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Surat - the textile capital of India

Located on the bank of river Tapi in the West Indian state of Gujarat, Surat occupies a pivotal position on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai corridor. Even in the past it was a very famous port which facilitated the transportation of pilgrims to Mecca. It had infact been one of the most progressive of India’s cities in the 17th and 18th centuries. In Mughal times, Surat was the major port famous for its exclusive quality fine silks and exquisite brocades and its trade in various spices. It derives its name from the term Bunder-E-Khubsoorat (the beautiful port), which was given by the Arabian traders during its heydays under the rule of the Moghul emperors.

Today, Surat is a major industrial city with many textile mills. Besides, Surat is also an important diamond-cutting centre in India.

Known as the first Parsi settlement in India Surat also has many other firsts on its name. In 1852, Surat became the first municipality of Gujarat and gradually became a major business city famous for its textile industry.

Today Surat is also famous for its diamond cutting industry.

A historic town and booming industrial city, Surat also has many places of tourist interest. Though you can visit Surat any time of the year, yet the best time would be between October and March.

Visiting places of interest in Surat

Sardar Patel Museum: This museum named after Sardar Vallabhai Patel the Iron Man of India was established in 1898 and originally named as Winchester Museum. It displays over 10,000 exhibits of arts and crafts. The museum is open from 11.45 am to 13.45 pm on Tuesday to Saturday and 14.45 pm to 17.45 pm on Sunday. The museum remains closed on Monday and public holidays.

The Old Fort: This fort was built by Muhammad Tughlak, the Sultan of Gujarat in the 14th century as a defense fortification against the Bhil tribe. Nowadays, this place houses several government offices.

Dutch Garden: The Dutch Garden with its Dutch Cemetery is one of the famous tourist spots in the city. The architecture of the place serve as one of the major draws for the visitors.

Rangupavan: This is the biggest open air theater in the country. It has a stage of 18 meters by 10.5 meters dimensions. The theater has an astounding capacity of around 4000 spectators at a time.

Gaurav Path: Gaurav Path is the liveliest place in Surat and is ideal place for a drive. It was constructed by the Surat Municipal Corporation.

Choppati: Choppati is the favorite hangout of the people in the city. It is a lively picnic spot where people can relax in the big gardens. One can also enjoy mouth watering snacks like Paav Bhaji and Paani Puri here.

Makiapul: Makiapul is the original ancient port of Gujarat, from where the ships sailed to different parts of the country.

Dandi: Situated on the coastline and well known as a salt centre, Dandi has acquired a name in history after the famous 'Dandi March Salt Satyagraha' launched by Gandhiji in March, 1930 AD. This march was organized as a protest against the hateful Salt Tax levied by the British rulers in India.

Besides these, Surat is also home to many Hindu, Jain, and Parsi temples and mosques.

Visiting nearby places

Dumas: This is a popular health resort near the Arabian Sea and is located at a distance of around 16 km from Surat. You may visit this place for your health related problems. Accommodation facilities are available in various cottages around the place.

Hajira: This has a seaside holiday resort and famous as a picnic spot. It is located at a distance of 28 km from Surat.

Ubharat: It is an upcoming beach resort around 42 km off Surat.

Navsari: This place is around 29 km south of Surat and known as the headquarters of the Parsis since their settlement in Surat.

Udvada: The small town of Udvada has the distinction of having the oldest sacred fire of Parsis in India. It is said that the fire was brought from Iran 1,300 years ago.

Bardoli: This place located at a distance of 34 kms from Surat. It is the place from where Gandhiji had launched farmers’ satyagrah, known as the Bardoli satyagrah in 1921 -22 under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Swaraj Ashram at Bardoli has become a place of pilgrimage in India.

Ubharat: Situated 42 kms from Surat, Ubharat is known for a beautiful, sandy beach with a backdrop of shady and swaying palm groves.

Tithal: Tithal is about 108 kms from Surat and 5 kms from Valsad on the Bombay-Vadodara Western Railway. A beautiful sandy beach and palm-fringed cottages are the attractions of this place.

Bulsar: The Vansada National Park is situated in Bulsar District. Wild animals such as Leopards, Tigers, Panthers and Wild boars are found here.

Ukai: It is situated 94 kms from Surat. A major multipurpose irrigation project of Gujarat, the storage of water at the dam site is almost as large as that of Bhakra Nangal Dam in Punjab.

Saputara: The only hill station in Gujarat, Saputara has been developed as a planned hill resort with a number of necessary amenities for mountain resort package. The thick forest around Saputara hill station is dotted with tribal villages and their unique dances are of great interest. You can find here luxury mountain resorts with wide range of essential facilities like hotels, theaters, boat club, parks and gardens and a museum. It is about 165 kms from Surat.

Dangs Durbar: This is a local festival celebrated by the local tribes in the

month of January/February, a week preceding Holi. You should surely attend this festival to know about the tribal culture and tradition of Gujarat.

Shopping there

Surat is renowned for its fine silk and exquisite brocades like the Tanchoi, Gajri and Kinkhab styles, woven with gold and silver threads. So, silks & brocades are definitely best buys in Surat. Apart from this, Surat is also popular for sarees. It won't be an exaggeration to say that 1 out of every 5 sarees is manufactured here. During the festive and marriage season, people throng the city to buy sarees for the occasion. You get a wide variety at comparatively less rates. Diamonds are another hot favourite. You can also buy items decorative items of wood, tin and ivory. Silver work is also quite popular here. You can buy regional arts and crafts items from the State Emporiums.

Reaching there

By Air: Surat Airport is situated on the outskirts of the city. It has been inaugurated recently and has made the city all the more accessible for the tourists. Baroda, situated around 140 km from Surat, is another nearby airport.

By Rail: Surat is an important railway station on Western Railway's network and is connected to all parts of the country.

By Road: The National Highway 8 connects Surat to all parts of Gujarat. The distances to some important centers from Surat are Ahmedabad, 267 km; Baroda, 140 km; Mumbai, 326 km; Bhavnagar, 422 km; Okhla, 706 km; Junagarh, 550 km; Jamnagar, 531 km; Bhuj, 619 km; and Palanpur, 434 km.

Staying there

Surat being the business hub of Gujarat, there are a large number of hotels ranging from five star hotels to low cost lodge. We have given the names of a few budget hotels in Surat.

Khand Bazar, Behind Railway Station, Varachha Road, Surat – 395006

Jeevandhara Hotel Pvt Ltd Varacha Road, Opposite Rajhans Point, Varachha Road, Surat – 395006

And Hotel Golden Star Baps Hospital Club One Circle, Adajan Hazira Road, Surat – 395009.

Surat has played a pivotal role in the National Freedom Struggle of India and hence every proud Indian should visit the place once in a lifetime.