This was the residence of the former Arakkal Ali Rajas, the only Muslim royal family of Kerala. The Arakkal dynasty played an important role in the history of Kannur and outlying areas. The Arakkal kettu is built of laterite blocks and wood. The complex includes independent units including the building once used as an administrative office and four mosques. The Arakkal kings were called Ali Rajas and queens were called Arakkal Beevis.