Arakkal Palace is located just 3 km from Kannur town, Kannur district, Kerala.The Kannur Fort was owned for some time by Arakkal family.Arakkal family was the only Muslim royal family of Kerala that controlled parts of the coast and Lakshadweep.The Arakkal family followed a matriarchal system of descent. The Arakkal Palace is distinguished as the only royal residence of Muslims in Kerala.Among all monuments in Kerala, the historical Arakkal Palace is an eminent one.The Arakkal family did not discriminate between the male and female members of the family when it can to governing the land. The eldest member of the family was made the head and ruler. The male rulers were known as Ali Raja, while the female rulers were called Arakkal Beevis.This fort was built by a Portuguese called Don Fransisco De Almeida, in the year 1505. The Dutch later conquered the Kannur Fort and it was bought over by King Ali Raja of the Arakkal kingdom in Kerala. Legend has it that there was a secret underground tunnel inside the Fort that leading to the sea and the palace, 21 km away. It Situated on 2.11 hectares, the complex has residential buildings and mosques around a large open ground, pandikasalas and a bell-tower at the entrance of the palace. Built of late rite bricks and wood these structures are independent units arranged around courtyards.The Arakkal family followed the Matrimonial descent; by this method the members of the family were given in marriage to the other members so that the family property is not flown out and in order to retain the ancestral property of the family.The Arakkal Palace and Kannur Fort are located in close proximity and are presently under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India. Places of interest near the palace and the fort are the Moppila Bay Harbor and the Arakkal Mosque.
Location info:
Address: Kannur town ,kannur District Kerala, India
District: Kannur District.
Nearest City: Tellicherry Payyannur and Kannur town.
Best time to visit: Between November And april
Climate/Weather:
Climate is Humaid and Tropical. And the Temparature in Mean Max: 32.6 °C. Mean Min: 21.4°C.
History:
According to legend, there is a lamp kept consistently lit in one of these blocks and the prosperity of the palace would last as long as the lamp continues to burn.In the 17th century, one of the Padanairs (generals) of Kolathiri, Arayankulangara Nair, converted to Islam. His wife was the daughter of Kolathiri, and they later came to be known as Arakkal. Around this time, many Muslim merchant families became financially influential in the Malabar region. When the Arakkal family took control of Lakshadweep, they achieved near-royal status.
Interesting things to do:
This is one of the most beautiful Archeological place, You can see underground tunnel inside the Fort,mosques around a large open ground, pandikasalas and a bell-tower at the entrance of the palace, Arakkal palace Museum and Fort St. Angelo fort.
Interesting things to Visit:
Kizhunna Ezhara Beach:Kizhunna Ezhara Beach is Located 11 kms from kannur, this beautiful stretch of sand is one of the most secluded beaches in kerala. Famous is this beautiful golden color sand beach in kerala. It is truly a loner’s delight. The quietness of the surrounding is an experience in itself. Its one of those rare occassions when silence attracts more attention than noise.Ezhimala:At an altitude of 286 m Ezhimala has fascinating scultured stone pillars scattered all over the beach. There is also an ancient mosque on a hill nearby.Payyambalam Beach Resort:The Payyambalam beach is one of the beautiful beaches in this State and is an ideal place to spend evenings, irrespepcti ve of seasons. It is very near Kannur town. ,The mortal remains or’ Swadeshabhimani Ramakrishna Pilla, A.K. Gopalan, K.P. Gopalan, Pamban Madhavan and K.G. Marar are laid to rest near this resort.Moppila Bay:Moppila Bay is a natural fishing harbour, lying near Fort St. Angelos. A sea wall projecting from the fort separates the rough sea and inland water. The bay was famous during the Kolathiris’ regime as a commercial harbour that linked Kolathunadu with Lakshadweep and foreign countriea, in imports. Today , Mopilla bay has turned into a modernised fishing harbour.Sri Krishna Temple:This temple is located at Kadalayi about 6 km from Kannur. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna. An eight day annual festival is celebrated here. Traditional art performances like the Kathakali, the Ottamthullal, etc., are performed during the festival.Parassinikadavu:It is situated about 16 km from Kannur. The charm of this place is added by the serene `Valapattanam River`. The famous Sri Muthappan temple is situated on the beautiful banks, which makes the place a popular pilgrim centre. Boating facility and accommodations are available. An entertaining snake park is situated nearby, with 3 snake pits, 15 glass cases and 2 glass houses exclusively for King Cobras.Muzhapilangad Beach:This beach is situated about 15 km from Kannur. It has a stretch of about 4 km along the shallow waters, which is probably the only drive-in beach in Kerala. The clean waters here are the characteristic of this beautiful beach, which is well suited for swimming.Valapattanam:The small town on the Valapattanam river is situated about 7 kms from Kannur. This town is well known for its wood-based industries and timber trade. The port of Azhikkal and Azhikkal beach are located nearby.Arakkal Kettu:Arakkal Kettu, is located about 3 km from Kannur. It was the residence of the former Arakkal Ali Rajas, the only Muslim royal family of Kerala.
Mobile range info:
How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station:Kannur Railway Station
Nearest Airport:Khozikode Airport.
Road Transport:You can also reach here by bus from big cities like Mangalore, Kochi, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Mumbai, Coimbatore.
Nearest Visiting places:
Dharmadam Isle:This small Island which is situated in the sea like a green spot just 100 m away from shore, becomes a blissful experience to tourists. This isle is full of coconut trees. There is only a well here as the symbol of human presence. One can reach this place by boat from southern part of Moithu bridge in the national highway. During ebb time one can reach here by foot. From this isle one can see the rocks around and the beauty of Muzhuppilangad beach and the distant beauty of Thalassery town. When Dharmadam isle was an important trading center, this isle was in the possession of Chirakkal king.Alaram Wildlife Sanctuary:Alaram Wildlife Sanctuary is a situated on the slopes of the Western Ghats. Found in this tranquil sanctuary is elephants, sloth bears, sambar and mouse deer as well as fauna and reptiles. The highest peak of Katti Betta, covered with tropical and semi- evergreen forests rises to a majestic height of 1145 m above sea level.Thodeekulam Siva Temple:Thodeekulam Siva Temple is located about 2 km from Kannavam on the Thalasseri-Mananthavady road in the Kannur district. This temple is famous for its mural paintings. This temple was constructed 2,000 years ago.Sree Ramaswami Temple, Thiruvangad:Sree Rama Swami Temple is located in Thiruvangad, about 23 kms. from Kannur. This temple is dedicated to Sri Rama and one of the most important temples in Malabar. The exquisite carvings in the temple were done about 400 years ago.Pythal Mala:Pythal Mala is located about 65 kms. from Kannur. This enchanting hill station is situated about 4500 feet above sea level near Kerala – Karnataka border. This place is rich in flora and fauna.Pazhassi Dam:This dam is situated about 37 km on the East of Kannur. It has picturesque region around it with the beautiful `Pazhassi Dam`, which draws lots of tourists. This calm reservoir has the facility of boating for the visitors.Snake Park at Parassinikkadavu:The Snake Park at Parassinikkadavu is situated 18 kms. Away from Kannur town. It Is one of the known snake parks in the country . The park is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of snakes, most of which are becoming extinct gradually.Payyannur:Payyannur town is located 21 km from Kannur. Payyannur’s main attraction is a Subramanya temple. Pavithra modiram (pious ring) given from this temple is considered god-blessed. It is made of gold and darbha grass which is used for the rituals.Beypore & Uru:Beypore is home to Urus (big wooden cargo boats) and dhows. Both gave way to ships years ago. A spirited craftsman in Beypore has embarked upon the making of an Uru to keep the tradition alive. The work is nearing completion and is about to be water-born.Muzhapilangad Beach:A long stretched beach, the longest in Kerala with drive-in facilities. Projecting black rocks protect the sea off the beach from the currents of deeper ocean, making the water silent.Mahatma Nature Cure Centre:Thi is Situated at Taliparambu. Among various therapies, mud and water therapy gain more marks. Ayurveda massage at marginal cost of Rs 80 to 100 is added attraction.
Nearest Petrol Pump:
Parippayi Petrol Pump Kannur, Kerala.Petrol pump Koothuparamba, Kannur Kerala.KTC Petrol Pump Mahe.IBP Petrol Pump Mahe, Kerala.
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
C-rocks beach resort ezhara beach, kizhunna kannur, Kerala 670101 Tel: 09940426430.Malabar Residency Thavakkara Road Kannur, Kerala Tel: 0497 2701654Hotel Paris Presidency Thalassery, Kannur, Kerala.Savoy Hotel Beach Road, Cannanore Kannur Dist., Kannur Kerala Tel: 0497 2760074.Airtravel Enterprises India Ltd Fort Rd, Padanapalam Kannur, Kerala 670001 Tel: 0497 2767737.Palmgrove Heritage Retreat Near Govt. Guest House Mill Road, Kannur Kerala Tel: 0497 2703182.Seashell Beach Resot Haris Guest House Adi Kadalayi Last Kannur, Kerala 670007 Tel: 09847003687.
Things to carry:
Tips & Suggestions:
Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:Police Station NH 17, Thalassery, Kannur Kerala.Old Police Station Thalassery, Kannur KeralEdacheri Police Station SH 54, Kozhikode Kerala.Edkad Police station NH 17, Kerala.Nadapuram Police Station Kerala State.