Kankali Talab
Kankali Talab is one of the oldest and most significant lakes in Raipur, believed to have been built in the 11th century by King Kankali. The site holds deep spiritual significance, with legends suggesting its water possesses powerful healing properties, particularly for skin issues like itching, wh ich attracts many devotees. A small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the goddess Kali is situated at the center of the pond, adding to its sacred aura. The pond is a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and is also famous for a natural fish spa experience due to the large presence of small fish. It remains an important site for local history and spiritual practice. The pond is also known as a spot where sages of the Dashnami Sanyasi sect once meditated. It is a tranquil spot in the old part of the city.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
1 - 2 Hours:Place Type:
Ancient Pond, Religious Site, Nature Spot:Entry Fees:
No Entry Fee for Pond: There is generally No Entry Fee to visit the pond premises.
Donation-Based Temple Access: Access to the central temple is typically free, but visitors are encouraged to make a voluntary donation (called Dakshina) for t...No Entry Fee for Pond: There is generally No Entry Fee to visit the pond premises.
Donation-Based Temple Access: Access to the central temple is typically free, but visitors are encouraged to make a voluntary donation (called Dakshina) for the maintenance of the shrine and to seek blessings from the priest. This donation is entirely optional and based on the devotee's will.
Parking Fees: Small, nominal fees may be charged for parking vehicles in designated areas nearby, but this is managed by local vendors or the municipality, not the temple trust. Ensure to check for official receipts if parking is paid.Timing:
Regular Timings: Open 24 Hours (The pond is a public place, always accessible, but the central temple has specific hours).
Ideal Visit Time: Early Morning (6:00 AM to 8:00 AM) for tranquility and bird watching, and Late Evening (5:00 PM to 7...Regular Timings: Open 24 Hours (The pond is a public place, always accessible, but the central temple has specific hours).
Ideal Visit Time: Early Morning (6:00 AM to 8:00 AM) for tranquility and bird watching, and Late Evening (5:00 PM to 7:00 PM) for cooler weather and local activity, avoiding the harsh midday sun.
Temple Opening Hours: The central shrine usually opens for worship from around 6:00 AM and closes after the evening Aarti (prayer) around 8:00 PM. Check locally for exact Aarti timings.Special Events:
Navaratri Festival Celebration: The most significant time is during the Navaratri festival, when special rituals are held, and the temple area is beautifully decorated, attracting a large number of devotees for the nine nights of worship.
Maha S...Navaratri Festival Celebration: The most significant time is during the Navaratri festival, when special rituals are held, and the temple area is beautifully decorated, attracting a large number of devotees for the nine nights of worship.
Maha Shivaratri: The central Lord Shiva shrine draws special celebrations and night-long prayers during the festival of Maha Shivaratri, which is a highly revered event for the local community.
Local Purnima and Amavasya Rituals: Specific days of the lunar cycle like Purnima (Full Moon) and Amavasya (New Moon) often involve special bathing and prayer rituals at the pond.Best Photo Spots:
Reflections on Water: The still water reflecting the central temple, best captured early in the morning or late evening.
The Sacred Causeway: The narrow path or causeway leading to the central shrine provides a beautiful framing for the temp...Reflections on Water: The still water reflecting the central temple, best captured early in the morning or late evening.
The Sacred Causeway: The narrow path or causeway leading to the central shrine provides a beautiful framing for the temple against the water backdrop.
Close-up of Fish Spa: A fun, unique shot capturing the small fish doing their 'work' around people's feet at the water's edge.
Ancient Stone Banks: Close-up shots of the old, weathered stones along the banks, highlighting the historical texture and antiquity of the talab.
Sunrise/Sunset Silhouette: Capturing the silhouette of the temple against the dramatic sky during sunrise or sunset.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Leisurely Lakeside Stroll: Enjoy a peaceful walk along the pond's periphery, soaking in the serene environment and escaping the city's noise.
Spiritual Devotion and Prayer: Visit the small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (and/or Mata Kankali) in the center for worship and to offer prayers, especially during auspicious days.
Experience the Natural Fish Spa: Sit by the water's edge and dip your feet to experience the therapeutic natural fish spa offered by the small fish in the pond. This is a very popular and relaxing local activity.
Bird Watching: The green surroundings and the water body attract various water birds like egrets and kingfishers, making it a decent spot for bird watching, particularly in the early morning.
Photography ...
Information
-
Why Famous:
Spiritual Healing Power: It is famous for the local belief in the miraculous healing properties of its water, especially for itching, which is a unique distinction not shared by other Raipur water bodies.
The Kali Temple in Water: The presen...Spiritual Healing Power: It is famous for the local belief in the miraculous healing properties of its water, especially for itching, which is a unique distinction not shared by other Raipur water bodies.
The Kali Temple in Water: The presence of the ancient Kali temple, often associated with a shrine of Lord Shiva, situated right in the center of the water body, makes it a unique and picturesque religious landmark in Raipur. It is a testament to the city's old spiritual roots and continues to be a site of devotion for the local community. The confluence of history, legend, and nature makes it highly famous.
Natural Fish Spa: The abundance of small fish provides a free, natural fish spa experience for visitors sitting on the steps, a very popular and engaging activity. -
Architecture:
Historical Design Elements: This water body is a traditional-style Talab (pond) typical of historical Indian settlements, used for both religious and communal purposes. It does not possess complex temple architecture but is defined by its simple stonework banks and the smal...Historical Design Elements: This water body is a traditional-style Talab (pond) typical of historical Indian settlements, used for both religious and communal purposes. It does not possess complex temple architecture but is defined by its simple stonework banks and the small shrine in the center.
The Central Shrine: The temple in the middle is a small, unadorned structure, primarily a sanctum for the deity, built upon a stone platform in the water. It is accessed by a small causeway or boat depending on the water level. The focus is on the sanctity of the water and the deity rather than elaborate carvings.
Dimension: While the exact area of the pond is not specified, it is a significant water body within the city limits, providing a large, tranquil green-space. The surrounding arrangement of stones on the banks enhances its antiquity, emphasizing a simple, functional, and ancient design aesthetic. The architectural merit lies in its preservation as an ancient water source in a modern city: -
How To Reach:
By Air: Fly to Swami Vivekananda International Airport (RPR), which is approx. 16 KMS away. From the airport, hire a prepaid taxi or an app-based cab (like Ola/Uber) to reach Kankali Talab in Purani Basti. The ride takes about 30-40 minutes.
... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Mahamaya Temple (2 KMS) 2. Swami Vivekananda Sarovar (Budhapara Lake) (3 KMS) 3. Mahant Ghasi Memorial Museum (4 KMS) 4. Shaheed Smarak Bhawan (4 KMS) 5. Telibandha Talab (Marine Drive) (6 KMS) 6. Gandhi Udyan Park (5 KMS) 7. Dudhadhari Math and Temple (3. 5 KMS) 8. Nagar Ghari (Clock Tower) (3. 5 KMS) 9. ISKCON Raipur (7 KMS) 10. Banjari Mata Mandir (8 KMS)
Tourism Tips
-
Health & Safety: The area is generally safe, but maintain basic caution, especially after sunset. Do not venture into dark, unlit areas. The water quality is for ritual use, so Do Not Drink the pond water.
Packing: Carry a small water bott...
Reviews
Information about New and Updated Locations(484+) of Chhattisgarh Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Note:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Banjari Mata Mandir
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chhattisgarh Science Centre
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Dudhadhari Math and Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Dudhadhari Monastery and Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Energy Park
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Gandhi Udyan Park
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Ghatarani Waterfall
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Hajra Waterfall
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
ISKCON Raipur
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities