Rani Mahal
In Nepali: रानीमहल · Also known as: Ranighat Durbar · Taj Mahal of Nepal · रानीमहल
General Khadga Shumsher Rana, exiled to Palpa, built this neo-classical palace at Ranighat in 1893 in memory of his wife Tej Kumari. Its white façade rising from the rocks above the green Kali Gandaki earned it the name 'Taj Mahal of Nepal'.
Long abandoned, the palace has been restored and is reached by a steep road or a 3–4 hour walk down from Tansen through forest and villages. The river setting is spectacular.
What to see and do
Explore the palace's courtyard, halls and balconies overlooking the river, and walk down to the riverbank. The suspension bridge nearby leads to the far bank for a full view of the façade. Some visitors combine the trip with rafting on the Kali Gandaki, which passes right below.
Good to know
There is a small entry fee. The road is steep and rough — a 4WD is best, or walk down from Tansen and take a jeep back. Summers are hot in the gorge.
Quick answers
- Where is Rani Mahal?
- Rani Mahal is in Palpa district, Lumbini Province, in the Pahad belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Rani Mahal?
- About 400 m (1,312 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Rani Mahal?
- For a 3-day trip from Bhairahawa (Lumbini), about NPR 5,000 (≈ US$37) per person on a budget, or NPR 13,500 (≈ US$100) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 5,000 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
- How many days do I need for Rani Mahal?
- Plan 1 night there; with travel from Bhairahawa (Lumbini) and back, about 3 days in all.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Rani Mahal?
- No special permit or ticket is normally needed.
- When is the best time to visit Rani Mahal?
- October–March
- How do I get to Rani Mahal?
- About 1.5 hours by jeep or 3–4 hours' walk from Tansen. It is about 48 km (straight line) from Bhairahawa (Lumbini).
- What is Rani Mahal called in Nepali?
- रानीमहल
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