5 Best Place You Shouldn’t Miss While You Are in Palpa District

Palpa is a beautiful district with Tansen Municipality as it’s headquartered and covers an area of 1,373 square kilometers. The ancient hill town Tansen and beautiful nature offer a more tranquil atmosphere that attracts domestic as well as international tourism. Between Pokhara and Indian Border, Tansen offers artistic Newari houses and cobbled streets. Walk into the old bazaar, Rani Mahal, and bank of the Kaligandaki River which offers memorable trips during Palpa stay.

The landscape variation of this district starts from the lowest 250 meters to the highest 2,000 meters. This district is the home to different flora and fauna which makes it more beautiful. Although this district is home to Newar architecture and Magar peoples. The other ethnic groups in Palpa are Brahmin, Chhetri, Bhojpur, Gurung, Tamang, and Limbu.

The distance from Kathmandu to Tansen is about 296 kilometers via Butwal and 324 kilometers via Pokhara. You can find the regular bus from Kathmandu to Palpa. You can also take a scheduled flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara or Bhairahawa and then drive to Tansen.

1. Rani Mahal

Rani Mahal also called Rani castle is positioned at the bank of Kali Gandaki River in Palpa District of Nepal. This palace is built in 1893 by General Khadga Samsher Rana. Rani Mahal is the symbol of love for the departed wife of General Khadga Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana. Because of that sad incident king called upon architects from abroad to make beautiful art in the palace. So, the Rani Mahal (queen’s palace) came into existence. Inside the palace, you can find many rooms with beautiful decoration. This palace is located in the massive rock in the bank of the river which looks attractive from the far.

Far from the hustle and bustle of Tansen Bazaar, Rani Palace is located 13 kilometers far from Tansen. To go to the Rani Mahal is easy as a local bus goes there daily. You can also book the Jeep which takes about 120 to 150 rupees. If you are a hiking lover then you can hike uphill which takes about 4 hours.

2. Rambha Devi Temple

Rambha Devi Temple is located in the middle of the jungle at the Ramba Rural Municipality. According to the priest, there is a source of water right above the temple which is created by Lord Ram during his visit. When Sita felt thirsty then Lord Ram drew his bow and arrow and created a water source in the ground. Every year in Krishna Janmasthami huge fair is organized in the temple. Pilgrims from different parts of the country will gather here to worship Lord Krishna.

3. Mahamritunjaya Statue

Mahamritunjaya statue is located at Barangdi which is the biggest metal statue of Lord Shiva in Asia. This statue is located 315 kilometers west of Kathmandu and about 75 kilometers from north of Lumbini. This statue of uniquely built on a sitting position with 18 ft from the base and the total weight is 3,000 kilograms. According to the founder, the statues are made up of pure metal idol with a composition of 70% copper and 30 % Brass. It takes about 2 years to complete the statues and it cost about Rs. 9 million.

The idol was opened on the 19th of February 2014, organized with Maha Puja with 111 Bhraman chanting 5 hours of Maha Mrityunjaya mantra. In every Shivaratri, and Monday from the month of Shawna devotees used to gather here and worship to Shiva. The full body of the statues was shown while doing Maha Snan and on another day the statues are covered with red cloth only showing the face.

4. Rishikesh Temple

Rishikesh Temple is located in the Palpa and built by the first king of Palpa, Mukund Sen. According to the history, the king discovered the deity of God Rishikesh in Kali Gandaki River when he was bathing. This site was added to UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List on January 30, 2008, in the cultural category. This temple is a mixture of numerous styles of architecture from the medieval period and the San period. According to Hindu Mythology, this place was cremated by Satidevi’s body parts.

5. Shrinagar Hill

Shrinagar hilltop is famous which is located outside the town of Palpa. As you are on the way to the hill, you are welcome with beautiful nature, flora and fauna. From the top, you will see a spectacular panoramic view of the town below and the mountains at the top. This hill is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Palpa district. On a clear day, you see the beautiful peak of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machapuchhre, Kanjiroba, and Langtang. On another side, you will see never-ending plain Terai, which makes Shrinagar hill very unique.

Those who are camping lovers can do camping on the top of the hill. Some prefer to spend their night in a tent in a peaceful nature surrounded by the Himalayas and this is the best place to hang out.