Since opening Diyalo Bangla to the public, the historic site in Bharatpur has welcomed 23,574 visitors. Managed by Bharatpur Metropolitan City, Diyalo Bangla was opened to the general public on July 7, 2024 (Ashad 23, 2081 BS). By September 6, 2024 (Bhadra 22, 2081 BS), the site had also attracted 127 foreign tourists.
Bharatpur’s Deputy Mayor, Chitrasen Adhikari, reported that the city has generated NPR 2.344 million in revenue from visitor entry fees. The entry fee is NPR 100 for Nepali citizens, with a 50% discount for senior citizens and students. For tourists from neighboring India and China, the fee is NPR 150, while those from other SAARC countries pay NPR 200, and visitors from other countries are charged NPR 300.
Deputy Mayor Adhikari noted the growing number of visitors each day, indicating a rising interest in the site.
Diyalo Bangla, located in Bharatpur-1, is managed by the metropolitan city under an agreement with Nepal Trust. Revenue from the site is split, with Nepal Trust receiving 60% and the metropolitan city taking 40%. Bharatpur Metropolitan City Mayor Renu Dahal highlighted the historical significance of Diyalo Bangla, noting that visitor numbers have steadily increased since its opening.
The palace historically served as a winter retreat for Nepal’s former royal family, particularly for hunting excursions. The ground floor of the palace features a large living room adorned with portraits of the former king and queen. The staircase displays a crocodile taxidermy, a specimen hunted by King Mahendra in 1969, and a tiger’s head is also preserved on display.
The palace comprises five bedrooms, known as “khopis.” The first bedroom belonged to Ratna Rajya, the second to the king, the third to the queen, and the fourth and fifth were used by other royal family members. All bedrooms are equipped with attached bathrooms and retain many items used by the royal family.
Adjacent to the palace are the “Naniganj,” a living quarter for the royal family’s female servants, and the “ADC Quarters” for royal security guards. A vehicle garage and an empty swimming pool are also nearby.
Mayor Dahal emphasized that opening the palace to the public, which had previously been under the protection of the Nepalese Army, has addressed public curiosity. The metropolitan city is actively working on improving management to enhance the visitor experience.
Diyalo Bangla is anticipated to extend the stay of tourists visiting Chitwan. The metropolitan city opened the palace as part of Bharatpur’s tourism promotion campaign, in coordination with Nepal Trust.
