Chitwan, July 18: When most of tourist sites across the country are witnessing fall in tourist numbers with the arrival of monsoon, Diyalo Bangala in Chitwan is contrary to this. The historic bungalow used to be the winter retreat of the royal family.
The bungalow was opened on July 7 to the public after the Bharatpur Metropolis took responsibility for its management.
For the beginning four days, entry was free. It started charging entry fees on July 11.
According to Bharatpur metropolis deputy mayor Chitrasen Adhikari, in the past week since July 11, a total of 2,086 people have visited it and the revenue collection from the entry fees amounted to Rs 191,700.
Entry fees are Rs 100 for Nepali citizens, with a 50% discount for senior citizens and students. Visitors from India and China have to pay Rs 150, SAARC nationals Rs 200, and others Rs 300.
Situated in Bharatpur-1, Diyalo Bangala was constructed in 1960 during King Mahendra’s reign. Revenue distribution includes 60% to Nepal Trust and 40% to the local government, as per the agreement between the Trust and the Bharatpur Metropolis.
The Royal family used to spend their time in this palace (bungalow) in winter season. The first floor of the historical palace has a big guest room where the portraits of former kings and queens are placed on the wall.
A hunting trophy of a Ghadiyal crocodile killed by King Mahendra in 2026 BS, has been put up on the stair while the head of a tiger has been placed on the wall. The goods and articles used by the Royal family have still been kept intact.
The palace has five bed rooms. All bed rooms have attached toilets. There is ‘Nanigunj’ for the women attendants of the royal family members at the corner of the Palace along with an ADC quarter for security guards. There is also a garage to park vehicles as well as a pond, but now there is no water in the pond these days.
Mayor Renu Dahal said school and college students should be brought here for study and visit as the Diyalo Bangala carries historic importance.
An arrangement has been made where general people could also visit the place. The Palace is under the protection of the Nepali Army since long.
Mayor Dahal shared that number of domestic and foreign tourists might increase with the end of rainy season. She further said the metropolis has been making plan for the management of the palace along with construction of further infrastructures including a children’s park.
