KANCHANPUR: Tucked away in the dense forests of the Chure hill range, Sundevi Lake is a stunning natural gem.
The lake sparkles with a golden hue when the sun’s rays reflect off its surface, earning it the name “Sundevi”—derived from the Nepali word for gold, “sun.”
Located in Shuklaphanta Municipality-8, the lake’s serene surroundings are enhanced by the melodies of various bird species.
A stroll around the lake offers the chance to spot wildlife such as deer, wild boar, monkeys, and hedgehogs, while birds like peacocks, barn owls, and hornbills soar through the forest.
The vibrant display of blooming flowers in the forest area further adds to the lake’s charm.
Sundevi Lake measures 400 meters in length and 200 meters in width, with the water sometimes appearing blue or yellow depending on the wind.
Despite the surrounding dense forest, the lake remains remarkably clear of fallen leaves.
Due to the surrounding hills, it’s difficult to gauge the lake’s true dimensions.
While many other lakes in the Chure region are home to fish, Sundevi Lake is unique in that it has none.
A small temple dedicated to Goddess Sundevi sits near the lake, drawing local worshippers.
The presence of bells dating back to 1673 at the shrine indicates the area’s long-standing religious significance.
It is believed that childless couples who pray and make offerings to Goddess Sundevi at the lake will be blessed with children, and the temple sees a surge of devotees during festivals like Navratri.
Durga Dutta Bhatta, a local social worker, explained that people visit for prayers and vows during major festivals such as Navratri, Dashain, Tihar, and Maghe Sankranti.
However, this peaceful location remains largely overlooked due to a lack of promotion.
The lake is not accessible by vehicle; visitors must walk to reach it. Though one can travel by car up to Watawaran Madhyawarti Samudayik Ban—about eight kilometers from the East-West highway—the remaining five kilometers to the lake must be covered on foot.
As a result, only a few domestic and spiritual tourists have ventured here.
Bhatta suggests that the area could become a religious tourism hub if properly developed.
“A road should be constructed, and local youth could be given employment opportunities if this place is promoted as a tourist destination,” he said, urging the local government to take action.
According to local residents, Stationpur, located about seven kilometers south of the lake, was once used by the British as a railway station for transporting timber. This highlights the historic significance of the area.
The station’s location is now called Stationpur, and the spot where the British flag was once hoisted is known as Jhandabojh.
Kanchanpur was part of the British domain during the rule of the East India Company, and the British eventually handed the district over to Nepal during Junga Bahadur Rana’s reign, in return for his support in suppressing the Lucknow Revolt of 1857.
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