Palpa district, a beautiful place filled with nature, is one of the seventy-seven districts of Nepal. Not far from Pokhara, Palpa is popular for locally handcrafted Dhaka textile which also includes the national cap, 'Dhaka Topi'.
The hilly town of Tansen welcomes you with a peaceful atmosphere. Only by walking down the scribbled streets of the old bazaars will you discover the unique way of life in the district.
• Rani Mahal
One of the most important palaces of the Rana Regime is Rani Mahal. Located on the banks of Kali Gandaki River in Palpa district of Nepal, is the beautiful Rani Mahal, widely known as the Taj Mahal of Nepal. General Khadga Shamsher Jung Bahadur Rana constructed this palace in 1893. It is a day-long hike to the Rani Mahal from Tansen.
The green forest named Rani Ban and the Rani Ghat River surrounds Rani Mahal. It’s a beautiful and magical place with a temple, pond, and a garden. On one side of the palace, you can see Ranimahal Beach Camp where you can rent some tents for camping.
• Nuwakot
Nuwakot is famous for the supplementary fort of the historic Jitgadhu Fort where the Nepalese army defeated the British in the Nepal-British war. The ashram of Rishi Kaldeval, the guru of Gautam Buddha’s father Shuddhodhan is also located here.
It is a three kilometer on foot journey from Phulbari, Butwal. A trekking route has been constructed near Manimukunda Sen Park with the help of Nepal Army. The view from Nuwakot is astonishing.
• Srijana Farm
Srijana Farms, a farm in Western Nepal with 40 acres of land, 80 goats surrounded by luscious hills is accompanied by wonderful trails. The food there is fresh and they also brew their own booze. The rooms are in a traditional mud house where the accommodations are clean but basic.
It is a perfect stop in between Pokhara and Lumbini on a motorcycle journey. You can enjoy your day laying in a hammock with the sun kissing your face. A one day trek to Rani Mahal, barbecues are some activities you can do there.
• Tansen City
Recently listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, Tansen is located between Lumbini and Pokhara. It is also the Municipality and the administrative center of Palpa district. It is growing as the best tourism destination.
Tansen City represents Magar culture, tradition, and their lifestyle. You can get to know many histories of the Magar Kingdom, one of the most religional principalities before the rise of the Shah Dynasty.
• Bhairabsthan Temple
Bhairabsthan Temple is a Hindu temple of Bhairab or Bhairava, established by King Mukunda Sen of the Sen Dynasty when Palpa was the capital. It is located about 9 km north west from the city of Tansen.
Every year a large number of visitors from different places come to worship Lord Shiva during festivals. It is said to be one of the largest temples in Asia.
• Palpa Durbar
Tansen Durbar also known as Palpa Durbar and Museum was built in 1927 by Pratap Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana. The Durbar is built in the town of Tansen, which is a grand palace and was the seat of the Rana governors.
It was attacked during the People's War in 2005. It was rebuilt and opened for the public in 2008.
If you are planning a trip to Palpa, then these are some of the places you must visit to truly experience the essence of the place.
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