Jail Talab
A Historic and Central Ambikapur Lake: Jail Talab is a historically significant water tank or lake located right in the heart of Ambikapur city. The name literally translates to 'Jail Pond', a testament to its location near the old jail or possibly its use in the colonial past. Today, it serves as a central green space and a serene urban retreat for the city dwellers. The lake is surrounded by a walking track, landscaped gardens, and seating areas, making it a popular spot for morning and evening walks, jogging, and light exercise. Efforts have been made by the local municipality to maintain and beautify the area, turning it into a crucial public recreational zone. The gentle breeze, the view of the surrounding city reflected in the water, and the overall peaceful atmosphere make it a perfect place to unwind. It also holds cultural and spiritual significance, with small temples or shrines located along its banks, where local festivals and religious ceremonies related to water bodies are occasionally held. The lake contributes significantly to the city's microclimate, providing a cooler and greener patch in the urban landscape.:
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1-2 Hours:Place Type:
Lake, Urban Park, Leisure Spot:Entry Fees:
Free Entry: Access to the Jail Talab area and the surrounding park is completely free of charge for all visitors. The area is maintained as a public utility.
Nominal Charges: There are no official entry fees or parking charges for regular v...Free Entry: Access to the Jail Talab area and the surrounding park is completely free of charge for all visitors. The area is maintained as a public utility.
Nominal Charges: There are no official entry fees or parking charges for regular visitors. Any charges are purely for private services like renting a vendor space for food stalls or occasionally for boating, if available.
Donation Boxes: Some small shrines around the lake may have donation boxes, but contributing to these is entirely voluntary and not mandatory for entry. :Timing:
Regular Timings: Open from 5:00 AM to 10:
00 PM Daily: The park generally opens early for morning walkers and closes late in the evening.
Ideal Visit Time: Early Morning (5:30 AM to 8:00 AM) for a quiet walk a...Regular Timings: Open from 5:00 AM to 10:
00 PM Daily: The park generally opens early for morning walkers and closes late in the evening.
Ideal Visit Time: Early Morning (5:30 AM to 8:00 AM) for a quiet walk and exercise, and Late Afternoon/Evening (4:30 PM to 7:30 PM) for leisure, socializing, and cooler temperatures. It's best to avoid the midday sun. :Special Events:
Chhath Puja: The Jail Talab is a major site for celebrating the Chhath Puja festival, where devotees perform rituals by standing in the water, creating a vibrant and culturally rich spectacle, typically held in October or November. Local Mela (Fair) On specific religious ho...Chhath Puja: The Jail Talab is a major site for celebrating the Chhath Puja festival, where devotees perform rituals by standing in the water, creating a vibrant and culturally rich spectacle, typically held in October or November. Local Mela (Fair) On specific religious holidays, small seasonal fairs or carnivals are set up around the lake, attracting large crowds for local shopping and entertainment. :Best Photo Spots:
The Central Ghats: The steps/ghats leading down to the water are an excellent spot to capture the human element (people walking, relaxing) with the lake as a backdrop.
Reflections After Sunset: The best time to capture the long exposures of ...The Central Ghats: The steps/ghats leading down to the water are an excellent spot to capture the human element (people walking, relaxing) with the lake as a backdrop.
Reflections After Sunset: The best time to capture the long exposures of the city lights reflecting on the water's surface is right after sunset.
The Main Park Entrance: The landscaped gardens and main entrance area provide a clean, framed shot of the park's vibrant life against the backdrop of the water body. :Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Morning/Evening Walk: Utilize the paved track for a refreshing walk or jog, which is the most popular activity.
Relaxation and Meditation: Find a quiet spot on the benches to sit, read, or simply observe the tranquility of the water body.
Photography of Urban Life: Capture the blend of nature and city life, especially the reflections and the activities of the local people.
Enjoying Local Snacks: Try the local street food sold just outside the park gates in the evening.
Observation of Local Rituals: Observe local people performing minor rituals or prayers at the small shrines on the banks, offering a cultural insight. Boating (If available) Occasionally, pedal boats may be available during festivals or special seasons.
Information
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Why Famous:
Central Location and Accessibility: Its primary fame comes from its location right in the center of Ambikapur, making it easily accessible to everyone for leisure and exercise.
Community Gathering Space: It is famous as the city's central hu...Central Location and Accessibility: Its primary fame comes from its location right in the center of Ambikapur, making it easily accessible to everyone for leisure and exercise.
Community Gathering Space: It is famous as the city's central hub for morning walks, evening leisure, and social gathering, representing the green heart of the busy urban life. The lake is a symbol of the city's commitment to public green space and urban beautification. : -
Architecture:
Colonial Era Water Management: The Jail Talab is essentially a man-made water body, or talab, developed during the era of the Surguja Princely State, possibly with modifications made during the British colonial administration, hence the name.
Di...Colonial Era Water Management: The Jail Talab is essentially a man-made water body, or talab, developed during the era of the Surguja Princely State, possibly with modifications made during the British colonial administration, hence the name.
Dimension and Layout: The talab is roughly circular or elliptical in shape, typically covering an area of several acres within the dense urban fabric of Ambikapur. A key architectural feature is the stone embankment or ghats (steps) built along its periphery, designed for easy access to the water for rituals and bathing. The surrounding area features modern landscaping with paved walkways, benches, and lighting, transforming it into a contemporary public park. The layout prioritizes public accessibility and recreation, ensuring a continuous perimeter path for walkers and joggers. The depth and water capacity, though variable by season, are key technical dimensions of the talab which serve its primary function as a water reservoir. : -
How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport is Maa Mahamaya Airport, Ambikapur (approx. 20 KMs). Take a cab or taxi to the city center, which takes about 40 minutes.
By Train: Nearest railway station is Ambikapur Railway Station (ABKP), approx. 4 KMs away. ... -
Near Tourist Places:
Ambikapur Railway Station (4 KMs) Mahamaya Temple (5 KMs) Surguja Palace (2 KMs) Prithvipur Garden (1 KM) City Bus Stand (3 KMs) Raghunathpur (10 KMs) Ghunghutta Dam (15 KMs) Kaka Larang Sai Statue (2 KMs) Bouripara Market (1 KM) Darripara Church (1 KM)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: The area is generally safe, but be aware of traffic while crossing nearby roads. Use the designated walkways and avoid swimming in the talab.
Packing: Carry a small water bottle and comfortable walking shoes. You don't nee...
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