The Palpa District is so famous for a reason. One of the most trending old songs of Nepal, “Choli Ramro Palpali Dhaka ko, Herai Ramro Mayalu aakha ko, Jhilke Majura”. It explains a lot about Palpa. The Dhaka of Palpa is considered the purest and quality Dhaka of Nepal. It is one of the popular travel destinations of Nepal. And Rani Mahal is the heart of the Palpa District which is considered the symbol of love. Palpa Rani Mahal is made in the memory of Late Queen Tej Kumari by king Khadga Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana.
History of Palpa Rani Mahal
The Rani Mahal, or Ranighat Palace, in Palpa is often referred to as the “Taj Mahal of Nepal.”. Although it doesn’t imitate the renowned Taj Mahal physically, it does have a similar back story full of love and determination. This monument was built as the token of love for the beloved late wife named Tej Kumari Devi of General Khadga Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana.
The palace was erected in the 19th century at the banks of the Kali Gandaki River, surrounded by both Syangja and Palpa. Located at the span of 13 km from Tansen Bazar, the palace looks enticing seated on a massive rock in a secluded and quiet area. At the time it was built (in 1893), the palace was deserted in the middle of nowhere. Now, it’s becoming a tourist destination for those who want to witness the famous love bounds.
In the year 1887, General Khadga SJB Rana was forced to give up his royal position and was appointed to Palpa as the western commander in chief of Nepal. In the year 1992, Khadga Shumsher went for the abrupt misery of losing his youngest wife Tej Kumari Devi. Disheartened by the incident he called upon the architects from abroad to make a piece of art in the name of his gorgeous wife. Thus, The Rani Mahal (Queen’s Palace) construction was initiated and it came into existence.
After his wife passed, he checked several locations for the perfect place to build. He stumbled upon the current location, but there was no other way to reach it at the time other than by foot. There was also a huge cliff that was needed to be removed. But, he was convinced that this was the right place and through pure grit, he was able to make the location suitable for a palace by overcoming all of the barriers.
Palpa Tansen Bazaar
Away from the hubbub and chaos of the Tansen Bazaar, sitting on the riverbank with the most dignified color, a neo-classic art and architecture lie the grand palace where every detail project the ounce of love. The forests, the ponds, the staircases, and the river banks, everything illustrates the affection of Khadga Shumsher towards his late wife. Rani Mahal appears magical, it is one of the jewels of Nepal and the true essence of love. Thus next time you visit Palpa, do not neglect to hike down from Tansen towards the bank of Kaligandaki River to spectate this untouched beauty resting harmoniously on the lap of a forest symbolizing love and devotion.
The palace took around five years to finish as every bit of the architecture was detailed. There are dozens of rooms, pleasing ponds, a temple, a delightful garden surrounding the area, guest rooms, a grand kitchen, etc. in the palace. Since the palace was built on the corner of the forest, the forest is also named Rani Ban (queen’s jungle) and the stairs leading to the Kali Gandaki River as Rani Ghat. The river also acquires religious importance as it is believed that making contact with the water of the river provides salvation to any sinners.
In 1902, the family fled to India. The exact reason is unknown, but they left the palace abandoned less than 20 years of the palace’s inauguration. It is believed that he had orchestrated an assassination in the Nepalese government. By the end of the twentieth century, the building had already deteriorated. Locals believe that theft became the major problem as well. If you visit today, you can notice that the inside has been hollowed with none of its authentic charms or decoration. All of them might have been stolen and removed.
Now, the government has taken on the responsibility of restoring the palace to its original glory. Currently, the outside of the palace is back to its classic condition. It is not sure if the government is intending to restore the interior as well, but it would be fabulous if they tried.
Rani Mahal Travel Guide
Location: 18 km (11 miles) north of Tansen, Palpa
Get there by bus
Getting to the Rani Mahal from Tansen, Palpa is effortless. A local bus goes there for around $1 per person at 2:00 pm, but you need to walk about 25 minutes after departing from the bus. The hotels in town also have many private jeeps. You might find the jeeps by the Amar Narayan Temple. They leave regularly around 2:30 pm, but it’s better to get there around 2:00 to secure a seat since they fill up quickly. The same jeep may take you back the following morning at 8:30 am. The ride can be about an hour and a half.
Hiking to Ranimahal
If you are willing to hike, well it is possible. You can hike on the same route the jeep takes. It’s about 2 hours downhill from Tansen and about 4 hours uphill on the way back. If you decide to hike, it would be worth it to hike downhill and catch a jeep a way back.
How long to spend on Palpa Rani Mahal
The Rani Mahal is currently the only site to observe, so you would probably stay overnight. Some people reach early in the morning and return to Tansen the same day if they don’t have enough days according to their plan.
If you have made your mind to visit Palpa Rani mahal, Hike on trek team can plan a perfect arrangement for your visit to Palpa Rani Mahal.
