Located 317 km from Kathmandu, Palpa lies on the southern slope of the Mahabharat range and the Himalayas. It is a district in Province No. 5, within the Lumbini Zone of the Western Development Region.

Palpa's high hills offer impressive panoramic views of Nepal, including the vast Madi Valley to the west and the Kali Gandaki River along its northern border. The majority of the population practices Hinduism, followed by Buddhism, with small communities of Muslims and Christians residing here.

Main Attractions of Palpa

Key sites include Ranimahal (also known as Ranighat), Srinagar Danda, Vairabsthan Temple, Palpa Durbar, and Ridi. Srinagar Danda, located just north of Tansen—the district headquarters—stands at 1600 meters. From its tower, visitors can enjoy magnificent views over the Kali Gandaki River and the Himalayas. The southern slope is covered by dense pine forests, while the northern slope boasts natural vegetation with the national flower, Rhododendron, attracting nature enthusiasts and botanists alike.

Another architectural highlight is Ranimahal, famously called the Taj Mahal of Nepal. Built in 1894 AD by Khadga Shamser JBR as a monument to his queen Tej Kumari’s deep love, this beautiful palace is perched on a colossal stone near the Kali Gandaki River.

More on Palpa

Bhairavsthan is home to the largest ‘Trishul’—a symbolic trident of Lord Shiva—and is a significant attraction for Hindu devotees. About 20 km northwest of Tansen lies Ridi, a revered pilgrimage site famous for the Rishikesh Mandir, a pagoda-style temple, and the sacred Ridi River. During the first day of the Nepali month of Magh, pilgrims from all over the country gather here to take holy baths and pay homage to the temple.

Local Culture and Handicrafts

Palpa is renowned for its handicrafts and cottage industries, particularly the traditional water jug called Karuwa, made of bronze. Visitors often buy Karuwa as a memorable souvenir. The region is also famous for its Dhaka fabric, which is nationally and internationally recognized. Dhaka products include shawls, purses, and other accessories.

Access and Transportation

Palpa is easily accessible via direct bus services connecting Kathmandu to Tansen, Pokhara to Tansen, and Bhairahawa to Tansen, among other routes.

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Image: Photo by Kabita Darlami on Unsplash