Picturesque Sundevi Lake in shadow due to lack of publicity

KANCHANPUR, JANUARY 31 : Nestled within the dense forests of the Chure hill range, Sundevi Lake is a breathtaking sight. The lake's surface shimmers with a golden glow when the sun's rays are reflected, giving it its name—Sundevi, which means "sun" in Nepali.

Located in Shuklaphanta Municipality-8, the lake is surrounded by the melodious chirping of various bird species, adding to the serene beauty of the area. While strolling around the lake, visitors might encounter deer, wild boar, monkeys, hedgehogs, and birds like peacocks, barn owls, and hornbills soaring through the forest. The vibrant flowers blooming throughout the forest also provide a stunning visual treat.

Sundevi Lake spans 400 meters in length and 200 meters in width. Its water changes color with the wind, sometimes appearing blue and at other times a golden yellow. Although surrounded by a dense forest, the lake remains remarkably clear of fallen leaves. With hills encircling it, the full scope of the lake's size is difficult to comprehend from any vantage point. Unlike many lakes in the Chure region, this one lacks fish.

Near the lake stands a small temple dedicated to Goddess Sundevi, a place of worship for local devotees. The presence of old bells, dating back to 1673, suggests that the area has been a spiritual site for centuries. It is believed that childless couples who pray at the temple and vow to make offerings to Goddess Sundevi will be blessed with children. During festivals such as Navratri, Dashain, Tihar, and Maghe Sankranti, a large number of devotees visit the temple.

Durga Dutta Bhatta, a local social worker, mentioned that devotees visit the site during major festivals for worship and vows. However, Sundevi Lake remains relatively unknown due to a lack of publicity. The area does not have road access, and visitors must trek to reach it. While vehicles can travel up to Watawaran Madhyawarti Samudayik Ban, eight kilometers from the East-West Highway, it is still a five-kilometer hike to the lake itself.

This lack of publicity and transportation infrastructure means that only a few domestic and spiritual tourists visit the area. Bhatta suggested that the area should be developed into a religious tourism destination, complete with roads and local employment opportunities for young people. He urged the local government to prioritize such development.

According to local residents, Stationpur, about seven kilometers south of the lake, was once used by the British as a timber transport station. The station is now a historic site, and the area where the British flag was flown is called Jhandabojh. Kanchanpur was once part of British-controlled territory during the time of the East India Company. The British later handed the district over to Nepal in exchange for Junga Bahadur Rana's support during the Lucknow Revolt of 1857.