Gopi Talav

Built around 1510 CE by Malik Gopi, the Brahmin merchant and governor credited with founding Surat, Gopi Talav is one of the city's oldest and most historically significant sites. Emperor Akbar set up his military camp beside this lake during the 1573 siege of Surat. Revamped by Surat Municipal Corporation in 2012, the lake precinct today features walking tracks, a central fountain, themed zones covering Surat's textile and diamond heritage, a food court, boating, and colourful evening illuminations.