SURAT TOURISM | TOURIST PLACES TO VISIT & TRAVEL GUIDE TO SURAT
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About Surat
#100 of 18 Places to visit in Gujarat
Ideal Trip Duration: Not Available
Nearest City to Surat: Surat
Best Time to Visit Surat: October to March
Peak Season: December to January & May to June
At a distance of 70 Km from Baruch, 123 Km from Daman, 155 Km from Vadodara, 153 Km from Saputara, 246 Km from Nashik, 262 km from Ahmedabad, 302 Km from Mumbai, 348 Km from Bhavnagar, and 429 Km from Rajkot, Surat is a beautiful port city located in the western Indian state of Gujarat. Situated on the banks of the Tapi River near its confluence with the Arabian Sea, it is one of the popular tourist destinations in India and among the must-include places in the Gujarat tour packages.
Surat is the second largest city in Gujarat after Ahmedabad and is the eighth largest city in India by population. Once a significant seaport, it has transformed into the commercial and economic hub of South Gujarat, boasting a well-established diamond and textile industry in India. Historically recognized for silk-weaving, it has developed into a prominent textile center in India, with the New Textile Market area frequently bustling with buyers and shoppers as part of the Surat tour packages. Referred to as the 'Diamond City of India', Surat is also acknowledged as the world's largest diamond manufacturing center, with approximately 90% of the global diamonds being cut and polished in this city.
The origins of Surat can be traced back to the era of the Mahabharata. According to popular belief, it was in Surat that Lord Krishna paused with his cows during his journey from Mathura to Dwarka. The city's roots can be linked to the ancient Hindu settlement of Suryapur, which existed between 1500 and 1520 AD, before being colonized by the Brigus, or the King from Sauvira. By the year 1520, the city's name was officially changed from Suryapur to Surat. In 1573, Surat emerged as a prominent port city within the Mughal Empire, recognized for its trade connections with West Asia and serving as a crucial gateway for pilgrims traveling to Mecca. Subsequently, the British, Portuguese, Dutch, and French established trading posts in Surat, with the British eventually taking control. The renowned Maratha warrior Shivaji also besieged the city several times in an effort to seize its burgeoning wealth and prosperity. Following India's independence, Surat has developed into a vital industrial and commercial center of the country.
Known for its light-hearted, easy-going, and fun-loving atmosphere, along with a strong culinary culture, Surat is an excellent destination for a family vacation. The contemporary port city of Surat is home to numerous historical structures, mosques, temples, and step-wells that reflect its rich architectural heritage. Notable sites such as Surat Castle, Dutch Garden, and Sardar Patel Museum offer glimpses into the city's colonial history and cultural legacy, inviting visitors to wander through its historic streets and neighborhoods. Ambika Niketan Temple, Chintanamani Jain Temple, Jagdishchandra Bose Aquarium, ISKCON Temple, and Sarthana National Park are some other places to visit in Surat. Besides, Surat's culinary scene is an exciting blend of flavours. The city offers a variety of cuisines including Gujarati dishes such as Locha, Ghari, Surati Khaman, Khakra, Thepla, and Ponk among others.
Surat is a city renowned for its vibrant festivals and lively celebrations. From the colorful Navratri festivities and the thrilling kite-flying event of Uttarayan to the profound sense of celebration during Eid and Diwali, the festivals in Surat bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds in a spirit of unity and joy. The region's customs are prominently showcased in the dang durbar, which is one of the key traditional events and festivals of Surat. The local populace adorns themselves in their traditional garments and engages in the ras and the garba. Talented artisans come from various parts of Surat to exhibit their crafts.
Surat International Airport is the nearest airport which is about 15 Km from the Surat city center. It has well connected flights from Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, and New Delhi. Surat Railway Station has well connected trains from Goa, Indore, Jaipur, Vadodara, Jamnagar, Veraval, Bhuj, Chennai, Pune, Bandra, Okha, Bangalore, Mysore, Ghazipur, Nagercoil, Kochuveli, Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram, Puri, Lucknow, Bhavnagar, Ahmedabad, Dadar, Mumbai, Howrah, Darbhanga, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Dehradun, Palitana, and Varanasi. Surat is well connected by bus with all the major cities of Gujarat, Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Hyderabad, Indore, etc.
The best time to visit Surat is in the winter months, specifically from October to March. This timeframe offers pleasant and comfortable weather, which is perfect for sightseeing and immersing oneself in the city's lively culture. Additionally, the Navaratri festival is celebrated with immense enthusiasm during this season, featuring vibrant Garba and Dandiya dances. In contrast, summer can be extremely hot with rising temperatures, while the monsoon season introduces heavy rainfall that may interfere with travel arrangements.
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