Sunapur: Where the Time Stands Still
Sweet southern wind sweeps
All around
River, sea and jungle graciously surround
Sun and sand, fish and folk
Truly amazing
With the moon and stars’ sleepless gazing
Sunset and sunrise looks like
Never ever before, every moment
Feels like crazy love-fever
Jackals, kites, crows, crabs and silent seagulls
Chanting of waves as if they learn poetry
From sea-shells
Or as if someone has broken his heart
The poor sea cries all the day and night…
Small, salty and sleepy is what all about its identity
But it is still as beauty as a smart sixteen sweetie
Serene, spirituality and freshness of the nature perhaps
Are discovered here, and peacekeeping
Boats along the muddy river welcoming
‘Come to this land and smell its soul’
I’m sure at the first sight you’ll fall
In love with her forever and the memory of a lifetime
You will definitely treasure
Sunapur, my darling, what I should write more
Anything I write I know won’t be enough, just I say
I love you and will love till the date
Has not come for my sunset
A Brief Introduction
Just imagine! If you are marooned in a deserted beach with your dear one, how it would feel! Spending the day under the dense shadow of casuarinas jungle, playing with rabbits and frisky crabs at the river bank, boating in fresh blue water of the Bahuda in late afternoon or if possible camping on the beach in the night while witnessing lovemaking of the moon and the waves, and of course the nonsense quarrels of jackals in mid-night, you would cherish every moment with the nature for sure, won’t you!
It sounds dreamy, doestn’t it? But I assure you that your dream can certainly come true. So, get up…make a trip to this small sea-side village, Sunapur (maybe the cheapest trip to any beach yet an expensive experience).
Remember it is for them who love serenity, a home away from everyday noise … and for them who wish uninterruptive fun and frolic with friends and family.
It is a paradise for lovers too!
So here is a brief introduction to the place that you are thinking (planning) to discover.
Sunapur, a beautiful village on the river Bahuda, is situated in the south-eastern part of Ganjam district in the state of Orissa, India. The village is only 25 km far from Berhampur, one of the main cities of Orissa. Transportation is never a problem, bus and trekker service is there throughout the day; moreover, you can easily hire a cab. It takes just 40 minutes to reach the beach.
Once the king of Chikiti Garh used to spend leisure time in his summer villa and go on horse-riding along its long beach, the village is surrounded on the west by large paddy fields, on the north-west by Ma Garama temple, on the north by prawn- and crab-growing hatcheries, toward the north-east part of village there is confluence of the Bay of Bengal and Bahuda river and temples of village goddesses, and tall palm trees and Harsh Deep Aqua Ltd. on the southern part. Weather is heartening and cool even in hot summer as the southern wind blows in through the sea all the season.
It’s believed that people here knew how to build large ships and a transitory port was over there. You can find debris of a ship underneath of the river Bahuda. People were brave and used to navigate to the Indonesian islands for trade. Its Patala or Patuara (a kind of martial art) was legendary and still is being performed on Bada Jatra occasion.
This isolated beach is perhaps one of the cleanest beaches on the east-coast. Traditional fishing is interesting. Some way off, there are also high sand-hills where your children can slide down with great joy. Amazing sunset behind the Ratakana hills and mind-blowing sunrise from the sea are simply tempting. Tourist can take advantage playing on the sand dunes and have a busy time collecting decorated sea-shells at the beach. This beach is truly a fantastic place for photographers. The silence prayer of seagulls and disturbance of fish-snatchers (kites) are magnificent pictures to capture in camera. You can enjoy your trip the most if you take a sound system or DJ along with you. Most people who are coming here prefer preparing food in the jungle itself…they say ‘while doing this they enjoy ‘bonfire’ and involve more with the nature.’ This place is well-known for picnic. Bring with a ball and bat or a football to make your trip little sporty. Ok, enough is enough … I won’t say the whole story …. Now it’s up to you to go there and enjoy… I bet you will definitely fall in love with this place.
Last but not least…please keep in mind that there is a bit scarcity of drinking water. Though there are some good tube-wells and small clean lakes, it is better to take some cans of drinking water with you. If more thirsty, then drink green coconut water as much as you can to quench your thirsty. It is cheap and always available there.
Are you worrying about anything else??? Just ask any local guy for any help, they will make everything easy. People here are very friendly and hospitable.
So, what then! Still you are planning. Come on guys! Make a simple trip and enjoy Maldives, Goa or Fiji near your home only … at just a step’s distance … save money … save time … and enjoy a heavenly trip.
Enjoy together a different experience altogether!
Other Places to See
Gopalpur-on-sea: one of the busiest beaches of Orissa with international standard hotels, only 17 km by beach-way and 35 km by road ways.
Sweet southern wind sweeps
All around
River, sea and jungle graciously surround
Sun and sand, fish and folk
Truly amazing
With the moon and stars’ sleepless gazing
Sunset and sunrise looks like
Never ever before, every moment
Feels like crazy love-fever
Jackals, kites, crows, crabs and silent seagulls
Chanting of waves as if they learn poetry
From sea-shells
Or as if someone has broken his heart
The poor sea cries all the day and night…
Small, salty and sleepy is what all about its identity
But it is still as beauty as a smart sixteen sweetie
Serene, spirituality and freshness of the nature perhaps
Are discovered here, and peacekeeping
Boats along the muddy river welcoming
‘Come to this land and smell its soul’
I’m sure at the first sight you’ll fall
In love with her forever and the memory of a lifetime
You will definitely treasure
Sunapur, my darling, what I should write more
Anything I write I know won’t be enough, just I say
I love you and will love till the date
Has not come for my sunset
A Brief Introduction
Just imagine! If you are marooned in a deserted beach with your dear one, how it would feel! Spending the day under the dense shadow of casuarinas jungle, playing with rabbits and frisky crabs at the river bank, boating in fresh blue water of the Bahuda in late afternoon or if possible camping on the beach in the night while witnessing lovemaking of the moon and the waves, and of course the nonsense quarrels of jackals in mid-night, you would cherish every moment with the nature for sure, won’t you!
It sounds dreamy, doestn’t it? But I assure you that your dream can certainly come true. So, get up…make a trip to this small sea-side village, Sunapur (maybe the cheapest trip to any beach yet an expensive experience).
Remember it is for them who love serenity, a home away from everyday noise … and for them who wish uninterruptive fun and frolic with friends and family.
It is a paradise for lovers too!
So here is a brief introduction to the place that you are thinking (planning) to discover.
Sunapur, a beautiful village on the river Bahuda, is situated in the south-eastern part of Ganjam district in the state of Orissa, India. The village is only 25 km far from Berhampur, one of the main cities of Orissa. Transportation is never a problem, bus and trekker service is there throughout the day; moreover, you can easily hire a cab. It takes just 40 minutes to reach the beach.
Once the king of Chikiti Garh used to spend leisure time in his summer villa and go on horse-riding along its long beach, the village is surrounded on the west by large paddy fields, on the north-west by Ma Garama temple, on the north by prawn- and crab-growing hatcheries, toward the north-east part of village there is confluence of the Bay of Bengal and Bahuda river and temples of village goddesses, and tall palm trees and Harsh Deep Aqua Ltd. on the southern part. Weather is heartening and cool even in hot summer as the southern wind blows in through the sea all the season.
It’s believed that people here knew how to build large ships and a transitory port was over there. You can find debris of a ship underneath of the river Bahuda. People were brave and used to navigate to the Indonesian islands for trade. Its Patala or Patuara (a kind of martial art) was legendary and still is being performed on Bada Jatra occasion.
This isolated beach is perhaps one of the cleanest beaches on the east-coast. Traditional fishing is interesting. Some way off, there are also high sand-hills where your children can slide down with great joy. Amazing sunset behind the Ratakana hills and mind-blowing sunrise from the sea are simply tempting. Tourist can take advantage playing on the sand dunes and have a busy time collecting decorated sea-shells at the beach. This beach is truly a fantastic place for photographers. The silence prayer of seagulls and disturbance of fish-snatchers (kites) are magnificent pictures to capture in camera. You can enjoy your trip the most if you take a sound system or DJ along with you. Most people who are coming here prefer preparing food in the jungle itself…they say ‘while doing this they enjoy ‘bonfire’ and involve more with the nature.’ This place is well-known for picnic. Bring with a ball and bat or a football to make your trip little sporty. Ok, enough is enough … I won’t say the whole story …. Now it’s up to you to go there and enjoy… I bet you will definitely fall in love with this place.
Last but not least…please keep in mind that there is a bit scarcity of drinking water. Though there are some good tube-wells and small clean lakes, it is better to take some cans of drinking water with you. If more thirsty, then drink green coconut water as much as you can to quench your thirsty. It is cheap and always available there.
Are you worrying about anything else??? Just ask any local guy for any help, they will make everything easy. People here are very friendly and hospitable.
So, what then! Still you are planning. Come on guys! Make a simple trip and enjoy Maldives, Goa or Fiji near your home only … at just a step’s distance … save money … save time … and enjoy a heavenly trip.
Enjoy together a different experience altogether!
Other Places to See
Gopalpur-on-sea: one of the busiest beaches of Orissa with international standard hotels, only 17 km by beach-way and 35 km by road ways.
Bharabi Temple: the ancient temple which is considered one of prominent Shakti peeths of Orissa. Meru Sankranti is great day to be here.
Ramayapatna: The sleepy village on the beach surrounded by coconut and cashew-nut trees attracts many tourists and the living style of people is just fun and something to learn about a different world.
Folk Festivals in the Village
Apart from some famous festivals like Dusshera, Holi, there are many exotic (local) events being celebrated throughout the year. The most interesting and colorful function is Murtamu (derived from Sanskrit word ‘Muhurtam’). On this occasion, the village fishermen begin their fishing mission. They paint and decorate the boat, wear new attires and start the day worshipping village Goddesses with frenzy and wonderful Singhbadya (a traditional band) roaring all across the village. Women clean their homes and make cakes and traditional dishes e.g. Jhura (fish with mix vegs.), Ambila [special tamarind soup with pumpkin and brinjal], Maunsa Tuna [mutton curry]. And, in the night there are rituals (i.e. animal sacrifice though this has not been in practice any more) at the beach, reading of holy books (particularly praising verses of Goddess Durga or Gangadevi), and a community feast also held there just before the daybreak.
Gajakothi, Pushamanda, and Chaita Punei are some of these exciting festivals. Bada Jatra is well-known here and considered to be the most colorful festival among all. The chief deity of village, Maa Thakurani, will be greeted and adored in a temporary temple. The carnival runs for ten days following a grand Mela (fair) – Nata Jatra (song and dance performance) – on the immersion day.
Sunapur: Projected for a Bright Future
You can call it small town. Every facility is there. There is big government guest house, agriculture office, fisheries office, a rural bank, a branch of Orissa co-operative society and a high school as well.
Folk Festivals in the Village
Apart from some famous festivals like Dusshera, Holi, there are many exotic (local) events being celebrated throughout the year. The most interesting and colorful function is Murtamu (derived from Sanskrit word ‘Muhurtam’). On this occasion, the village fishermen begin their fishing mission. They paint and decorate the boat, wear new attires and start the day worshipping village Goddesses with frenzy and wonderful Singhbadya (a traditional band) roaring all across the village. Women clean their homes and make cakes and traditional dishes e.g. Jhura (fish with mix vegs.), Ambila [special tamarind soup with pumpkin and brinjal], Maunsa Tuna [mutton curry]. And, in the night there are rituals (i.e. animal sacrifice though this has not been in practice any more) at the beach, reading of holy books (particularly praising verses of Goddess Durga or Gangadevi), and a community feast also held there just before the daybreak.
Gajakothi, Pushamanda, and Chaita Punei are some of these exciting festivals. Bada Jatra is well-known here and considered to be the most colorful festival among all. The chief deity of village, Maa Thakurani, will be greeted and adored in a temporary temple. The carnival runs for ten days following a grand Mela (fair) – Nata Jatra (song and dance performance) – on the immersion day.
Sunapur: Projected for a Bright Future
You can call it small town. Every facility is there. There is big government guest house, agriculture office, fisheries office, a rural bank, a branch of Orissa co-operative society and a high school as well.
The Orissa state government has a plan to establish a Thana here to regulate illegal activities happening across the Andhra-Orissa border. The tourism board of the state has already proposed to convert this village a back-water tourist spot and a direct road along the beach till Gopalpur (a very popular beach in Orissa). The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) has set a proposal to set up a 4,000 to 6,000-megawatt capacity nuclear power plant, which could be the largest in the country near the river mouth of Bahuda in this village. And, some private companies in South have also shown interest to build a small sea-port to ease the sea trade with Orissa. So, one can predict in coming time this village may be a national figure.
