The palace on the rock
White and blue above the river.
DrooNa.Bhusal — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ygaurav007 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · DrooNa.Bhusal — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Sd.shova — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Mynameisrabin — CC BY-SA 4.0
Rani Mahal, or the «Queen's Palace», is a white and blue palace on a huge rock above the Kali Gandaki River, north of Tansen town in Palpa District. People call it the «Taj Mahal of Nepal» because of its story. Its setting above the green river among forested mountains makes it a rewarding longer outing for anyone staying in Tansen or travelling nearby. General Khadga Shumsher built it in 1893 in memory of his late wife, Tej Kumari. It is a building of brick and mortar in a neoclassical style with facades and columns, and it is the best-known landmark in Palpa. One source describes a decaying palace, but more recent press reports note visitors flocking to it. From the opposite bank you see a stepped white mass on the rock, topped by a blue building with a red roof. Inside is a courtyard overlooking the river, with a facade of blue columns and balconies and a white balustrade. The river's colour shifts with the season from turquoise green to grey, and sunset is the finest time, when the water can turn pink. It is about 7 km in a straight line from Tansen, and the press gives about 13 km by road. Some describe a steep descent through forest and villages, so ask about the right route for your vehicle. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, respect the site and keep away from the riverbank in the rainy season.
White and blue above the river.
Columns and balconies.
Colours shifting with the light.
Bank of the Kali Gandaki, north of Tansen, Palpa District, Nepal
General Khadga Shumsher built it in memory of his wife, echoing the similar story behind the Taj Mahal.
By car or on foot from Tansen. The road is about 13 km according to the press, with a steep descent.