Arakkal Palace and Kannur Fort

Kerala is one of the southern states of India and a major tourist destination of India. It is equally blessed with both natural and manmade beauty. There are a number of architectural marvels in Kerala, which stand as the evidence of the cultural heritage of Kerala. Arakkal Palace holds the credit of being the one and only royal residence of the Arakkal Royal Family in Kerala. Arakkal Palace and Kannur Fort stand in close proximity to each other, singing the lore of the ancient and medieval times. In 2005, the palace was converted into a museum. Now, it is preserved by the Department of Archaeology and Kerala Tourism. The fort stands till now as the witness of the glorious years which have been a part of the rich history of Kerala.

History
Arakkal Palace belonged to the Arakkal Royal family, the only Muslim royal family in Kerala. In 1663, Arakkal ruler also purchased St. Angelo Fort from the Dutch. The Arakkal rulers had control over the northern coastal region of Kerala and Lakshadweep. The Arakkal family used to accept the eldest member of the family, irrespective of gender, as the ruler of the province. ‘Ali Rajah’ was the name given to the male rulers of the Arakkal family, while their female counterparts were called ‘Arakkal Beevis’. By 1870, the British seized the fort and built their military base on the Malabar Coast. They also carried the construction of a tunnel connecting the Fort, with Thalassery Fort, located at a distance of 21 km from Kannur Fort. This tunnel used to come in handy at the time when the enemies used to attack. The major residents were transported to another location through this tunnel.

Attractions
Arakkal Palace is constructed in the traditional Keralite manner. It holds resemblance with other monuments in Kerala. The upper floor of the palace has large halls, with neat wooden floors. The windows are double shuttered with colored glass panes. The palace still owned by the Arakkal family Trust, but it is preserved and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. The durbar hall section of the palace houses an elaborate museum. Dedicated to the Arakkal family, it exhibits various credible belongings and artifacts of the royal family.

Arakkal Palace is famous as the only Muslim royal residence in Kerala. The prime attraction is its architecture, which would drag you into the grandeur and splendor, was once enjoyed by the Arakkal family. The other place of interest is Arakkal Mosque, just located within close proximity of this palace. The Palace also houses a museum. The Arakkal Museum is dedicated to the Arakkal family, and exhibits various items belonging to the Arakkal Royal Family. It also depicts a story of relation of Arakkal rulers with colonial powers, and their monopoly on spice trade.

How to Reach

By Air
The nearest airport is Karipur International Airport from where you can easily catch a flight to most of the destinations, domestic and abroad. All major carriers ply their flights from here.

By Road
The monuments are well connected by well established network of roads. Road transport is available throughout the day both to and from the monuments.

By Rail
The nearest railway station is Kannur Railway station which is located in close proximity from the monuments. From here you can board a train to most of the major cities to India.