Arakkal Museum

As the name suggests, Arakkal Museum is all about the Arakkal family, the only Muslim royal family in Kerala. The Arakkal family was headed by the matriarch where the queen was addressed ‘Arakkal Beevi’ and the king was called ‘Ali Raja’. There are many stories associated with the Arakkal family but the one that is a favourite with the local is of Ali saving the daughter of Chirakkal Raja, who in return got his daughter married to the poor servant bound by a special local custom.

The palace’s Durbar Hall now houses the museum. It is a treasure house of interesting artefacts belonging to the rajas. On exhibit are the Arakkal family seal, royal furniture, weapons used during wars, cookware used in the kitchen, etc. On display are also telephone and telescope used in the Arakkal Palace. The museum does not look much impressive from the outside until you enter and see things of the royal era gone by. Open every day except Monday (10 am to 5:30 pm), the museum charges a nominal entry fee.