A lake at the city's core
Sursagar Lake — historically Chandan Talao — is a large, circular lake right in the heart of old Vadodara, and one of the city’s most familiar landmarks. An ancient water body, stone-lined and rebuilt over the centuries, it is best known today for the imposing 120-foot statue of Lord Shiva that rises from a platform at its centre, especially striking when illuminated at night.
The lakeside, with its promenade, steps and seasonal boating, is a popular gathering place in the evenings, and the lake comes alive during festivals like Mahashivratri. Surrounded by the bustle of the old city’s markets, Sursagar is a scenic, atmospheric pause at the centre of Baroda. (A public lake; boating and a lit Shiva statue.)
The Shiva statue at Sursagar.
A stone-lined city tank, and the statue at its centre
The round city lake.
Sursagar began as an ancient stone-lined tank at the centre of the old walled city — a vital water source for Baroda.
The lake was rebuilt and restored over the centuries, its circular stone banks shaped and reshaped by successive generations.
A towering 120-foot statue of Lord Shiva was raised on a platform at the lake's centre, becoming its defining landmark.
Today the lit statue and ringed promenade make Sursagar one of Vadodara's most scenic and atmospheric gathering places.
Reasons to make the time
Central lake
In the old city.
Giant Shiva
A 120-ft statue.
Lit at night
A glowing landmark.
Promenade
Lakeside steps.
Boating
On the water.
Festivals
Vivid at Shivratri.
What to look for inside
THE STATUEShiva
The 120-ft murti.
THE LAKEChandan Talao
The round city lake.
THE STATUEShiva at night
Lit above the water.
THE LAKERound waters
A stone-lined tank.
PROMENADELakeside walk
Steps around the edge.
FESTIVALMahashivratri
The lake at its liveliest.
How to spend an hour or two
See the Shiva statue
At the lake's centre — the towering 120-foot murti rises from its platform, unmissable by day and dramatic when lit.
Walk the promenade
Around the water — stroll the ringed promenade and steps that circle the round lake at the city's core.
Try boating
On the lake — seasonal boating lets you drift out across the water for a different view of the statue and banks.
Come at night
For the lit statue — after dark the illuminated Shiva and lakeside are at their most atmospheric.
Soak the bustle
Old-city markets — the lake sits amid Baroda's busy old-city markets, a lively contrast to the water's calm.
Photograph reflections
On the water — catch the statue and promenade lights mirrored across the round lake's surface.
Sursagar’s Shiva statue.
A round lake and statue
Sursagar (Chandan Talao) is a large circular, stone-lined lake at the heart of old Vadodara, crowned by a 120-foot Shiva statue on a central platform and ringed by a promenade.
It sits within Vadodara district — browse more places to visit in Vadodara.
Lit at night and lively at festivals, it is a scenic, atmospheric pause amid the city’s markets. (A public lake; boating available.)
Historic round city lake
120-ft central Shiva statue
Lit promenade & steps
Seasonal boating
When to go
Cool and pleasant — the ideal season. Comfortable all day and perfect for unhurried lakeside evenings.
Green and atmospheric after rain, with the lake fuller and the air softer in the mornings.
Hot and dry — start early or come after dark, when the lit statue and lake are at their best.
⏰ Come in the evening to see the Shiva statue and lake illuminated; it's loveliest after dark.
Timings & entry
- A public lakeside, open daily
- Evenings are most atmospheric
- Seasonal boating
- A short visit
- No entry fee for the lakeside
- Boating may be ticketed
- Take care near the water
- Vivid at Mahashivratri
Getting there
By Air
Vadodara airport — Vadodara (Harni) airport lies a short drive from the old city, with domestic connections to major Indian metros.
By Rail
Vadodara Junction — one of the busiest stations on the Mumbai–Delhi line, just a few kilometres from the lake.
By Road
Central old Vadodara — Sursagar sits right in the heart of the old city, easily reached by auto, taxi or city bus.
At Sursagar
WATER & LIGHT
A lit lake landmark
What to shoot
The Shiva statue.
Best time
Lit at night.
Setting
The round lake.
Context
Old-city bustle.
Know before you go
More to see close by
Sai Baba Temple
A much-loved modern city shrine
PALACELaxmi Vilas Palace
The Gaekwads’ colossal Indo-Saracenic residence
GARDENSayaji Baug
Western India’s largest park, with a zoo & museum
STEPWELLNavlakhi Vav
A grand stepwell within the palace grounds
NATUREAjwa-Nimeta Gardens
Musical fountains & lakeside greenery
Champaner-Pavagadh
The UNESCO-listed sultanate capital below Pavagadh hill, where an intact 15th-century city of mosques, gateways and…
Where to eat near Sursagar Lake
THALIGujarati Thali
Sweet-savoury full meals.
FARSANSev usal
Baroda's spicy snack.
STREETLilo chevdo
Famous Baroda street food.
Foodie city
Famous for sev usal, lilo chevdo & farsan.
Sursagar Lake FAQ
What is Sursagar Lake?
A historic circular lake in central Vadodara, also called Chandan Talao.
What's the statue?
A 120-foot statue of Lord Shiva on a platform at the lake's centre.
When is it best?
In the evening, when the lake and statue are lit.
Is there an entry fee?
No; boating may be ticketed.
Can I go boating?
Yes, seasonal boating is usually available.
Where is it?
In the heart of old Vadodara.
When is it liveliest?
At Mahashivratri and on evenings.
How long does it take?
About an hour.
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Published 24 June 2026 · Updated 24 August 2026