Zora Talab
Historic Water Body and Urban Park: Zora Talab is one of the important and historically significant large water tanks (Talab means lake/pond) located in the Sarkanda area of Bilaspur. These ancient water bodies were essential to the city's traditional water management system and social life. Over ti me, the area surrounding the lake has been developed into a public park and recreational space, offering a peaceful retreat in a growing residential area. The presence of the large water body contributes significantly to the local microclimate and biodiversity. A Place for Quiet Reflection: Unlike the central Nehru Chowk, Zora Talab offers a quieter, more local experience, attracting residents primarily for morning and evening walks, exercise, and quiet reflection. The perimeter is often lined with simple benches, a walking track, and some basic landscaping, making it a functional green space. It is a vital spot for observing local life, with families and senior citizens frequenting the area. The lake is especially picturesque during sunrise and sunset, reflecting the sky and the surrounding trees, and it also serves as a site for specific religious ceremonies.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1-2 HoursPlace Type:
Lake / Public ParkEntry Fees:
No Entry Fee for the Park: Access to Zora Talab and its surrounding park area is completely free of charge as it is a public, municipal recreational space.
Parking and Vending Fees: There may be a very small, unofficial fee charged by local ...No Entry Fee for the Park: Access to Zora Talab and its surrounding park area is completely free of charge as it is a public, municipal recreational space.
Parking and Vending Fees: There may be a very small, unofficial fee charged by local attendants for parking two-wheelers or cars near the entrance, but this is usually minimal.
Ceremony Donations: If observing a religious ceremony, you are not charged to watch, but voluntary donations to the organizing committee or the temple (if one is nearby) are often welcomed.
Park Amenity Charges: Basic amenities like public restrooms (if available) may charge a nominal, hygienic usage fee, which is a common practice in Indian public spaces.Timing:
Regular Timings (Always Open) As a public lake and park, it is technically open 24 hours a day, but the general recommended hours for safety and enjoyment are from 05:00 AM to 09:00 PM. Ideal Visit Time (Early Morning) The best time to visit is early morning (05:30 AM to 08:00 AM) for the best ligh...Regular Timings (Always Open) As a public lake and park, it is technically open 24 hours a day, but the general recommended hours for safety and enjoyment are from 05:00 AM to 09:00 PM. Ideal Visit Time (Early Morning) The best time to visit is early morning (05:30 AM to 08:00 AM) for the best light, the freshest air, and to observe the local fitness routine and bird life in a tranquil setting.
Evening Visit: The evening (05:30 PM to 07:30 PM) is also popular, offering a lively, community atmosphere and beautiful sunset views.
Duration: A relaxing walk around the perimeter and time to sit on a bench usually requires 1 to 2 hours.Special Events:
Chhath Puja Rituals: This is the most significant annual event, where the banks of Zora Talab are beautifully decorated, and large groups of local women and families perform the ritualistic worship of the Sun God (Surya Dev) at sunrise and sunset (November).Chhath Puja Rituals: This is the most significant annual event, where the banks of Zora Talab are beautifully decorated, and large groups of local women and families perform the ritualistic worship of the Sun God (Surya Dev) at sunrise and sunset (November).
Ganesh Visarjan Processions: At the end of Ganesh Chaturthi, local groups often bring the Ganesh idols for immersion (visarjan) in the lake, accompanied by drumming and dancing, providing a colorful spectacle.
Local Community Fair: Occasionally, small, localized community fairs or simple markets are set up near the Talab perimeter, featuring local handicrafts and food items.Best Photo Spots:
Reflections at Golden Hour: The quintessential photo is the reflection of the sky (sunrise or sunset) and the trees on the perfectly still water surface of the Talab.
The Perimeter Path: Capturing the long, curving perimeter walking path wit...Reflections at Golden Hour: The quintessential photo is the reflection of the sky (sunrise or sunset) and the trees on the perfectly still water surface of the Talab.
The Perimeter Path: Capturing the long, curving perimeter walking path with the lake and the city's residential skyline in the background creates a sense of scale and urban tranquility.
Candid Fitness Shots: Focus on the candid moments of local walkers, joggers, and yoga practitioners in the peaceful, natural setting of the park.
Framing the Gate: The park entrance gate or any notable commemorative plaque can be used for a classic 'location' shot, providing context to the peaceful view within.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Morning and Evening Walk: Take a refreshing stroll or jog along the paved track that encircles the Talab, which is the most popular activity for local residents.
Meditation and Relaxation: Find a quiet bench by the lake to sit, read, or meditate, enjoying the serenity of the water and the gentle morning or evening breeze.
Photography of Reflections: Focus your photography on capturing the stunning reflections of the morning sky or the setting sun on the vast, still surface of the lake.
Observing Local Life: The park is a great place for people-watching, observing the routines of local families, senior citizens, and children at play, offering an authentic slice of Bilaspur life.
Local Food Stalls: Check the immediate area outside ...
Information
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Why Famous:
Tranquil Water Body: It is famous as one of the few large, surviving tranquil water bodies within the urban limits, providing a much-needed green and blue space for a rapidly developing city.
Sunrise and Sunset Point: The lake’s large, ope...Tranquil Water Body: It is famous as one of the few large, surviving tranquil water bodies within the urban limits, providing a much-needed green and blue space for a rapidly developing city.
Sunrise and Sunset Point: The lake’s large, open surface area makes it an excellent and famous spot among locals for viewing and photographing the unobstructed beauty of the sunrise and sunset reflections.
Local Community Hub: Zora Talab is renowned as a key social and fitness hub for the residents of the Sarkanda and Ashok Nagar areas, symbolizing a community effort to preserve natural space amidst urbanization. -
Architecture:
Traditional Talab Design: The Talab itself adheres to the traditional Indian water-body design, which involves an excavated, often rectilinear or near-circular depression to collect rainwater and groundwater, with sloping banks for easy access. The original construction wou...Traditional Talab Design: The Talab itself adheres to the traditional Indian water-body design, which involves an excavated, often rectilinear or near-circular depression to collect rainwater and groundwater, with sloping banks for easy access. The original construction would have involved simple earthen embankments, which have since been reinforced with stone or concrete for stability.
Modern Park Landscaping: The surrounding area features simple, functional urban landscaping. This includes paved walking paths (often a dimension of 1-2 KMS around the perimeter), concrete benches, and basic street lighting, emphasizing utility over ornamental architecture. The park structures, such as gates or small shelters, are of modern, unadorned design, focusing on durability and low maintenance for public use. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest is Bilasa Devi Kevat Airport (40-45 KMS away) or Raipur’s Swami Vivekananda Airport (140 KMS). A taxi to the Sarkanda area is required.
By Train: Bilaspur Junction (BSP) railway station is approximately 5-6 KMS away. Take... -
Near Tourist Places:
Bandhwa Talab (3 KMS), River View Point (4 KMS), Nehru Chowk (4. 5 KMS), Chhath Ghat (2 KMS), Shiv Talab (3 KMS), Arpa River Side and City Light (3 KMS), One Tree Hill (3. 5 KMS), Lakra Lake (6 KMS), Kanan Pendari Zoo Park (14 KMS), Ratanpur (30 KMS).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety (Evening Light) Carry a flashlight or use your phone's light if staying until very late, as the lighting in some park sections might be sparse. Stick to the paved paths and watch out for mosquitoes in the evening, so carry a repellent. Packing (Comfortable Shoes) Wear comfortable w...
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Information about New and Updated Locations(484+) of Chhattisgarh Has Been Added :-
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