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NATURE · LAKE · IN THE CITYBortalav Lake
Bhavnagar's beloved old lake — Bortalav (Gangajaliya Talav), a serene urban water with a lakeside temple, gardens and birds, a favourite spot for evening strolls.
A lake at the city's heart
In the heart of Bhavnagar lies the Bortalav, or Gangajaliya Talav, a large and much-loved old lake that has long been a focus of city life. Built in the princely era, its waters are overlooked by the elegant Gangajaliya temple and lakeside pavilions, with gardens and walkways around its banks where families gather, especially in the cool of the evening.
The lake draws waterbirds, reflects the sky and the temple at sunset, and offers a peaceful green-and-blue respite within the busy city. Together with the nearby Barton Library and museum, it forms part of Bhavnagar’s gracious civic heritage — a reminder of the thoughtful town planning of the old Gohil state.
For visitors, Bortalav is a pleasant, easy place to slow down, watch the birds and feel the everyday rhythm of Bhavnagar.
Illustration — the city lake.
From a riverside experiment to the road to freedom
Illustration — lake and temple.
The lake is built as a civic water body.
An elegant temple rises by its waters.
Gardens and walkways frame the lake.
A beloved evening gathering place.
Reasons to make the time
City lake
A serene urban water.
Gangajaliya temple
Elegant by the lake.
Lakeside gardens
Walkways and greenery.
Waterbirds
Birdlife on the water.
Sunset strolls
A favourite evening spot.
Civic heritage
Old Gohil planning.
What to look for inside
Bortalav
A calm city water.
Gangajaliya
Elegant lakeside shrine.
How to spend an hour or two
Walk the banks
Gardens and walkways.
See the temple
The Gangajaliya shrine.
Watch the birds
Waterbirds on the lake.
Catch the sunset
Reflections on the water.
Join the locals
Evening family strolls.
Visit the Barton
Library and museum nearby.
Illustration — the lakeside.
Water, temple and gardens
Bortalav is a princely-era civic lake at the centre of Bhavnagar: a broad sheet of water framed by gardens and walkways, overlooked by the graceful Gangajaliya temple and lakeside pavilions, with the Barton Library and museum nearby.
It is part of the thoughtful old town planning of the Gohil state — a place designed for civic life and leisure, and today a peaceful green-and-blue retreat within the city.
Princely-era city lake
Gangajaliya lakeside temple
Gardens & walkways
Near Barton Library & museum
When to go
Cool and clear — the best season across Bhavnagar.
Lush and green; the lake and orchards thrive.
Hot inland; sea-cooled on the coast.
⏰ Come in the evening for the sunset, the temple reflection and the relaxed city crowd along the banks.
Timings & entry
- The banks are accessible anytime
- Evenings are loveliest
- Mind the water edges
- Allow about an hour
- No entry fee
- Don't litter or disturb birds
- Combine with Barton Library/museum
- A relaxed city stop
Getting there
By Air
Bhavnagar airport is nearby.
By Rail
Bhavnagar is the railhead.
On Foot
Within central Bhavnagar.
At the lake
WATER & SKY
A calm civic lake
Best light
Sunset over the water.
What to shoot
The Gangajaliya temple.
Wildlife
Waterbirds on the lake.
Setting
Lakeside gardens.
Know before you go
Where to eat around the ashram
Kathiawadi Thali
Rotla, kadhi, shaak and ghee-rich fare.
Bhavnagari ganthiya
The city's famous soft ganthiya.
Fafda & jalebi
Classic Saurashtra snacks.
Veg & coconut
Veg fare; Mahuva's coconuts and fruit.
Bortalav Lake FAQ
What is Bortalav?
A large old city lake in Bhavnagar, also called Gangajaliya Talav.
What's by the lake?
The elegant Gangajaliya temple, gardens, walkways and the Barton Library.
Why visit?
For a serene urban lake and a relaxed evening stroll.
Is there an entry fee?
No, it's free.
When should I visit?
In the evening, for the sunset and the temple reflection.
Where is it?
In central Bhavnagar.
Are there birds?
Yes — it draws waterbirds.
What's nearby?
The Barton Library, museum and Takhteshwar.
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