone.
Plan for limited stairs and uneven floors: The museum is a historic palace with narrow staircases and uneven stone floors. Seniors should wear sturdy, non-slip footwear and take their time, using handrails where available; group leaders should allow extra time for slower members.
Visit in the morning to avoid crowds and heat: The museum gets busy and warm by midday, especially on weekends. Arrive right at opening time (usually 9:30 AM) to enjoy a quieter, cooler visit, and finish before the afternoon sun becomes intense.
Book a guide in advance for a group rate: A local guide greatly enriches the history of the Arakkal family, but guides are limited. For groups of 5 or more, call ahead to arrange a guided tour, which often comes at a discounted per-person rate and ensures everyone hears the stories.

Things to Do

View the Durbar Hall and Royal Audience Chamber

30 minutes

Stand in the restored durbar hall where the Arakkal Beevi (queen) held court, noting the carved wooden pillars and low seating that reflect the unique blend of Kerala and Islamic architectural styles. The hall’s quiet ambiance lets you imagine royal deliberations of the past.

SightseeingEasy

Explore the Arakkal Family History Exhibits

1.5 hours

Walk through the museum’s curated galleries that display portraits, documents, and personal effects of the Arakkal dynasty, including the only Muslim royal family’s swords and royal decrees. This gives a deep insight into the maritime trade and political influence of the kingdom.

CultureEasy

Attend the Short Documentary Screening on Arakkal Rule

20 minutes

Sit in the small AV room near the entrance to watch a 15-minute film (in Malayalam and English) that narrates the rise and fall of the Arakkal kingdom, including their conflicts with the British and the Dutch. This helps frame the museum’s exhibits before you tour.

CultureEasy

Climb to the Rooftop Terrace for a Panoramic View

30 minutes

Ascend the narrow wooden staircase to the terrace of the main palace block, which offers a sweeping view of the adjacent Kannur Fort, the lighthouse, and the fishing harbour below. The vantage point is ideal for understanding the strategic location of the royal residence.

SightseeingModerate

Walk the Seaside Promenade Behind the Museum

45 minutes

Follow the short path from the museum’s rear entrance to the narrow strip of shoreline along the Arabian Sea, where old cannons are still mounted as a reminder of the dynasty’s naval strength. This is a peaceful spot for photographs and watching local fishing boats.

NatureModerate

Inspect the Royal Artifacts and Weaponry Collection

1 hour

Examine the displayed daggers, rifles, and brass cannons used by the Arakkal army, along with old navigation instruments from their trading fleet. Each piece is labelled with its historical context, making it a focused, educational stop.

CultureEasy

Frequently Asked Questions

The museum is open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM on all days except Monday, when it remains closed. It is also closed on public holidays, so it is best to check ahead before planning your visit.

The museum is housed in a restored two-storey building, and there is a lift available for visitors who cannot climb stairs. However, the pathways inside are narrow, so a wheelchair may be difficult to manoeuvre; walking sticks are allowed.

Most visitors spend about 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the exhibits, which include royal artefacts, historical documents, and personal belongings of the Arakkal family. For a relaxed pace with rest stops, plan for up to two hours.

Photography is strictly prohibited inside the museum to protect the artefacts, but you can take pictures of the exterior and the courtyard. Mobile phones must be kept on silent, and camera bags need to be deposited at the entrance counter.

The entry fee is nominal, around ₹30 for Indian adults and ₹100 for foreign nationals, with no extra charge for camera use (since it is banned). Senior citizens and student groups get a 50% discount, and group bookings of 10 or more can avail a 20% reduction if arranged in advance at the ticket counter.