Sursagar Lake
Sursagar Lake, also historically known as Chand Talao (Moon Lake), is a massive artificial water body situated right in the core of Vadodara City. Built in the 18th century, it served as a vital water conservation source for the old city and was later renovated with stone masonry, ensuring it remain s perennial. Its central location, surrounded by bustling markets, historical structures, and commercial activity, makes it the city's geographical and emotional heart. The lake's most prominent and iconic feature is the colossal, 120-feet-tall statue of Lord Shiva installed in its center by the Vadodara Mahanagar Seva Sadan. This statue, which is brilliantly lit up and sometimes adorned with gold gilding (a notable event in recent history), acts as a beacon visible from all surrounding areas. The lake is a popular site for evening strolls, relaxation, and boating activities, though boating availability can vary. It plays a significant role in the city's cultural calendar, especially during the festival of Maha Shivratri, when the Shiva statue is the focal point of city-wide celebration and devotion. The surrounding stone embankment offers seating for visitors to relax and observe the city's pulse. Despite the surrounding urban chaos, the lake offers a pocket of tranquility, a historical anchor in the modern city, reflecting the commitment of the Gaekwad rulers and the municipal corporation to public spaces. It serves as a reminder of the city's history and planning, designed to sustain the populace while also offering aesthetic and spiritual value. Its function has shifted over the centuries from a purely utilitarian reservoir to a key urban landmark and recreational asset, drawing both local residents and tourists to its banks. The sound of the surrounding markets fades here, replaced by the gentle lapping of water, offering a true urban oasis experience.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 to 2 Hours:Place Type:
Urban Landmark/Historical Lake:Entry Fees:
Entry: There is No Entry Fee to visit the lake and relax on the surrounding embankment, as it is a public space and the heart of the city. Access is completely free for all visitors.
Boating Fee: If boating facilities are operational, there...Entry: There is No Entry Fee to visit the lake and relax on the surrounding embankment, as it is a public space and the heart of the city. Access is completely free for all visitors.
Boating Fee: If boating facilities are operational, there will be a nominal charge per person for a short ride. This fee typically ranges from Rs.50 to Rs.100, and the service is often run by the municipal corporation or a private contractor.
Parking Fees: Since it's located in the congested city center, finding parking can be challenging. Paid parking lots or street parking (if available) will have nominal, hourly charges set by the city.
Photography: There are no fees for personal photography or videography. :Timing:
Regular Timings: The lake embankment is accessible 24 hours a day, being a public space in the city center. However, the ideal and safest visiting hours are from Sunrise (6:00 AM) until 11:00 PM. Boating, if available, operates usually from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.Regular Timings: The lake embankment is accessible 24 hours a day, being a public space in the city center. However, the ideal and safest visiting hours are from Sunrise (6:00 AM) until 11:00 PM. Boating, if available, operates usually from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: The Evening (5:00 PM to 9:00 PM) is the best time for its cool breeze, the lively atmosphere of the surrounding market, and the beautiful illumination of the Shiva statue. The early morning is also peaceful for photography.
Peak Hours: Weekends and public holidays in the evening are the busiest. :Special Events:
Maha Shivratri Celebration: The most significant annual event is the massive celebration on Maha Shivratri (usually February/March), dedicated to Lord Shiva. The central statue is the focus of city-wide prayers, decorations, and intense illumination, attracting huge crowds ...Maha Shivratri Celebration: The most significant annual event is the massive celebration on Maha Shivratri (usually February/March), dedicated to Lord Shiva. The central statue is the focus of city-wide prayers, decorations, and intense illumination, attracting huge crowds and a vibrant devotional atmosphere throughout the night.
Diwali Illuminations: During the festival of Diwali (usually October/November), the surrounding buildings and the lake itself are decorated with lights, and the reflections create a stunning, festive glow across the water, making it a beautiful spectacle for the public. :Best Photo Spots:
The Illuminated Shiva Statue at Night: The tall, brightly lit statue against the dark sky and reflected on the water's surface provides the most stunning, iconic, and mandatory nighttime photo.
The Wide-Angle View from the Embankment: The st...The Illuminated Shiva Statue at Night: The tall, brightly lit statue against the dark sky and reflected on the water's surface provides the most stunning, iconic, and mandatory nighttime photo.
The Wide-Angle View from the Embankment: The stone steps and walls on the lake's perimeter offer a classic, low-angle viewpoint to capture the entire expanse of the lake, with the statue dramatically framed in the center.
The Architectural Backdrop: Spots that frame the statue with the colonial-era architecture of the Nyay Mandir or other old buildings in the background provide a rich, contextual photo showcasing Vadodara's blend of history and modernity.
Reflection Shots: Choosing a calm day/evening allows for capturing perfect, symmetrical reflections of the statue and the skyline on the water. :Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Evening Strolls and Relaxation: The primary activity is walking along the stone embankment, enjoying the cool evening breeze, and sitting on the walls to people-watch. The central location provides a front-row seat to the city's busy life.
Photography of the Shiva Statue: Visitors spend time capturing the magnificent Shiva statue, especially during the early morning light or when it is fully illuminated at night. It's a mandatory photo opportunity for any visitor to Vadodara. Boating (Seasonal/Availability Dependent) When operational, taking a boat ride on the lake is a favorite activity. It offers a unique, close-up view of the Shiva statue and a refreshing perspective of the surrounding city skyline from the water.
Visiting the Nearby Markets: Since the lake is in the commercial hub, an ess...
Information
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Why Famous:
The 120-Foot Shiva Statue: The towering statue of Lord Shiva at the center of the lake is its defining feature, making it famous across Gujarat. It is particularly mesmerizing when illuminated at night.
Historical Significance: Known as Cha...The 120-Foot Shiva Statue: The towering statue of Lord Shiva at the center of the lake is its defining feature, making it famous across Gujarat. It is particularly mesmerizing when illuminated at night.
Historical Significance: Known as Chand Talao, its origin in the 18th century links it directly to the history of the Gaekwad reign and the development of the old city of Vadodara, functioning as a crucial water reservoir for centuries.
City Center Location: Its prime location in the heart of the old business and commercial district makes it easily accessible and a natural convergence point for all residents and visitors, embodying the city's spirit and heritage. : -
Architecture:
Lake Embankment and Design: The lake's current form features robust stone masonry for its surrounding walls and embankment, completed in renovations to make it perennial and stable against urban pressure. The design is utilitarian yet aesthetically pleasing, allowing for pu...Lake Embankment and Design: The lake's current form features robust stone masonry for its surrounding walls and embankment, completed in renovations to make it perennial and stable against urban pressure. The design is utilitarian yet aesthetically pleasing, allowing for public seating.
Approximate Dimensions: The lake is one of the largest artificial lakes in the city, with an area covering several acres, though specific surface area and depth vary. The central feature is the 120-foot (approx. 36. 6 meters) tall statue of Lord Shiva.
The Shiva Statue: This modern addition, installed by the VMSN, is a contemporary engineering and artistic marvel, dedicated to the city's devotion. It's a massive, multi-ton concrete and steel structure, periodically maintained and even gilded with gold, dominating the skyline. : -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Vadodara Airport (BDQ), approximately 7 KM away. The lake is centrally located, making the taxi or auto-rickshaw ride quick, typically taking only 15-20 minutes depending on city traffic.
By Train: The nearest... -
Near Tourist Places:
Nyay Mandir (0. 5 KM), Mandvi Gate (1 KM), Kirti Mandir (1 KM), Laxmi Vilas Palace (2 KM), Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery (2. 5 KM), Sayaji Baug (3 KM), Tambekar Wada (0. 2 KM), EME Temple (3 KM), ISKCON Temple Vadodara (7 KM), Hazira Maqbara (3 KM). :
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Be mindful of the large crowds and traffic, especially in the evening and during festivals like Maha Shivratri. Keep belongings secure. Do not lean too far over the low lake walls.
Packing: Carry a camera, a light jacket f...
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