Top 10 Unforgettable Destinations to Explore in Palpa

Palpa, a picturesque district nestled within Tansen Municipality, spans 1,373 square kilometers and offers a tranquil escape for both local and international visitors. Tansen, an ancient hill town, is known for its stunning landscapes that exude a serene charm, making it a popular destination. Located strategically between Pokhara and the Indian border, Tansen is adorned with beautiful Newari architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and a historic marketplace. Notable landmarks include the majestic Rani Mahal and the scenic banks of the Kaligandaki River, both offering delightful experiences for travelers.

The region’s diverse topography ranges from 250 meters at its lowest point to 2,000 meters at its highest, adding to its natural allure. Palpa is rich in biodiversity, with an array of flora and fauna, while its cultural heritage is deeply rooted in Newar architecture and the Magar community. Other ethnic groups in the area include the Bhojpur, Gurung, Brahmin, Chhetri, and Limbu.

To reach Tansen from Kathmandu, you can choose between two routes: one via Butwal (296 kilometers) or the other via Pokhara (324 kilometers). Regular buses connect Kathmandu to Palpa, or you can fly to Bhairahawa or Pokhara and take a scenic drive to Tansen.

Tansen City

Tansen City is located on the route between Pokhara and Lumbini. It is among the most incredible destinations to visit in Palpa.

It provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the Magar Kingdom, a mighty Kingdom of Nepal, as well as modern Magar culture, history, and way of life.

Tansen is a wonderful place to visit in March, April, and May because of the pleasant weather and scenic scenery. Tansen has just been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. It is now becoming the best tourist destination.

2. The Rishikesh Temple

Rishikesh Temple in Palpa is a medieval pagoda-style temple. It is a beautiful temple built by Palpa’s first king, Manimukunda Sen.

Many devotees gather here to commemorate one of Nepal’s most famous festivals, Maghe Sankranti, which is celebrated on the first day of Magh every year.

They commemorate the holiday by bathing in the nearby Kali Gandaki River. People come to this temple to worship the statue of the deity Rishikesh.

3. Rani Mahal

Rani Mahal was among the most famous palaces of the Rana Regime. The magnificent Rani Mahal, often known as the Taj Mahal of Nepal, is situated on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River in the Palpa region of Nepal. In 1893, General Khadga Shamsher Jung Bahadur Rana built this mansion. Tansen is a one-day hike away from the Rani Mahal.

Rani Mahal is surrounded by a beautiful forest called Rani Ban & the Rani Ghat River. It’s a lovely and magical location with a temple, pond, & garden. Rani mahal Beach Camp is located on one side of the palace, where you can rent tents for camping.

4. Srijana Farms

Srijana Farms is a farm in Western Nepal with forty acres of land, 80 goats, and beautiful pathways surrounded by lush hills. The cuisine is fresh, and they even make their own alcohol. The bedrooms are in a traditional mud house with clean but modest amenities.

It is an excellent stop on a motorbike trip between Pokhara & Lumbini. You can spend the day relaxing in a hammock with the sun on your face. Several activities are available there, such as a one-day trip to Rani Mahal and barbecues.

5. Shrinagar Hilltop

Shrinagar Hilltop is well known and located outside of Palpa. Gorgeous scenery, plants, and animals on your way up the hill greet you. A stunning panoramic view of the city below and the mountains at the top awaits you at the summit.

This hill is among the most picturesque spots in the Palpa area. You can see Machapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Kanjiroba, Annapurna, and Langtang on a clear day. On the other side, you will view the never-ending plain Terai, which separates Shrinagar Hill.

The hilltop offers camping opportunities for those who enjoy it. Some people spend the night in a tent in the middle of nowhere. The Himalayas surround it, which is the perfect location to hang out.

6. Statue of Mahamritunjaya

The Mahamritunjaya statue is situated in Barangdi and is Asia’s most prominent metal statue of Lord Shiva. Near Lumbini, this monument lies 315 kilometers west of Kathmandu. This monument is constructed in a sitting position and is 18 feet tall, weighing 3,000 kg. According to the creator, the sculptures are built of pure metal idols that are 70% copper & 30% brass. The sculptures take around two years to build and cost roughly Rs. 9 million.

The idol was inaugurated on February 19, 2014. On inauguration, 111 Bhraman chanted the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra for 5 hours. Every Shivaratri and every Monday in the month of Shawna, worshippers gather here to worship Shiva. The entire body of the idol was revealed while practicing Maha Snan. On the other day, the statues were covered with red fabric on another day, just showing the face.

7. Mul Dhoka’s

It is part of Palpa’s Tansen Durbar and is called Mul Dhoka. General Pratap Shamsher constructed it. This is among the Kingdom’s most enormous wooden gates.

Mul Dhoka leads the way into the palace. It was damaged during the 2006 battle and reconstructed.

Sitalpati is a lovely public square in the vicinity of Mul Dhoka. It is a popular meeting place in Palpa for locals and visitors.

8. The Rishikesh Temple

The Rishikesh Temple is situated in Palpa and was established by Mukund Sen, Palpa’s first monarch. According to mythology, the monarch found the divinity of God Rishikesh while swimming in the Kali Gandaki River.

On January 30, 2008, this property was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in the cultural category. This temple combines several architectural styles from the medieval and San eras. Satidevi’s body pieces were burnt here, according to Hindu mythology.

9. Temple of Bhairabsthan

Bhairabsthan Temple is a Hindu temple devoted to Bhairab or Bhairava that was built during the reign of King Mukunda Sen of the Sen Kingdom when Palpa was the capital. It is about 9 kilometers northwest of Tansen.

During festivals, many tourists from all over the world gather to worship Lord Shiva. It is claimed to be one of Asia’s most prominent temples.

10. Rambha Devi

Rambha Devi is located about 31 kilometers east of Tansen. It is the most visited religious site in Palpa.

During the holidays, the temple attracts more devotees from all over the world.

The evergreen forest that surrounds the temple contributes to its beauty and serenity.

Conclusion

It is a well-known and popular tourist destination with several appealing attractions, such as Ranighat Palace, Tansen, and Shrinagar Hill.