Sur Sagar Lake, also known as Chand Talao, is a prominent water body in the heart of Vadodara, surrounded by ghats and concrete embankments where people sit and relax. The lake’s most striking feature is the towering statue of Lord Shiva installed on a platform in the middle of the water. At night, the statue and lakeside are illuminated, creating a dramatic urban skyline and a popular photography spot, especially around festivals like Mahashivratri when special lighting and decorations are used. The lake remains filled throughout the year, and recent improvements have focused on beautification and reintroducing boating, making it friendlier for visitors. Though it is essentially an urban lake, the combination of religious symbolism, city views and open water makes Sur Sagar an atmospheric pause point during a Vadodara city walk.
About this place
History & highlights
The lake existed historically as Chand Talao but was rebuilt with stone masonry in the 18th century to stabilise its edges and retain water year-round. In the late 20th century, Vadodara Municipal Corporation developed it further, and between 1996 and 2002 a 100+ foot statue of Lord Shiva was constructed in the centre. In 2023 the statue was gilded with a substantial quantity of gold, significantly increasing its visual impact and symbolic value for the city. Various civic projects have attempted to address safety, water quality and access while preserving its role as a central religious and public landmark.
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