27 Places to Visit near Surat within 400 kms

At a distance of 49 km from Vadodara, Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the ancient city of Champaner. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Gujarat, and among the prime places to visit as part of Vadodara tour packages.

Covering over an area of 1,329 hectares, Champaner - Pavagadh Archeological Park is located around the historical city of Champaner, founded by the Rajput King Vanraj Chavda in the 8th century. Due to its strategic point on the trade routes, it lured many invaders including Khalji Dynasty, Chauhan Gurjars, Solanki kings, Khichi Chauhans. Later Mahmud Begada captured the city in 1484 and rebuilt Champaner into a splendid new capital. The region faced major devastation in 1535 CE when looted by Mughal Emperor, Humayun who made Ahmedabad the capital city again to control Gujarat. This marked the start of the decline of Champaner, which slowly fell into ruins. Later, ASI had rediscovered the city with 39 standing monuments that are a beautiful confluence of Hindu, Jain, and Islamic architectural styles.

Among the prominent heritage sites near Ahmedabad, it was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2004. The heritage site is studded with prehistoric (chalcolithic) sites, a hill fortress of the early Hindu capital, ...

Distance from Surat: 193 Kms

At a distance of 70 km from Vadodara, Jambughoda is a wildlife sanctuary located in the Panchmahal district of Central Gujarat. Situated near Jambughoda, it is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Gujarat, and among the top places to visit as part of Vadodara tour packages.

Jambughoda Sanctuary was a part of the princely state of Jambughoda before independence. The sanctuary was established in 1990 at the behest of the late Prime Minister of India, Mr. Rajiv Gandhi. Sprawling over an area of 130 sq. km, Jambughoda is a magnificent forest of teak, bamboos, and other miscellaneous species. The area has two water reservoirs- one at Kada and the other at Targol. The most striking feature of the area is the undulating hills having a good forest cover, with the valleys having small tribal hamlets.

Among the prominent wildife sanctuaries near Ahmedabad, the sanctuary harbors several wild animals, birds, and flora, including plants and herbs of medicinal value. Leopard is the top predator here whose population has been increasing. The habitat is shared by other animals such as sloth bear, jackal, blue bull, wild boar, and four-horned antelopes. In addition, the sanctuary is also home to a wide variety of snakes including cobra, rat snake, Russell's viper, and python, and interesting ...

Distance from Surat: 194 Kms

At a distance of 62 km from Vadodara, Nilkanthdham Swaminarayan Temple is a beautiful Hindu temple located at Poicha Village in Gujarat. Situated on the banks of the Narmada River, it is one of the amazing temples in Gujarat and among the popular places to visit near Vadodara.

Dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, the temple was built in 2013 by Shri Vadtal Swaminarayan Temple. Built mainly out of sandstone, the main temple is encircled by an artificial pond with a Shivling and a beautiful fountain. The shivling in the artificial pond can be accessed via a peacock shaped boat. The temple walls are exquisitely carved with figures from Hindu mythological scriptures. Every mandap has its own flag that waves in the breeze and the stark blue water juxtaposed with the sand coloured stone come together in perfect harmony to offer a visual treat.

Also known as Poicha Temple, the area is so clean and well maintained. In the main temple there are idols of God Vishnu with Sheshnag, Lord Ganesha, Hanumanji, 108 gaumukh, Saptarishi and 12 Vishnu Avatars. One can also visit Sahjanand Universe situated just opposite to the main temple of Swaminarayan. Spread over an area of 24 acres, the place consists of a big Idol of Lord Swaminarayan with height of 151 feet, more than 1100 idols related to Indian culture and Hindu pilgrimage, science city, amusement park, Water Park, boat riding, bhul bhulaiya, horror house, yampuri darshan, lights and sound shows in 3D and theaters.

The evening ...

Distance from Surat: 133 Kms

At a distance of 34 km from Champaner and 78 km from Vadodara, Hathni Mata Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall situated near Shivrajpur in Gujarat. It is one of the scenic waterfalls in Gujarat, and among the best places to visit near Vadodara.

Flanked by richly green hills, the Hathni Mata Waterfalls is a haven of divine beauty. This is a 100-meter long water body that falls beautifully along a cliff. The fresh waterfall flows at its best mainly during the monsoons. A small temple dedicated to Hathni Mata is located in the cave adjacent to the waterfalls. The name Hathni was derived by the local tribal community from the rock that looks like a baby elephant in the base of the waterfall.

Although Hathni Mata waterfall is popular among youngsters and local communities, due to its location and seasonal rush, it is one of many unspoiled jewels of Jambughoda, and among the must-visit places during Vadodara trip. The road leading to this site is good but very narrow. This place is crowded on weekends. This is a remote place so one needs to carry food and water.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Distance from Surat: 222 Kms

At a distance of 75 km from Vadodara and 160 km from Ahmedabad, Stambeshwar Mahadev Temple is a 150 years old Hindu temple located in the town of Kavi Kamboi near Vadodara in Gujarat. Situated between Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Cambay, it is one of the incredible places to visit in Gujarat and among the prime tourist places near Vadodara.

Stambeshwar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The architecture of the temple is very simple and is built on pillars, but it is still a very unusual must visit religious sites of India. The temple is mainly supported on pillars, hence called 'Stambeshwar Mahadev.' Popularly known as the Disappearing Shiva Temple, the temple is unique because the temple submerges every day during high tide and as the tide starts to get low it again starts emerging out of the sea, unveiling the 4 feet high Shiva Linga.

According to the mythology, this Shiva Linga was installed by Lord Kartikeya himself. Legend says that, Lord Kartikeya feels guilty after killing the demon Tarakasura. On the advice of Lord Vishnu, Kartikeya installed Shiva Lingas at three places and offered his prayers in order to absolve his sin of killing a great devotee of Lord Shiva. And, Stambeshwar Shiva Linga is one among them.

Sea traverses through the area twice a day every morning and evening to do the jalabhishek of Lord Shiva. Due to this unique phenomenon, the place attracts millions of tourists from throughout the year to see this extravaganza of nature. ...

Distance from Surat: 162 Kms

At a distance of 5 km from Waghai and 49 km from Saputara, Gira Falls is a seasonal waterfall located at Wanarchod village near Saputara. Situated on the Saputara-Waghai Road, it is one of the picturesque waterfalls in Gujarat, and among the major places to visit near Saputara.

Also known as Giradudh, Gira Waterfall is formed over the Kapri River and eventually drops into the Ambika River. The height of the falls is about 75 feet and the speed of the water plunging into the river creates a foggy look giving it a charming feel. The Gira Falls is a favorite among the tourists who visit this area as part of Saputara tour. The place has now developed into a great picnic spot.

The waterfall is a great stopover for those travelling from Saputara towards Surat. The falls can only be reached by 1 km trekking from the parking place. There are many picnic huts in the vicinity of Gira Falls, along with various small tea and snack stalls. Tourists also visit the beautiful Waghai Botanical Garden nearby which has a variety of plants and trees, providing a marvelous view of different varieties of bamboo groves

The best season to visit the waterfalls is the post-monsoon season.

Timings: 8 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Free, Rs. 50 for Parking

Distance from Surat: 113 Kms

At a distance of 9 km from Saputara Bus Station and 80 km from Nashik, Hatgad Fort is an ancient fort located at Hatgad village in the Nashik district of Maharashtra near Saputara. Situated on Saputara - Nashik Road, it is a major trekking destination on the Gujarat - Maharashtra border and among the top historical places to visit as part of Saputara sightseeing packages.

Located at an altitude of 3,600 feet in the Sahyadri ranges, Hatgad Fort was built in the 17th century AD by the great Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Regarded as one of the prominent sightseeing places in Saputara, Hatgad Fort was built as a watchtower towards the Nashik area and the inner valleys of Gujarat. Officially managed and maintained by the Archeological Department of Maharashtra, this fort is a delightful destination for history buffs as well as trekkers.

A statue of Lord Ganesha is placed on the top of the fort. One can see a tombstone, a water tank, remnants of a mansion, dilapidated fort walls, and an arch-shaped structure inside the fort. The unique feature of Hatgadh is two reservoirs, named Jamuna and Ganga, which are the source of water for the villages located in the vicinity earlier. Tourists can enjoy beautiful views of the entire valley and Suragana Village from the top of the fort.

The only way to reach the fort is through trekking ...

Distance from Surat: 166 Kms

At a distance of 27 km from Ahwa and 35 km from Saputara Bus Station, Pandava Cave is an ancient cave located at Javtala village in Dang district of Gujarat. It is one of the places of heritage in Gujarat and among the top places to visit during Saputara Tour.

Pandava Cave or Pandav Gufa is one of the most popular historical attractions in the state of Gujarat as it is believed that Pandavas, the heros of epic Mahabharata spent some time during their exile days here. The cave is about 60 m long and 15 m wide. There is an impressive Shivling in the cave which were used by Pandavas to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva. It is said that there are multiple chamber inside the cave of which the biggest one belongs to 'Bhima'.

The best way to visit the cave is from Javtala via Linga. From Javtala one needs to trek around 1.5 km to reach the cave. The trekking route is scenic and also provides glimpses of tribal villages and fort ruins. And the other option is to go to Pandava village on the route to Chinchali village and trek 2-3 km to the Pandava caves. There is no food stall available so visitors need to carry enough food and water.

End of Monsoon season is the best time because after rain, greenery spreads throughout the forest.

Timings: 7 AM - 6 PM

Distance from Surat: 168 Kms

At a distance of 42 km from Waghai and 68 km from Saputara Bus Station, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary in the Western Ghats between the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra, India. It is one of the most popular hotspots for bird watchers and among the best places to visit near Saputara.

Situated in the predominantly tribal district of Dangs, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as a sanctuary in July 1990 which spread over an area of 160 Sq. km. The sanctuary derives its name from the Purna River, which flows through it. Managed by the North Dangs Forest Division, Purna is one of the last remaining patches of moist deciduous forest in Gujarat which supports huge range of flora and fauna. Purna, along with Vansda National Park, is the only Protected Area in South Gujarat for conserving diverse biological resources.

Known for its thick forest cover, Purna receives the highest average rainfall in the state. The landscape is completely lush green along with thick forests, interspersed with rivers and small tribal villages leaving visitors absolutely enchanted. There are about 700 species of plants and trees in Purna Wildlife Sanctuary. Leopard is the top predator here whose population has been increasing. Wild bulls, elephants, rhesus macaque, bonnet macaque, common mongoose, Indian civet cat, Indian porcupine, four-horned antelope, barking deer, sambar, chital, hyena, and jungle cat are among the other prominent animals found in the forest. The forest ...

Distance from Surat: 117 Kms

At a distance of 3 km from Waghai and 52 km from Saputara Bus Station, Vansda National Park is a protected area located near Waghai in the Navsari district of Gujarat. Situated on the Vansda-Waghai State Highway, Vansda is one of the major places of wildlife in Gujarat, and among the popular places to visit as part of Saputara sightseeing tour.

Spread over an area of 24 sq. km, the area was established as a National park in the year of 1979. The park got its name as Vansda because it was once privately owned by the Maharaja of Vansda. As per the official records, not a single tree has been cut since 1952. Owing to this, in some places, the canopies are so thick that sunlight does not pass through. Maintained by the South Dangs Forest Division, the landscape of the park is breathtaking with beautiful rolling hills, sweeping valleys and the beautiful river Ambika flows through the northeastern boundary of the park. The park also has a fairly large number of tribes living in and around such as the Bhil, Gamit, Warli, Kokni, Kunbi, and Dangi tribes.

Nestled in the Western Ghats of the Sahyadri range, it has a unique flavor of flora and fauna population. The vegetation includes 440 species of plants out of which the most prominent ones are the moist and dry deciduous forest cover, bamboos, tall teak trees, orchids, mango groves, and gigantic creepers. This national park ...

Distance from Surat: 108 Kms

At a distance of 35 km from Mahal, 50 km from Ahwa, 78 km from Waghai, and 89 km from Saputara, Girmal is a breathtaking waterfall situated at Girmal village near Saputara in Gujarat. Situated inside Purna Wildlife Sanctuary, it is the highest waterfall in Gujarat and among the prime places to visit near Saputara.

Girmal Waterfall is formed over Girmal River. It cascades down from a height of more than 100 feet. Hidden inside dense forests of Dangs, Girmal Falls has picturesque beauty in monsoon season. The water fluently crashes from great height, forming clouds of fog, through which one can often experience rainbows.

Enroute to Girmal near village Gavdahad, the river Gira takes a complete U-turn. Forest department has developed a beautiful viewpoint exactly above the U-turn. Watching a massive green patch of Purna Sanctuary surrounded by U-shaped Gira is a spectacular experience. Eco-Development Committee (EDC) of the Forest department runs a restaurant named as 'U-turn restaurant' at this juncture. With four Girli Lodges with attached bathrooms and an Interpretation Centre, the place is a nice refreshing spot.

As the fall gets dried up during the summer, the best time to visit the Girmal Falls is in between July and December. Forest department has made reasonably good sitting arrangements and viewpoints and a paved pathway leading towards the tip of the falls. There are some make shift stalls selling tea and snacks during the season.

Timings: 8 ...

Distance from Surat: 142 Kms

At a distance of 28 km from Mehsana, 35 km from Patan and 100 km from Ahmedabad, Modhera Sun Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located at Modhera village near Patan in Gujarat. Situated on the banks of River Pushpavati, it is one of the popular places of heritage in India, and among the must include places in Patan packages.

Dedicated to the Sun God, the Sun Temple in Modhera was built by King Bhimdev I of the Solanki dynasty in 1026 AD, and is one of the prominent heritage sites near Ahmedabad. This temple not only reflects the architectural abilities of the Solanki rulers but also, speaks highly of the devotional zeal of the ruling dynasty at that time. As in the Sun Temple at Konark, this temple was also designed that the first rays of the Sun fall on the image of Lord Surya at the time equinoxes. The temple was plundered by Mahmud Ghazni but still the architectural grandeur does not vanish. At present, no worship is offered here and the temple is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. It was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2014.

Built-in Maha-Gurjara style, the temple complex is divided into three parts - the main temple with a Garbha Griha and Guda Mandap, a detached Sabha Mandap, and Surya Kunda. Also known as Rama Kund, Surya Kund is a rectangular ...

Distance from Surat: 357 Kms

At a distance of 27 km from Patan and 36 km from Mehsana, Bindu Sarovar is a sacred pond located in Siddhpur town near Patan, Gujarat. Situated on the banks of Saraswati River, it is one of the holy places in Gujarat and among the most visited places near Patan.

Bindu Sarovar simply means a lake of drops. It is believed that Lord Mahavishnu's tears have fallen in this lake. Also known as Matru Gaya Kshetra, Bindu Sarovar is one among the five sacred theerthas of Hindu religion - Pancha Sarovar. The other four are Manas Sarovar in Tibet, Pushkar Sarovar in Rajasthan, Narayana Sarovar in Gujarat and Pampa Sarovar in Karnataka. Hindus normally go to Gaya in Bihar to offer pinda to their male ancestors but Bindu Sarovar is the only place in India where Matru Shradh is being carried out. It is also known as the Sri-sthal or a 'pious place' and finds a reference in the ancient Vedic text the Rig-Veda.

According to legend, Bindu Sarovar is the place where Sage Kardhama did severe penance for 10000 divine years and had the darshan of Lord Vishnu. It was on the banks of River Saraswati at this Bindu Sarovar, Sage Kapila had preached Moksha Gnana to his Mother Devhuti and performed the Matru Shradh of his mother salvation. It is said that at Bindu Sarovar Lord Parshuram also performed 'Matru Shradh' and his temple is also created here for darshan. Hence, Bindu Sarovar is considered as holy as Triveni Sangam at Allahabad.

Along the shore of the Bindu Sarovar, one can ...

Distance from Surat: 372 Kms

At a distance of 60 km from Patan Railway Station, Shankeshwar Jain Temple is an ancient Jain temple located in Shankeshwar town in Gujarat. It is one of the important Jain pilgrimage sies near Ahmedabad, and among the best places to visit as part of Patan sightseeing packages.

Built in the year 1098 CE by Sajjan Shah on the banks of the Rupen River, the temple is dedicated to Lord Parshwanath. Later, Vastupal Tejpal renovated this temple under the instructions of Vardhamansuri in the year 1229 CE. The temple was destroyed by Alauddin Khalji in the 14th century and later in the 16th century CE, a new temple with 52 idols was built under the inspiration of Vijaysensuri. But, the current temple was built in 1811 CE.

The Shankeshwar birth ranks next only to those on Shatrunjaya Hill in Palitana, in terms of importance to the Swetambara Jains, and among the most prominent places to visit in Patan. Besides the original sanctuary, the temple has an open square, a decorated square, a vast square, and two assembly halls. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple houses nearly 182 cm high white-colored idol of Bhagwan Shankeshwar Parshva in Padmasana posture. The sanctum of the presiding deity is flanked by two smaller sanctums dedicated to Lord Bhidbhanjan Parshwanath and Lord Ajitanatha. ...

Distance from Surat: 376 Kms

At a distance of 25 km from Palitana, Hastagiri Jain Tirth is a famous Jain temple located near Palitana in Gujarat. Situated on a hill on the bank of the Shetrunjaya River, it is one of the popular Jain pilgrimage places in Gujarat and among the must-visit places in Palitana.

Hastagiri Jain Tirth is dedicated to Bhagwan Rishabhdev or Shri Adishwar Bhagwan. This hilly land is also known as Hastisengiri. According to the history of the temple, the place is regarded as a sacred place of the times of Bhagawan Adishwar. The sacred place was established by Bharat Chakravartin, the eldest son of Bhagawan Adishwar. Even today one can see the foot images of Bhagawan in a small temple on the very ancient hill. Bharat Chakravartin had attained salvation here. He had observed fast unto death and attained moksha here. The elephant of the King also followed him, thus the teerth is called as Shri Hastagiri Tirth.

Now, there is a large and massive temple on this mount, which was built and consecrated in 1979. Spread over an area of 9 acres, the Hastagiri Jain Tirth is an octagonal shaped Jain temple, and among the major places to visit as part of Palitana tour. The main sanctum of the temple houses four idols of Vrishabhdev facing to four cardinal directions. The dome near the sanctum sanctorum has intricate carvings, similar to the carved domes of ...

Distance from Surat: 394 Kms

At a distance of 35 km from Palitana and 55 km from Bhavnagar, Talaja is a historical town situated near Palitana in Bhavnagar district of Gujarat. Located on the banks of Shatrunjaya River, it is one of the popular places to visit in Gujarat and among the must include places in Palitana Tour Packages.

Talaja is better known as the birthplace of the famous poet Narsinh Mehta. Also, it is home to some important sites for Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism. The main attraction here is the ancient Buddhist Rockcut Caves on Talaja hill. The rock-cut cave group includes 30 caves among which 15 are water tanks. The Ebhala Mandapa, a large hall with four octagonal pillars is the most impressive structure of all. These caves are adorned with fine carving of Boddhisatva. The caves are around 2000 years old and require about a 15-20 minutes walk up the hill to reach them. They are of the 4th stage of Buddhist cave architecture, noticeably earlier than the famous Buddhist caves of Maharashtra.

There is a Jain temple along with a Hindu temple of Khodiar Mata atop the hill near the Buddhist Caves. This Jain temple was established by King Kumarpala during the 12th century CE. This is a holy place of the Shri Shatrunjay Panchteerthi and is part of the Shatrunjay hills. The temple was last renovated in 1815 and belongs to Shwetambar sect. of Jainism. The sanctum of the temple house 79 cm tall black colored idol of Sacha Sumatinatha Bhagwan in padmasana posture. Besides this temple, ...

Distance from Surat: 378 Kms

At a distance of 57 km from Palitana and 74 km from Bhavnagar, Gopinath Beach is a beautiful beach situated near Gadhula village in Gujarat. Along the coast of the Gulf of Khambat, it is one of the popular beaches in Gujarat, and among the most scenic places to visit during Palitana trip.

Gopnath was the summer home of Maharaja Krishna Kumar Singhji of Bhavnagar. The beach offers awe-inspiring scenes with its stunning limestone cliffs and great views. The gentle breeze of the sea refreshes the spirit and soothes the soul. The beach has exquisite, firm sands for walking and shallow shore waters for wading. However, it is not an ideal place for swimming as it has a high tidal disparity of the coast which turns the water murky.

One can also visit 700 years old Gopnath Mahadev Temple situated near the beach, among the major Palitana tourist places. Set on the seashore, it is perhaps the only temple in India that hoists two color flags - a white flag denoting a Vishnu temple and a saffron flag representing a Shiva temple. This Shiva temple is the place where the devotional poet Narsinh Mehta supposedly had his spiritual experience almost 500 years ago.

The place is also home to a mansion built by the Maharaja for his comfortable stay. It was built in European colonial style in the 1940s ...

Distance from Surat: 398 Kms