PLACES OF INTRESTS

River Kali Gandaki 

                       River Kali Gandaki is the main tributaries of Gandaki .Hindus regard it very sacred river . It springs from beyond the Himalaya .It is sanctified by one hundred and eight fountains of Mukti Nath , a holy place in Himalaya.From Mukti Nath it flows southwards creating the deepest gorge in the world between the two world famous mountain peaks, namely Dhaulagiri and Annapurna . It flows through hundreds of mountains  valleys, gorge and falls till it meets the old and hard rocky Mahabharat mountain range . Then it flows towards west up to Ridi where it meets with a stream called Ridi khola .From there it changes its direction towars east draining the northern border of Palpa district up to Narayan Ghat , Chitwan , where it begins its journey in the plane area of tarai . 

            Rafting and boating along the route of river Kali Gandaki is very exciting experience with diversities of life and culture of the people and natural vegetation . The river irrigates innumerable terraces of fields . Farmers working in those terrace and daily activites of the villages who dwell in the some villages by the sides of the river are worth to see . Among the different tribes who dwell at the banks of the river the Bote tribe is unique .Traditionally they are fishermen . Their life , culture and ceremonies are closely connected with river and fishing . Their funeral rites are very ceremonious . Before the construction of suspension bridges over the river thy used to work as boatmen . They spent most of their time in boating at ferries and fishing in the river . Even today we can find antiquated canal boats or local dugout canoes expertly in the swirling waters of the river .They know different methods of fishin . The Bote tribe can provide exciting matrials for the students of arthopology . In some places the magars too , live like Botes by boating and fishing .

                    Kali Gandaki provides a good source of protein . About two decades ago the river was abundant with large eels and sea fishes weighing up to 70 k.g. but after the construction of Gandak Dam at Tribeni near Indo- Nepal border large sea fishes have vanished . AT present the river provides only fresh water fishes of different variety  and tastes. Water birds like ducks and cranes are also found in the region .
    
                             Rafting has begun as a new sport in mountain rivers originating from himalaya recently . It is  comparatively a new sport to Nepal and it has  tremendous opportunities . The rapids of river Kali Gandaki can provide a very fascinating and exciting experience to the lovers of this new sport. All maneuver to keep the boat afloat in the rapids is a very great feeling . Rafting has already begun in this river but it has not developed properly .

                              Some years ago a hovercraft had traveled along the river . A survey was conducted by British Royal Air Force team to read the viability of using a small hovercraft on the river for rural health purposes .The survey team approved the hovercraft service  in the river .The report on the expedition has clearly mentioned , "the Kali Gandaki provides a natural  highway through this difficult mountainous area . A hovercraft  has already been used on this river ." A regular hovercraft service from Narayan ghat to Ridi will be very useful not only for the tourists but also for the people of surrounding villages . This waterway can provide easy and cheap means of transportation . Palpa district has hundreds of rivulets and brooks as tributaries of Kali Gandaki . The confluences  of those rivulets and brooks from holy places and ferries . Among them Ridi , Ranighat and Ramdi are very famouss .Many brooks which springs from the northern lap of srinagar range mix with River Kali Gandaki . The confluencees are called "Ghats " .These Ghats are also the centers of religious ceremonies and funeral rites .Siddhartha Highway crosses river Kali at Ramdi . In Future Ramdighat may be the centre of this river way . 


 Tansen Darbar


                        Tansen Darbar, the palace of Tansen is the administrative nerve center of the Palpa  District . It is situated in the heart of town . It is the largest western style building in western nepal .

                       This place was built by Gen. Pratap Shamsher in 1927 A.D. He had been exiled haere in 1924 from Kathmandu .There was an old small palace here before the present palace was constructed . This for storied building has sixty three rooms ,two meeting halls , two minarets at two sides .Timber is abundantly utilized in its construction .The wide wooden steps and inner  designs remind one of Singh Darbar of Kathmandu . The walls are made of sun baked bricks and roof made of corrugated sheets . The building is square shaped and at the center there is an open square . 
                         
                         At present the palace is a hall called Gaddi Baithak meaning the throne hall .From the time of annexation of palpa  to Nepal some symbols of Royal dignity like sword and pictures were placed on the throne as an indication of the central rule .It was considered necessary specially during the period of those governors who were exiled here , to make the people and government officials aware of their real ruler who lived in Kathmandu . 

Ranighat Palace –The Taj mahal of Nepal

                It is made by Commander Khadaga Shamsher the governor of Palpa who had been exiled here . constructed a marvelous building on the bank of River Kali Gandaki  in the memory of his beloved queen ,Tej kumara and established a holy place for pilgrims called Rani Ghat or Queens’s confluence. It is said that Tej Kumari  , the beloved queen of Khadga Shamsher ,who died at Ridi in 1892 A.D. had requested her husband at the last moment of her death to established a holy place for pilgrimage in her name .To fulfill her last wish Khadga  Shamsher searched for a suitable place .At that time the people of Tansen were experiencing trouble to perform religious ceremonies and funeral rituals . They did not have a crematory to cremate the dead body at a convenient distance . having discovered Ranighat the nearest place to reach Kali Gandaki , Khadga Shamsher started the construction of the road ad the building in 1893 A.D. It took four year to complete it.

              

                   The 7 k.m. trial from Tansen to Ranighat is a steady slope passing through a narrow gorge . In the way more than five hilly streams and brooks meet with Barangdi Khola before it joins with Kali Gandaki . There are small typical bridges over those brooks . By the side of the trail there are terraces of green fields which are irrigated by the little mud made Cannes from the rivulets and brooks . They present a very fascinating scene . The songs of birds and challenging call of pheasants from the dense forests and rocky hills above the traveler’s head give a charming feeling . Sometimes a sharp and melancholy song of a reaper and love songs of cowboys and girls cheer the traveler’s head Thus while walking along the rough hilly roads to Rani Ghat “ the heavy and weary weight of all this unintelligible world is lightened and the fever of the world “ goes away . While trekking the trail travelers can see the Nepalese handi craft in  making straw mattresses , “Namlo” and ropes etc.

             

               Awal  and Hatti Dhunga are two main settlements in the trail to Rani Ghat . People from western Syangja and eastern Gulmi lodge and dine there. There are some old inns and ruins of water in the way .Natural water sources are abundant in this area .

 

                  Hatti Dhunga is a name given after a stone which resembles the shape of a Hatti or elephant . Beyond Hatti Dhunga one has to pass through a very exciting track which was built by cutting rocks . Laborers had to swing with a rope tied on the trunk of trees and cut the hard rock . Some laborers had also lost their lives in this venture . The place is known as Baikuntha Pahara . The trail is made in the step rock and barangdi  Khola has made a very deep gorge here. Through the rivulet cannot be seen here , its sound of course can not be heard .

             

              After crossing the brooks and bridges and trekking rocky trails one experiences a great relief and relax at the sight of a beautiful snow white palace in the lap of green hill , just above the blue water of the river Kali Gandaki.

                   The palace is constructed on a hard rock on the bank of the river . From the north eastern side the palace seems to be hanging above the river . It presents a very wonderful view after looking at this grand masterpiece of architecture in such a remote area one may imagine it as a creation of supernatural power .

 

                   It was design by British engineers from Calcutta .In the beginning the building was like royal guest house . Electricity was supplied by generator and water was supplied  from Hatti Dhunga through a little canal .Rooms were heated by fire places .All the rooms and steps were furnished and decorated with carpets and costly furniture's .In the garden in front of a palace ,where fish ponds .At octagonal house called Sital Pati was constructed at the north – west corner of the garden from where one could have a nice view of the river . with in the premises of the palace there are temples of Shiva and Ganga and some quarters for pilgrims and those who came to perform funeral rites . Wide stone steps lead from the palace to water of Kali Gandaki .

Palpa Bhairab 

                    The Palpa  Bhairab temple lies 9 k.m. west of Tansen .There is a legend about the statue of Bhairab which is kept hidden in the ground floor of the temple .nobody is allowed to see it. Even the priest worships it from behind a curtain .It is said that the statue is so frightful that some people have even lost their lives on beholding it . therefore as a precaution it is kept hidden in a room .

                     Devotees who come to worship the Bhairab are allowed to see the silver mask of Bhairab kept in the first floor  of the temple. Hundreds of worshipers visit this temple on every Saturday and Tuesday , to worship and offer ‘Rot’ – a kind of a rice cake , and animal  sacrifice . Hundreds of pigeons ,cocks ,goats and lambs and buffalos are sacrificed at the foreground of the temple. 

                   The temple is famous for its large Trident . this golden trident is the largest trident in Asia Gen. Pratap Shamsher had rebuilt the temple and replaced the tile roof with gold plated brass roof .The trident was also offered by him .

                     The temple is situated on the top of a hill and one can have a very nice view of Himalaya and Tarai also from here .Around the main temple there are some other statues of gods and goddess and a rest house .

                 

                     There are some ruins of Sen period near the temple.In small height west of the temple there are ruin of building . The kiln-burnt large bricks scattered there indicate that once there  were buildings of local state chiefs .At puranoKot south of the temple there are signs of old mint . There is a big lawn at NayaKot west of the temple. It was the seasonable capital of the Sen kings . The lawn was used as a parade ground . But nowadays recently that parade ground has been changed into a beautiful Garden where different kinds of flower , trees  are planting.

                  

                      The suburb which is situated at the foot of the temple hill is called Palpa Hatiya . The name indicate that once it was the center of the district . The whole area including the temple is also called Chandiyan . Chandi is a Goddess worshipped by Magars . Therefore the name shows the Magar dominance in this region in the past . motor road passes from here up to Gulmi via Ridi.

Rambha pani

                      In the eastern part of the district about 30 k.m. From Tansen just above  Tanhu bazaar lies a nice spot for the lovers of Nature . The place is known as Rambha Pani .

                      According to the Hindu religious literature , Rambha is the name of  a fairy of a heaven and Pani means Water .The place got this name from the perennial fountain which springs here . The fountain is surrounding by a dense beautiful forest .This forest reminds one of the comedies of William Shakespear in which the lovers or heroes and heroines disguise themselves as shepherded and shepherdess and roam in the forest in search of their lovers and flowers .

                    This tropical forest is abundant with various kinds of unique and lovely orchids, fruits like Kaafals , Aiselu  and different kinds of colorful birds and fruits .

                     According to a legend the fountain was the gift of Rama , the hero of great epic Ramayana . Ram shot an arrow with his bow into the ground and the fountain emerged and quenched the first of his beloved wife – Sita.

                     Beside the fountain there is a temple of Goddess Rambha Devi recently a rest house has been built near the temple. People from far and near come here to worship the goddess .People vow to sacrifice animals and birds to the Goddess if their wishes are fulfilled

                      A great number of goats , sheep ,buffaloes ,cocks ,pigeons, ducks and other birds are sacrificed at the altar of the Goddess . People do it for their good health , wealth , prosperity ,good job, victory in legal cases and local elections as well .

                       On full moon days and on other festivals a large number of people come here to worship the Goddess . Some people come here for picnic also .Krishnastami is the annual festival day of the Goddess. Thousands of people come here and thousand of animals and birds are sacrificed here on this day .

                        At the southern part of Rambha Pani , There lies a suburb known as Tanhu , Which is mostly inhabited by Newars . This is a local business center en route eastern Palpa .Vehicles can go up to Tanhu , Except in the rainy season .

 

Satyawati Lake

                            

                            To the south of Tansen and across the beautiful fertile valley of Madi there stands a majestic looking hill protecting  the valley from the heat of plain of the south . This typical hill is called Kaude Lekh  .In the range of Kaude Lekh ,there is sacred lake called “Satyawati Tal “ at a height of 1400 meter from the surface of sea area.

It is said that this lake takes its name from Goddess Satyawati . Every year a festival is held between the sun set and the rise on the full moon day of November according to the Nepali calendar this festival is held on Kartik Purnima . People take holi bath in the lake and sacrifice animals and birds to the Goddess ,Satyawati .

     

                          In fact Satyawati Lake is not a permanent lake .As the shape of the lake in crater –like at the top the hill , the water which falls during the monsoon collected remains there for about six months after the monsoon. The forest is very dense and human beings seldom visit there except on the day of the festival. The villagers generally avoid this area because they are afraid of Goddess and the wild animals of the forest . Blind faith of the villagers have saved the place from deforestation . When the water is sufficient in the lake migratory birds spend a few days in this area . People believe that the Goddess   Satyawati can fulfill the wishes of her devotees who please her by premising to sacrifice birds and animals.

                          On the festive day people from far and wide begin to arrive here in the evening . They go round the lake many times , uttering loudly their wishes ,it is said that the Goddess Satyawoti had listening problem . Some people set free pigeons and some sacrifice animals and birds .

                           There is no house or cottage to stay or rest . Most of the people begin to return from here immediately after performing their rituals . No one stays there till sunrise .It is believed that Goddess does not want to be seen by human beings and one who stays there after the sunrise something misfortune may happen to him .The festival last for only one night .

                             There are many narrow foot trails to reach to reach the lake but the main trail starts from a place by the side of the Siddhartha Highway , about 30 k.m.  from Tansen and 19 k.m. from Butwal .It is just two hour’s trek up the hill from this spot.

Ramdi Ghat

                             Ramdi is at the way to the Pokhara from Tansen, Barutung crosses the river Kali Gandaki . Here two small rivers Aagha khola and Jheskang khola mix with the Kali Gandaki .The place regarded sacred for performing religious ceremonies and funeral rites as well .

                           

                              Ramdi is famous for the cave temple. The cave is called Sungupha .It is very deep . For the holiness of the river people usually come here to bath on various festivals and perform different  kinds of religious and social ceremonies .

                          

                            A beautiful cantilever bridge over the river presents a marvelous scene  here.The place is nice for fishing too.This place is also known as a crematory to cremate the dead body.

    Pravas

              

                             Once there was a big lake here and people used to bath in the lake on religious  occasions .At present the lake has turned into a fish  pond .Beyond the fish pond there is still enough water for boating . and some year ago this facility also provided by the Municipality but nowadays lack of the management of the boating facility is closed .  By their northern side of the lake there is a well called Surya Kunda .Religious people often bath here .

                      

                            In its southern side there is a temple of Krishna ,called Bansi Gopal.The old Sivalaya lies in the west of the lake .Inside this Shivalaya there is a big stone which is covered with imprints of chakra or circles .It is said that after the death of King Muni Mukunda Sen his body and turned into stone . This stone is supposed to be the head of his body and the trunk lies at Devghat ,Where the king spent rest of his life. 

                               On Shiva Ratri ,The birth day of shiva ,a fair is held here .People from nearby villages and Tansen come here to buy and sell agriculture products .They visit the temples and worship the Gods .Agricultural products and animals are exhibited here and the best farmers are awarded . 

                                   Due to the indiscriminate deforestation and turning lake side land into paddy fields the area of the lake has decreased sharply .A part of the lake has been separated for fishery .In the south- east bank of the lake dead bodies are brunt and cremated .At the northern side there is a medical college named Lumbini medical college who provides medical facilities but also produce harmed liquid poisons and also mixed to the lake.In its northern side there are small scale textile industries .All these have caused water pollution also . 

             

                                   For the development of tourism in Tansen the lake and its surrounding must be conserved and developed properly .by constructing a barrage by the side of the road and by afforestation in the surrounding area of the lake the water level  can be increased remarkably .Thus the environment of the lake area can be preserved and developed into nice resort for tourists.     


Tudikhel 

                         Tudikhel is the only place in Tansen which surface is straight .Tudikhel the historical parade place where the people of this town entertain themselves by visualizing various games and national ceremonies .There is a public plate  form in the southern part of the ground from where speakers address the public on important occasions .In the northern part There is a Tansen municipality office .and infront of that office there is a very famous Karuwa model golden plated , made by iron .To the south west corner of the ground there is a beautiful rose garden called Birendra Park .At the centre of the park a full size statue of His majesty King Birendra is erected on a lotus shaped pillar . 


 Baugha Tunnel 

                              About 2 k.m. north west of Tansen there is a man-made tunnel which is about 120m. long .IT was constructed by Gen. Pratap Shamsher to facilitate the water supply from Banjha to Tansen by pipe .The tunnel is so quite straight that one can see from one end to another end of it .People can walk through it with the help of a torch , but the damp environment inside the tunnel has given shelter to the toads ,reptiles and other insects .Therfore it is not safe to go into it.