Surat, India
Surat is a port city of the state of Gujarat, which ranks 4th among the fastest growing cities of the world and is second largest city of Gujarat. It is also famous as the Diamond City, which every year cuts and polishes around 92% of the diamonds of the whole world. Apart from a number of monuments of historic importance and scenic well-maintained gardens, Surat is a pulsating city enjoying vibrant life and offering utter enthusiasm. Indulge into the lip smacking Gujarati cuisine and enjoy a vacation amidst all the modern comforts that you could ask for. Surat is becoming famous from tourism point of view. It is situated on the bank of River Tapti and was a significant port of the 17th and 18th century. Along with that, Surat also has the distinction of being the first European establishment in India. It has been also host to the Dutch and the Portuguese. In the beginning of the 17th century, East India Company established its warehousing facility.
It is said that Surat was found at the end of the 15th century by a Brahman called Gopi. He firstly named the place as Suryapur that means the City of the Sun. Commonly known as the diamond heart of the world, it is also known for its enormous production of silk and is also recognized as the textile center of the nation. Surat is a port city and business hub that houses numerous historical monuments. Along with its wonderful tourist attractions, Surat is also identified for flawless cleanliness. It is also an administrative capital of Surat district. Surat Tour Guide is imperfect without talking about its ancient monuments, picturesque spots and architectural wonders that are true delights of the visitors. Some of the popular attractions that you can come across in Surat are Surat Castle, Chintanamani Jain Temple, Hajira and Swaminarayan Temple. On the whole, Surat turns into a perfect place to enjoy an unforgettable family vacation, offering something for all.
Visit in Surat
Surat is the 2nd largest city of the state of Gujarat, which holds a strong place in the contribution of the development of the country. It is well-known for its diamond and textile industry. Along with this, the city also has a reasonably strong historical backdrop. It played an important role in the National Freedom Struggle of India and has seen significant presence of several movement leaders. So, the city is going to offer a lot to the tourists. There are a number of places to visit in Surat that allows tourists enjoying sightseeing tours around the city and remembering memorable days. Read in detail about the top places to visit in and around Surat.
Sardar Patel Museum is one of the prime sightseeing places in Surat, which is generally recognized as Sardar Sangralaya. Previously known as ‘Winchester Museum', this wonderful place is around 100 years old and was established in the year 1889. The museum is much admired for the rich literary history of Surat.
Hajira is another beautiful tourist destination around Surat, which is famous for beach lovers. It is located on the edge of the Arabian Sea at a distance of 25 KM from the city. This beach is a perfect tourist destination to spend a memorable vacation.
It is one among the most important and ancient Jain temples in Surat, which is 400 years old. The temple is widely recognized for the vegetable dye paintings of Jain priests on the wooden pillars covered with carved brackets. This temple was built during the supremacy of Emperor Aurangzeb in 17th century. Offering a wonderfully simple exterior, the temple turns into a perfect religious destination to visit.
It is a famous historical place in Surat, which is known for its Swaraj Ashram. Bardoli turned into a popular tourist spot nearby Surat, which is about 34 Kms away from the same. This place was chosen for the farmers’ movement known as ‘Bardoli Satyagrah’, which happened in 1921-22 in the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
It is another wonderful tourist destination in Surat. Surat Castle is also popular as “Old Fort”. It is one of the most eminent heritage monuments in the city, which was built by Gujarat Sultanate on the basis of a fort constructed by Ferozkhan Tughlaq of Delhi Sultanate. The fort was built in the 1540 with an extra strength to safeguard against Portuguese.
One of the well-known pilgrimage sites in the city is Ambika Niketan Temple. It is situated on the banks of River Tapti. The temple was built in the year 1969 and is devoted to Goddess Ashtabhuja Ambika. The popular festival of Navratri is being celebrated in this temple with great enthusiasm every year.
It is a lovely place to visit near Surat. Dumas Beach is located at a small distance of 22 km from the city. The beach is popular among locals and tourists in a similar way for offering soft and blackish sand stretching into the blue waters of the sea. The scenic beach features a number of food stalls for a relaxed and entertaining evening by the sea.
Masjid Al Moazzam mosque is one of the most beautiful and modern structures of Surat. The mosque is comprised of a gorgeous structure, which is wonderfully maintained with pleasant pathways and beautifully manicured trees. The place enjoys great religious significance in Surat.
Founded by BAPS Swaminarayan institute, Swaminarayan Temple is not only known for its religious significance but beautiful architecture as well. It stands out like a dreamlike structure amidst the surrounding buildings. The superb architecture of the temple is located along the surrounding lawns are must-visit attraction of Surat.
It is first of its kinds of aquarium in the city that has gained recognition as a popular tourist attraction in Surat. Located in the Pal area of the city, the aquarium building is of two floors having various types of marine species. This aquarium is going to be a great place to have fun evening with family and friends.
Rang Upavan is the greatest open air theater in the country, which is having a stage of 18X10.5 meters in dimensions. The theater has a capacity of housing about 4000 viewers at a time. It is a nice place to come across the art and culture of this beautiful state.
Surat, India
March to Mid-June, Hot and Dry
Temperature:28°C – 45°C
July to September, receives rainfall
Annual rainfall -93.2 cm
Last November to February, Cool and Pleasant
Temperature:15°C – 28°C
Sights of Surat