Tansen, Ancient Splendour
Introduction to Tansen
The township of Tansen is among a few towns outside the capital
which bears a rich legacy of the traditional art and architecture.
Perched on the lap of the spectacular Srinagar Danda (hill) Tansen,
commands a gorgeous panorama of the Himalayas as well as the plains
of Terai. Located at an elevation of 1310 meters Tansen is a
pleasant place to visit during any season of the year. The hill of
Srinagar, half an hour’s walk up Tansen Bazaar at an elevation of
1524 m. is rare vantage point to view the contrasting manifestation
of nature. An Incredibly Long panorama of the mountains encompassing
Kanjiroba, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Langtang Himal at a stretch is
visible from here on one hand, while on the other the plains of Madi
valley and the bigger terai also comes to distinct view from the
same point. Tansen is a good put off point for short as well as long
treks. You can visit some of the beautiful points on the Kali
Gandaki river such as Ranighat Palace and Ramdi Ghat the dense and
serene woody slopes of Rambhapani and Satyawati lake.For longer
treks you can choose any area in Annapurna-Dhaulagiri region such as
Dhorpatan, Jomsom, Ghorepani or Annapurna Sanctuary. Tansen also
provides opportunity for study of Buddhist culture and the life and
culture of Magar tribes.
Tansen and its Environs
Tansen, situated at an altitude of 1,371 meters above the sea level
on the lap of picturesque Shreenagar hill, is one of the most
popular summer resorts of western Nepal. On account of its unique
geographical location, climate and the people, Tansen spells an aura
of dreamy holiday. Although the administrative headquarters of Palpa
district, Tansen is free of usual urban hectic life. In Tansen,
tourists can make detours at ease to see and admire the narrow
zigzag streets, stream of colorful people passing by in local
attires. Even in the heart of the town an unmistakable charm of
simple rural life is easily felt. However, Tansen is another
miniature Kathmandu One could see old Kathmandu style hangovers in
the cobbled streets up and down. Typical newari houses, pagoda style
temples, shrines and stupas are abound here. Also, Tansen is the
starting point for many short treks for places of touristic interest
in Palpa and in the surrounding districts of western Nepal.
By air:
The nearest airport of Tansen are Pokhara and Bhairahawa both of
which are linked by regular air services of Royal Nepal Airlines and
other private airlines.
PLACES TO SEE
Shreenagar Hill
One of the most picturesque spots in the whole Palpa region,
Shreenagar hill abounds in scenic grander and magnificent natural
surroundings. A mere 30 minutes climb on foot or 10 minutes drive
from the town of Tansen, One would reach the top of the hill which
commands a unique spectrum of natural extravaganza-from the
snowcapped Himalayan peaks in the north to the lush green wide
expanse of plains of Terai in the south, and of course, the
panoramic view of the Tansen town. The impressive meadow on the hill
top is an ideal spot to view the breathtaking scenes of majestic
Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and the famed twin peaks of Machhapuchare-the
fishtail mountain. also, many beautiful short walks and excursions
may be enjoyed from this point. To the comfort of the visitors,
there are newly built facilities like cottages and camping sites on
the top of the hill. An added attraction is a recently built ‘Twa-dewa’,
a huge Newari style bronze lamp stand.
Amar Narayan Temple
Built in 1807 AD by Amar Singh Thapa, the temple of Amar Narayan is
considered an important landmark of Tansen. It is built in typical
Nepali Pagoda style for its historical and architectural
significance. The intricate works of wood carvings in the temple are
simply marvelous. The temple is surrounded by one meter wide stone
wall-locally known as the ‘Great wall of Palpa’. Inside the
temple-complex there are the temple of Lord mahadev, ponds, parks,
rest houses and a natural water spring. Every morning and evening
devotees gather in the compound and chant ‘Bhajans’ ( holy recitals)
in chorus.
Tansen Durbar
Built in 1927 AD by Pratap Shamsher Jung Bahadur Rana, the durbar is
a grand imposing palace in the heart of the town. Once the seat of
the Rana governors, the Durbar is now the district secretariat of
Palpa district.
Shitalpati(the Round House)
Built by Khadga Shamsher, the original Shitalpati is of octagonal
shape. A round house around the Shitapati has been recently built.
The historically important Shitalpati is a popular hang out for the
locals now. The ‘Baggi Dhoka’, the biggest gate of its kind in Nepal
is located in this square. The locals often rend to compare it with
the architecture of Mugal Empire in India.
Bhagawati Temple
Built by Wajir Singh Thapa in 1814 AD to mark the victory over
colonial British-India forces, the temple is a small structure but
holds immense religions importance. Located near the Tansen Durbar,
it is a pilgrimage of Palpalies. It is said that the original
structure was remarkably bigger and beautiful. and it has undergone
many physical adjustments, most recently after the great earthquake
of 1934. In the month of august every year, a chariot procession of
deities is taken out throughout the town with military honor to
observe the historic battle.
Amargunj Ganesh
Before building the Amar Narayan temple in 1807 A.D. Amar Singh
Thapa had built this temple. Architecturally, the temple bears the
same style and character of Amar Narayan Temple. The temple has a
big artistic ‘Rest House’ where a school has been run presently.
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