Arakkal Museum

Arakkal Museum

Arakkal Kettu, a palace of historical significance, was the residence of the former Arakkal Ali Rajas, the only Muslim royal family of Kerala which ruled parts of the coast and Lakshadweep island. The Arakkal family played a prominent role in the history of Malabar. The palace is situated in Ayikkara, near St. Angelo Fort, at a distance of 3 km from Kannur town. This 200-year-old palace complex has been renovated and converted into a heritage museum in the year 2005. It showcases the history of the Arakkal house and of the regional influence of the Arakkal 'Rajas' (male rulers) and 'Beevis' (female rulers) in the heydays of their authority. Exhibits in the durbar hall contains old records, maps and drawings of surveys and many other manuscripts that will throw light on the maritime activities of the family, its monopoly on spices trade and its relationship with European colonial powers. The museum is managed by the Arakkal Family Trust and to visit the museum there is a nominal entry fee.

St. Angelo Fort

St. Angelo Fort

St. Angelo Fort is located 3 km from Kannur on the coast of the Arabian sea. The fort is separated by a strong sea wall from the sea and behind the fort, there is a pathway stretching a kilometer or two into the sea. This laterite fort was constructed in 1505 AD by the first Portuguese Viceroy, Don Francisco De Almeida with the consent of the ruling Kolathiri Raja. After changing hands from the Portuguese to the Dutch, and then to the Ali Raja of Arakkal and finally to the English, the fort became one of the important military centres of the British in Malabar. The barracks, the arsenal, cannons and the ruins of a chapel are all standing testimony of history on the sea shore. St Angelo's fort, more commonly known as 'Kannur Kota' (Kannur Fort), is now under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India. 

St. Angelo Fort has a triangular shape and features adjoining citadels and a moat. It is said that there is a secret underground tunnel 21 km long inside the fort which connects Kannur Fort to the Thalassery Fort. This tunnel was used by the soldiers to escape from the attack of enemies. Facing the Arabian sea, the fort gives an excellent view the Moppila Bay, a natural fishing harbour and the Dharmadam Island sprawling in an area of 5 acres located in the Arabian sea at a distance of 100 meters from the shore. Tourists are permitted to enter the fort every day between 8 am to 6 pm.