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.
The city lake.
A civic tank the town grew around
Lake and temple.
The tank was built under the Gohil rulers as a civic water body for Bhavnagar, part of the same programme of public works that gave the city its port and schools.
The Gangajaliya temple was raised beside the water, and it is what gives the lake its alternative name, Gangajaliya Talav.
Gardens, walkways and lakeside pavilions were laid out around the banks, making it a designed public space rather than just a reservoir.
It settled into being the city's evening gathering place, and remains so — busiest in the hour before sunset.
Reasons to make the time
City lake
A large calm sheet of water in the middle of a working city, which is rare enough in Gujarat to be worth the walk.
Gangajaliya temple
The Gangajaliya temple stands directly on the water's edge and is the lake's architectural set piece.
Lakeside gardens
Walkways and planted gardens ring the banks, used hard by walkers morning and evening.
Waterbirds
Waders and, in winter, migratory birds work the shallows, which is unexpected for a city-centre lake.
Sunset strolls
Families come out in the cool of the evening, and the lakeside is where Bhavnagar socialises.
Civic heritage
It reflects the Gohils' civic planning — the same outlook that built the museum, the library and the port.
What to look for inside
THE LAKEBortalav
A large old tank at the centre of the city, ringed with gardens and walkways.
THE TEMPLEGangajaliya
The Gangajaliya temple on the water's edge, the lake's landmark.
How to spend an hour or two
Walk the banks
Walk the circuit of gardens and paths around the banks, which takes well under an hour.
See the temple
Look at the Gangajaliya shrine on the water, best seen from across the tank.
Watch the birds
Watch the shallows for waterbirds, and for winter migrants on the open water.
Catch the sunset
Come at first light or last, when the temple and pavilions reflect in still water.
Join the locals
Join the evening crowd — this is Bhavnagar's social hour and the reason the lake matters locally.
Visit the Barton
Combine it with the Barton Library and Gandhi Smriti museum, both a short walk away.
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
November to February is the best season in Bhavnagar — cool, clear and the peak of the migratory bird season.
The monsoon fills the tank and greens the gardens, though the paths get muddy underfoot.
April to June is hot across Saurashtra; walk at dawn or after sunset only.
⏰ 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
More to see close by
Bhavnagar City
A cultured old port founded in 1724 — Bhavnagar blends hilltop temples, leafy parks and princely…
MARITIMEAlang
A surreal coast where giant ships are dismantled
Adishwar Temple
The principal shrine atop the holy hill
Sihor
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Takhteshwar
Bhavnagar’s white-marble crown — the hilltop Takhteshwar Mahadev temple, a serene Shiva shrine with sweeping views…
Velavadar Blackbuck National Park
A sweeping savanna of golden grass near Bhavnagar — India’s blackbuck capital, where leaping antelope, packs…
Where to eat near Bortalav Lake
THALIKathiawadi Thali
Rotla, kadhi, shaak and ghee-rich fare.
GANTHIYABhavnagari ganthiya
The city's famous soft ganthiya.
STREETFafda & 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.
Related places across Gujarat
Tankara Dayanand
Birthplace of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati
2Kawant Holi Fair
One of Gujarat’s most colourful tribal gatherings
Sihor
The old hill-girt capital of the Gohils before Bhavnagar — a town of a royal palace,…
DAIRYDudhsagar Dairy
The milk-rich heartland behind Amul
HERITAGESurat Castle
A 16th-century riverside fort by the Tapi
Suraj Mandir
An ancient sun temple at Prabhas Patan
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Published 26 June 2026 · Updated 24 August 2026