Bharatpur Metropolitan City has taken responsibility for managing the historic Diyalo Bangala, which has attracted 44,881 visitors since its opening to the public on Ashadh 25. Among these, 138 foreign tourists visited the site until Poush end.
To commemorate Bharatpur Visit Year 2024, the city collected NPR 3.837 million in revenue from visitors, according to Ram Babu Paudel, Chief of the Tourism Division. Entry fees are set at NPR 100 for the general public, with a 50% discount for senior citizens and students. Foreign tourists from neighboring countries, including India and China, are charged NPR 150, while SAARC nationals pay NPR 200 and tourists from other countries pay NPR 300. The number of daily visitors continues to rise.
Deputy Mayor Chitrasen Adhikari highlighted Diyalo Bangala’s addition as a new tourist destination in Chitwan. He stated, “Opening this area to the public after a long time has enhanced its value as a nearby destination from the district headquarters.” The palace, located in Bharatpur Metropolitan-1, is now under city management through an agreement with Nepal Trust.
Revenue generated from Diyalo Bangala is divided, with 60% allocated to Nepal Trust and 40% retained by the metropolitan city. Mayor Renu Dahal emphasized the site’s historical significance, noting its growing popularity among visitors. She remarked, “The palace holds historical value, and its visitor numbers are increasing daily.”
The Diyalo Bangala served as a winter retreat for the royal family during the monarchy. It was also used as a residence during royal hunting expeditions. The palace’s first floor houses a grand hall with portraits of King Mahendra and King Birendra. A crocodile hunted by King Mahendra in 2026 BS is preserved on the staircase, along with a tiger’s head displayed on a wall.
The palace features five bedrooms (referred to as khopis), each with attached bathrooms. Room No. 1 belonged to Queen Mother Ratna Rajya, while Room No. 2 was for the King, Room No. 3 for the Queen, and Rooms No. 4 and No. 5 were used by other royal family members. Many of the royal family’s personal belongings remain intact. Nearby, there is a separate residence (Naniganj) for the royal women’s attendants, an ADC quarter for security personnel, a garage for vehicles, and a now-dry swimming pool.
Mayor Dahal explained that the area, previously under the protection of the Nepal Army, has now been made accessible to the public, allowing them to explore and appreciate its historic value.