Forts & Heritage
Arakkal Museum
The former palace of Kerala's only Muslim royal family, now a museum in Kannur.
- 29.8 km from Nesma Palace
- 33 min drive
- Best: October to March
- Ideal for history and culture travellers
- Distance from Nesma Palace
- 29.8 km
- Drive time
- 33 min
- Best time
- October to March
- Time to allow
- 45 minutes
- Category
- Forts & Heritage
- Ideal for
- History and culture travellers
About Arakkal Museum
The Arakkal Museum occupies part of the Arakkal Kettu, the palace of the Arakkal family, who were the only Muslim royal house in Kerala and once ruled Kannur and the Lakshadweep islands.
The exhibits are the family's own belongings: royal seals, swords, records, furniture and everyday objects. It is a small, specific museum that tells a story you will not find elsewhere in the state.
Things to see and do
The Arakkal story
The family ruled Kannur and Lakshadweep and were unusual as Kerala's only Muslim royals. The museum lays out that history.
Royal artefacts
Seals, weapons, coins, records and household items from the family are on display.
The building itself
The museum sits in a wing of the old Arakkal Kettu, close to the sea.
Best time and tips
October to March. It is indoors, so the season matters less than for the fort next door.
- It is closed on some days, so check before you go.
- There is a small entry fee.
- It pairs naturally with St. Angelo Fort close by.
- Allow 30 to 45 minutes.
Local tip
It is a five-minute drive from St. Angelo Fort, the two are almost always visited together.
Getting there
The drive from Nesma Palace
Road route and geography © OpenStreetMap contributors
By road from the hotel
29.8 km · about 33 min
- Time to allow there
- 45 minutes
- Starting point
- Nesma Palace, Mattannur
- Flying in
- Kannur International Airport is 7.8 km from the hotel, about 10 minutes by road
Plan your stay
Stay 33 min away at Nesma Palace
The museum is about 33 minutes from Nesma Palace and slots easily into a Kannur heritage day with the fort and beach.
Nesma Palace is a 4-star hotel in Mattannur, 7.8 km from Kannur International Airport, and an easy base for exploring Kannur.
Nearby places to explore
Make a day of it · Full day
Forts & the Coast
Kannur town’s three headline sights in a morning, then south along the coast for the drive-in beach and sunset over Dharmadam.
Nesma Palace, Mattannur
29.8 km · 32 min drive
Arakkal Museum (you are here)
1.8 km · 4 min drive
St. Angelo Fort2.6 km · 6 min drive
Kannur Lighthouse3.6 km · 6 min drive
Payyambalam Beach12.6 km · 17 min drive
Thottada Beach9.4 km · 12 min drive
Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach
Frequently asked questions
What is the Arakkal Museum?
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It is the museum of the Arakkal family, Kerala's only Muslim royal dynasty, set in part of their old palace in Kannur. It displays the family's seals, weapons and records.
How long do you need at the Arakkal Museum?
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About 30 to 45 minutes. It is a small, focused museum, easy to combine with St. Angelo Fort nearby.
Where to stay near Arakkal Museum?
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Nesma Palace in Mattannur is about 33 minutes away and central to Kannur's heritage sites.