One Day in Palpa

“Choli ramro palpali Dhaka ko…” we’ve all heard this classic song. But here’s a catcher: while Palpa is famous for its Dhaka cloth and karuwas, these are not the only things you should visit Palpa for. Palpa is so much more, one of my favorite places that I’ve visited so far. Plan a weekend to Palpa.

Enjoy the hill station vibes when you enter the city: I don’t know if it is just me, but I love small cities that are created around a small hill; houses as if they were placed on top of one another. We’re talking about Tansen, Palpa here. I swear the moment I saw the city I could not help but remember the hillstations like Darjeeling and cities like Kirtipur. The step by step uphill rounding to the city is itself a wonderful journey.

Palpa ko Jerry: When I left for Palpa, my brother suggested I try the jerry there. He insisted that it was different from the jerries available here. I did not think much of it. But once I took a bite, there was no denying he was right. The jerry there is just something else, they are double the size found in the valley and delicious. Have one with hot tea for breakfast, or two or three!

The biggest carved door in Asia: You cannot miss this huge door in the centre of Palpa. It is the bigges carved door in Asia. This door leads to the Durbar.

The Palpa Durbar: This place has its own history: first built in 1927 and newly reconstructed after damage in a battle with the Maoists. Take your own time to take a round of the premises. 

Get your blessings at Bhagwati Mandir : Right behind the durbar is the famous Bhagwati mandir of Tansen, Palpa. The royal family payed their respects in this temple back then. And there is a jatra every year during the dashain.

Hike to the Shreenagar Hills: Shreenagar hills is about 15 minutes on ride and 30 minutes on foot from the city. You can go whatever way is most feasible to you. Once you reach the entrance, hike up hills past little monuments on the way. The woods are serene and peaceful. Oh and did I tell you about the 8 talla karuwa like tower there?

The view is breathtaking!

After all that walking, head back into town for lunch. The best meal to have for an adventurous day is hands down a thakali meal. Try the thakali thali at Palpa.

Rani Mahal : After a full-fledged meal, pull yourself together for an adventurous trip to Rani Mahal. Rani Mahal is also popularly called the Taj Mahal of Nepal. Not only is this the most popular destination in Palpa but it carries with the elegance and the history that it is. You can book a vehicle to get here; it would take you about 30 mins-45 mins by vehicle. Or you can take prefer your foot, it would take you around 3 hours.

Try Local food : After you get back from Rani Mahal, try the local food around Palpa to settle your rumbling stomach. Batuk is quite popular here. 

Dig into a plate of chukauni. Try a plate of haans ko choyela too.

Around the bazar and souvenirs: The bazar of Palpa is a wonder in itself; full of galleys that take you up and down the hill and little surprises around every corner. Shop for karuwas and things made with Dhaka to take back. They are the best! You will find everything made of Dhaka: wallets, pencil bags, shawls, clothes and much more! No wonder the Palpali Dhaka is so popular in Nepal. I still use the purse that I bought in Palpa and I love it! Still as strong and for the most reasonable prices! However, you might want to take a tour of the bazar quickly because all shops are closed by 7:30 – 8:00 pm.

Sital Niwas : After all that shopping and roaming, take a seat at sital niwas and watch the world go by. As the name depicts, the spot is relaxing and right at the center.

Dinner at Nanglo’s: How many of you know that the popular restaurant chain the Nanglo bakery and café available at so many places around the Kathmandu Valley opened one of its first branches in Palpa in the year 1981? Nanglo is situated at the heart of the bazar, amidst a buzzing atmosphere. Definitely worth a visit!

And this is just the entrance to Nanglo!

Go ahead! Plan a trip to Palpa! I am sure you will not regret it!