Swami Vivekananda Sarovar

Swami Vivekananda Sarovar, still widely called Budha Talab or the old lake, is the largest lake in central Raipur and covers roughly 30 hectares. It is believed to have been dug in the 14th century under Raja Brahmdeo Rai of the Kalachuri dynasty. Swami Vivekananda lived in Raipur for two years, and local belief holds that he bathed in the lake each morning; the tank was later renamed after him.

A bronze statue of Vivekananda, 37 feet tall, rises from a platform in the middle of the water and is reached by a small bridge. Gardens, footpaths and benches line the banks, with railings and paved walks around the edge and ghats for ritual bathing. A musical fountain plays in the evening, when the lit statue is reflected in the lake.