Gopi Talav, Gopipura, Surat, India
I get a feeling of happiness by knowing my privileges and using them in a convenient way for meaningful purposes.
Travelling to many ancient Heritage sites, historical sites and archaeological sites remains my passion and it seems right purpose of my privilege.
Surat tour was such an enthusiastic tour, where I happened to visit, the most popular attraction which is of course Gopi Talav.
Gopi Talav was built in 1510 AD by Gopi who was a leading Merchant and Chief Vazir of Gujrat Sultanate and he was awarded a title of Malik so he was Malik Gopi. For this lake he used the Chalukya’s architecture of Solanki Period. Sixteen sided this artificial lake was having steps to access the water and its circumference was about a mile, stones were used in its construction were removed and used to construct the City wall in 1716 AD and it was the act of stealing its beauty. In the middle of the lake an island Bakasthala was built. Nagdhara and three culverts were feeding the fresh water during monsoon to the Gopi Talav. This was the prime source of water for the people of Surat. By 1615 AD gradually it lost its purpose due to silt etc. After a long time in 2015 Municipal Corporation of Surat redeveloped and three phases and dedicated to the public of Surat. A great initiative towards the glorious monument. Now ₹20/ person charge is the entry fee and visitors can enjoy the boating, Fun at theme park, various foods in food zone and a best leisure park where many kids play zones are provided. This is a quite historical monument as Mughal Emperor Akbar camped in its surroundings before siege of Surat in 1573 AD.
Anyway we must be thankful to the Municipal Corporation of Surat who return the beauty and glory of this precious monument.