Gopi Talav, also known as Gopi Lake, is a lake located in Surat City’s Gopipura neighborhood in Gujarat, India. Malik Gopi, a wealthy merchant and governor of Surat during the Gujarat Sultanate, built it around 1510 CE. In 2012, the Surat Municipal Corporation renovated the lake and transformed the surrounding area into a recreational area.
Gopi Talav Surat Timings
| Day | Timing |
| Monday | 6:15 am – 9:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 6:15 am – 9:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:15 am – 9:00 pm |
| Thursday | 6:15 am – 9:00 pm |
| Friday | 6:15 am – 9:00 pm |
| Saturday | 6:15 am – 9:00 pm |
| Sunday | 6:15 am – 9:00 pm |
Gopi Talav, Surat Overview
Situated in the Gopipura locality of Surat, Gujarat, Gopi Talav is an ancient man-made reservoir that has recently emerged as one of the city’s top recreational destinations.
Constructed around 1510 CE by Malik Gopi, who was the governor and a wealthy merchant of the time, the lake is now managed by the Surat Municipal Corporation. Surrounded by verdant greenery, this urban lake features a beautiful fountain at its center. Beyond its picturesque appeal, Gopi Talav offers a range of games and activities.
The area surrounding this breathtaking lake has been transformed into a thriving recreation and entertainment destination. Boat rides on the lake are the main attraction here.
Visitors can also participate in paintball or take a thrilling bull ride. This lively destination also offers bumper cars, mini trains for children, wall climbing, water tricycles, bumper boats, zip lines, and other activities.
History
Malik Gopi, a wealthy Brahmin merchant who lived in Surat, contributed significantly to the development of Gopi Talav Lake. The lake’s name honors Gujarati king Gopi Pura. In honor of the Gujarati King, he later added the word “Malik.”
After consulting with numerous astrologers, the merchant decided to call this location “Surya pur”. The King of Gujarat, who was opposed to the Hindu community, advised the merchant to rename the location “Surat”.
Renovation and Redevelopment
In 2012, the lake and its surrounding areas underwent a renovation project with a budget of approximately ₹22 crore (US$2.8 million). The renovation covered about 90,000 square meters (970,000 sq ft) of land, with the lake itself spanning nearly 35,000 square meters (380,000 sq ft) and boasting a diameter of 212 meters (696 ft). The lake has a capacity of holding 120,000,000 liters (26,000,000 imp gal; 32,000,000 US gal) of water.
As part of the renovations, the surrounding areas were enhanced with amenities such as an amphitheater and a fountain plaza. The area was divided into seven zones: the diamond zone, food zone, environment zone, history zone, communal harmony zone, textile zone, and Surat nu Jaman.
The Surat Municipal Corporation enlisted a local company named Rajhans Entertainment to manage and maintain these zones, and the company also plans to develop an amusement park named “Future Zone” while paying an annual royalty of ₹30 lakh (US$38,000) to the Corporation. The first phase of this project was inaugurated on 5 December 2015 by the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Anandiben Patel.
The renovation of Kankaria Lake in Ahmedabad serves as the model for the development of the lake and the park surrounding it. The Tapi River, whose banks the city is located, will supply water to the lake via pipework.
How To Reach
- By Road: Dwarka has excellent connections to Ahmedabad and Jamnagar. Travelers can go to Gopi Talav by private bus from Ahmedabad and Jamnagar.
- By Train: Visitors who would rather go to Gopi Talav by train should head to Dwarka Railway Station.
- By Air: If you want to get to Gopi Talav by plane, you go directly to Jamnagar Airport.
Conclusion
Gujarat’s Gopi Talav combines historical significance with modern appeal. It is located in Surat. After a recent renovation, it is now a bustling recreational oasis with a variety of amenities and activities. Gopi Talav, with its blend of modernity and heritage, is a symbol of the city’s vibrant future and rich history.