Rani Mahal

Best place to visit if you want to explore a historical site with the best river view. The architecture of the place is best . The road excess is also good with much of scenery. There are many activities like camping at night, tents , rafting or boating. The place is famously known as the place of lovers.We can see many picnic and educational tours happening near here . Best place to explore near tansen . The road is good . The ticket prices at the time we visited were 50 per person.

In 1885 Khadga Samsher Rana assassinated Ranauddip Shamsher Rana to make Bir Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana as the prime minister and himself as the Commander in Chief of Nepal. He was in the line of succession for the next prime minister. In 1887 Khadga Samsher conspired to remove Bir Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana from prime-ministership in an unsuccessful coup attempt. For this, he was arrested and forced to drop his royal titles and the position of Commander in Chief.[2] He was banished to Thada, a place in Gulmi district in western Nepal. In 1888, a limited power was reinstated by assigning as the Governor General and the commander in chief (Tainathi) of western Nepal and allowed to relocated in Palpa-Gauda.[3]

At Palpa-Gauda, Khadga Shumsher's youngest wife Tej Kumari Devi died in 1892. To commemorate his grief and the queen's last wish to construct a place of pilgrim, Khadga decided to build a palace. The name Rani Mahal literally translates as Queen's Palace.[4]

The palace was designed by a British architect, and construction workers were brought from India. The four army platoon under him at Palpa and local villagers were also mobilized.[3] To accomplish the construction, forced labour using neighbouring villagers was also used. Agri, a community of special caste, was employed to break the rock along the road to the palace and the foundation of the palace building.[3] It took four years to complete the construction.[5] He also named the nearby forest as Rani Ban (Queen's forest) along with naming the Ghats as Rani Ghat.[6] In 1902, Khadga Samsher Rana along with his family fled to India abandoning Rani Mahal.[1]

Ranimahal, nestled in the enchanting landscapes of Palpa, is a breathtaking destination that captures the essence of tranquility and beauty. This immense castle stands as a testament to both history and architectural grandeur, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich heritage of the region. Surrounded by lush greenery, Ranimahal provides a serene and peaceful retreat for those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The castle boasts panoramic views of the picturesque surroundings, providing a visual feast of natural wonders. With its sprawling grounds and well-maintained gardens, Ranimahal invites exploration and appreciation of the diverse flora that graces its vicinity. The tranquil ambiance makes it an ideal spot for those seeking moments of reflection and relaxation.

One of the notable features of Ranimahal is the availability of camping facilities, allowing adventurous souls to immerse themselves in the beauty of the night sky amidst the serene backdrop. The option for bonfires adds a touch of warmth and camaraderie to the experience, creating unforgettable memories under the starlit Palpa sky.

In essence, Ranimahal stands not just as a historical landmark but as a haven for those in search of beauty, peace, and the joy of connecting with nature. Whether exploring the castle's majestic architecture, enjoying the natural scenery, or partaking in outdoor activities, Ranimahal offers a holistic and memorable experience for all who are fortunate enough to visit this gem in Palpa.

Palpa Ranimahal is knows as the Taj Mahal of Nepal located on the bank of Kaligandaki river. This Ranighat palace is historical palace constructed by General Khadga Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana in 1893.The palace was designed by a British architect, and construction workers were brought from India. I request to everyone visit this awesome historic palace at least once in life. This is the magnificence of Nepal. Government of Nepal need to promote this site more and more for tourism purpose. Best place for enjoying with loved ones and creating memories forever.

Very good place 13 km down river side from palpa bazar

Amazing and historical place, ambition is on another level. Its a journey to reach this place
Genuine, show our culture, traditional and what or how we were in those times. Its was my honer to visit this place. Especially for newly couples. Recommended to visit. And the river, show its natural beauty.

In the bank of Kali gandaki which is built by khadka shamsher in his beloved wife memory place was amazing most important tourist destination site during palpa journey

Rani Mahal is often called Taj Mahal of Nepal as it was built by Khadga Shamsher in the memory of his late queen -Tej Kumari in BS1954. It was constructed on a huge rock at the bank of Kaligandaki river hence it is still standing just at the bank untouched by Kaligandaki river. Recent renovation & painting has made it a beautiful tourist attraction site of Palpa. Huge stone steps lead to the palace courtyard where there are two beautifully built water ponds. Huge pillars at front of the palace are attractive; massive walls & viewing platform was calling of repair & painting. Palace premises & building from outside looked impressive but rooms inside were tiny. You may enjoy the scenes of river, mountains & jungles around seen from palace.

It's really nice place to stay at night and have a candle light dinner. You will get to feel beautiful mountains and river here and you will surely love this place. Special Request for People who lives in Purvanchal side of UP , They must visit Nepal and see its beauty ..

Beautiful palace build on the bank of Kali Gandaki,can be reach there in 40-50 minutes from Tansen wonderful place for visit and learn about this wonderful heritage

Historical place near and attached with Kaligandaki river.

Nice place on the near of Kali gandaki river . It is also called Taj of Nepal
Rani Mahal (रानी महल) is a historic Rana palace located on the banks of Kali Gandaki River in Palpa district of Nepal. This palace was constructed by General Khadga Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana in 1893. At Palpa-Gauda, Khadga Shumsher's youngest wife Tej Kumari Devi died in 1892. To commemorate his grief and the queen's last wish to construct a place of pilgrim, Khadga decided to build a palace. The name Rani Mahal literally translates as Queen's Palace. The poor condition of the palace was realized by the locals and became a concern of the government of Nepal. In 2017, the Government of Nepal allocated budget and restored the palace to the original state. A museum was also established in the building. To increase the tourism in the area, a new road was also constructed along the bank of Brangdi River.
It takes around half an hour to reach the Rani Mahal from Tansen via a motorable road. Also, foot trail from Kailash Nagar near the Batase Danda, about 13 km from Tansen leads to Ranimahal.

Exotic location
It's an engineering marvel
Located at the bank of kaligandaki (where it flows towards north - a rarity)

Final leg of the road leading there from Tansen is bit rough though

A historic landmark and a good place to be with friends and family

Beautiful location on the the banks of Kali Gandaki river. Quite a trek to get here through wonderful scenery with very hospitable people en route. Long history is very interesting, involving a British architect and a huge project to build the road in order to construct this building here. Well worth the hike.

Awesome place to be. One of the historical place and a sign of love. You usually reach there via Tansen, Palpa. It is 15KM away from Kailash Nagar palpa. All the road from Palpa is good except 3/4 KM at the end when you are about to reach there. You really feel cool and peace once you are there. Night camp fire is also available though not luxury standard hotels are available. Actual fun is camping at night and sleeping inside the tent. Must be there once in a life time.

Beautiful place with natural beauty. Palace needs a renovation

It's the best place to hangout with friends and family. The roads are not very good, however once you reach the place, it is worth it. I highly recommend everyone to visit this place once.

Rani Mahal, situated in the picturesque town of Palpa, Nepal, is a historical gem that exudes a captivating blend of architecture, culture, and natural beauty. This grand palace, perched along the banks of the Kali Gandaki River, stands as a testament to Nepal's rich history and heritage.

One of the most striking aspects of Rani Mahal is its stunning location. It is set against the backdrop of the rolling hills of Palpa and overlooks the tranquil river. The view of the palace against this scenic backdrop is a sight to behold, making it a photographer's paradise. The surrounding landscape, with its lush vegetation and terraced fields, adds to the palace's charm.

The palace itself is a fine example of Newari architecture, characterized by intricately carved wooden windows, doors, and facades. Its red-brick structure stands in contrast to the verdant surroundings, creating a striking visual contrast. The design is a reflection of the artistry and craftsmanship of the time, with attention to detail evident in every nook and cranny.

Rani Mahal is steeped in history, and its name, which translates to "Queen's Palace," alludes to its regal past. The palace was built by General Khadga Shumsher Rana in the 19th century as a summer retreat for his queen, Tej Kumari. The history and legends associated with the palace add a layer of intrigue to the visit. Tales of forbidden love and the tragic drowning of the queen in the Kali Gandaki River near the palace have given Rani Mahal an aura of mystery and romance.

The journey to Rani Mahal often involves a scenic hike or a boat ride, adding to the sense of adventure and exploration. The journey itself is a part of the experience, and it provides an opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of Palpa and the local way of life.

Visitors to Rani Mahal will find that it offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The absence of large crowds and commercialization allows for a sense of serenity and connection with the past. It's a place to reflect on history, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and perhaps even indulge in a picnic along the riverbank.

However, it's essential to note that Rani Mahal is in a state of partial disrepair and restoration efforts are ongoing. This adds to the sense of authenticity and the feeling of discovering a hidden treasure, but it may limit access to some parts of the palace.

In conclusion, Rani Mahal in Palpa, Nepal, is a destination that beautifully combines history, culture, and natural beauty. Its enchanting location, regal architecture, and intriguing past make it a place worth exploring for those who appreciate off-the-beaten-path destinations and the allure of the past. It's a hidden gem that offers a unique glimpse into Nepal's rich heritage.

Visited there on my bike at the end of rainy season. It was raining occasionally and the off road was slippery. Bike got stucked in many places, slipped at a place but nothing happened. Came back alive and tired that day. A memorable day of my life!