Fast Facts
Location : Gujarat
Attractions : Dutch Garden, Old Fort, Sardar Patel
Museum, Rangupavan, Choppati etc.
Best Time To Visit : October to March
Introducing Surat
Surat,
a port city in the state of Gujarat is the administrative headquarters of
the Surat district. Situated on the left banks of the River Tapti, Surat is
the second largest city in Gujarat having a popular of around 4.9 million.
Once one of the major ports and trading towns of the western India, Surat
now presents a wonderful combination of historical monuments, palaces,
beaches and museums. Established by Parsi refugees in the 12th century,
Surat emerged as a minor trading post during the 16th century. In 1573 the
city fell to Mughal Emperor Akbar after a prolonged siege and very soon
became an important trading port for Mughals. Later Surat became a wealthy
town and in 1612 the British established a trading factory here, followed by
the Dutch in 1616 and the French in 1664. In 1759 the British virtually took
full control over the city's ruler and in 1800 the city was in British
hands. Over the past few decades, Surat's booming textile, chemical and
diamond-cutting business have made it a favoured destination for businessmen
and the city's population has grown upto sixty percent. About 92% of the
world's diamonds are cut and polished in Surat. Whether you are business
traveller or a common traveller, it doesn't matter much, Surat is a perfect
destination for all. So, visit Surat this vacation and enjoy a pleasant
vacation amidst the historic monuments and pass a good time on the beaches.
How to Reach Surat
By Air : Vadodara airport at a distance of 140 kms is the
nearest airport from Surat. A number of airlines operate flights to and from
Vadodara to cities like Mumbai, Bhavnagar etc.
By Train : Surat railway station is
one of the major junctions on the Mumbai - Delhi - Ahmedabad broad gauge
line. Several important mail and express trains connect Surat to important
cities in Gujarat and other states of western India.
By Road : Good network of roads connect Surat to cities
of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Buses are availbale
from Vadodara (140 kms), Ahmedabad (267 kms), Gandhinagar (280 kms) and
Mumbai (326 kms) to Surat.
Local Tranport : Private taxis and auto-rickshaws are
modes of local transport in Surat.
Places Where You Can Stay
Surat is dotted with plenty of hotels many of them near the railway station
and in Sufi Baug. Finding a room at Surat is not a problem, however during
the weekday afternooons you may not get a room as most places are booked by
visiting business travellers. Some of the famous hotels of the city are
Hotel Diamond Plaza (Unapani Road), Hotel Embassy (opposite the railway
station), Lords Park Inn, Holiday Inn Surat, Hotel Sheetal Plaza, Hotel
Ashish International, Hotel Omkar, Hotel Vaibhav, Hotel Sarvajanik, Tex
Palazza Hotel, Hotel Dreamland, Hotel Ashoka etc.
Tourist Attractions in Surat
Dutch Garden : Dutch Garden is a major attraction of
Surat city. Other noted attractions of the Surat city include the Dutch
cemetery and Makaipul, the ancient original sea port from where large shilps
sailed to various parts of the world.
Old Fort : Built by Mohammed Tughlak in the 14th century,
the old fort is now used for Municipal offices. The Old Fort was constructed
to fortify the defence against the Bhils.
Sardar Patel Museum : Established around a hundred year
ago, this museum has a collection of more than 10,000 specimens of arts and
crafts.
Rangupavan : Rangupavan is an open air theatre and also
one of the biggest theatre in the country. The theatre has 18 mts by 10.5
mts stage and a capacity of over 4,000 spectators.
Choppati : Choppati is also a popular destination of
Surat city. People visit this garden to pass some quiet moments and also
enjoy fastfood like Paav Bhajee and Paani Puri.
Tourist Attractions Around Surat
Dumas : Dumas is a beach located at a distance of 16 kms
from Surat. To enjoy the best of the Dumas beach visit it during the tidal
days.
Water Fun Park : Water Fun Park is located 16 kms away
from Surat city on Hazira road. During the summers large number of people
visit the park, mostly on weekend.
Hajira : Hajira Beach is 28 kms away
from Surat and it is a well-known health resorts on the creek of Arabian
Sea. A pleasant beach, Hazira is fringed by feathery casurina trees and it
has two wells with water rich in iron and sulphur.
Vansada National Park : Vansada National Park is situated
in Valsad district and it is home to leopards, tigers, panthers and wild
boars.
Aqua
City : Aqua city is located at a distance of 23 kms from Surat Railway
Station behind Kamrej Sugar Factory. Here you may enjoy thrilling rides and
a savour variety of items in the restaurant.
Joy n Joy : Located 28 kms from Surat Railway Station, Joy
n Joy offers a number of heart stopping rides and lots of rides for children
as well.
BJS World : Another famous amusement park, BJS World is
situated at a distance of 42 kms from Surat.
Ubharat : About 42 kms. from Surat, Ubharat is a
beautiful sandy beach having a backdrop of shady palm groves. When you visit
this beach don't forget to carry your swimming suits because the current of
the water is very high. You can't enter in deep water of Ubharat as it is
strictly prohibited.
Tithal : Situated at a distance of 108 kms Surat, Tithal
is another beautiful sandy beach and swimming is much safer here than
Ubharat.
Navsari : Located 29 kms south of Surat, Navsari has been
a headquarters for the Parsi community since the initial days of their
settlement in India.
Udvada : Just 10 kms north of Vapi is the Udvada which is
home to the oldest Parsi sacred fire in India. It is said that the fire was
brought from Persia to Diu, in 700 AD on the opposite coast of the Gulf of
Cambay.
Dandi : Situated on the coast of the Arabian Sea, Dandi
is the site of the famous Salt Satyagraha initiated by Mahatma Gandhi. Dandi
is now one of the major tourist attractions in Surat and basks in the
hallowed memory of Mahatma Gandhi.
Winchester Museum : Winchester Museum is named after Mr.
Winchester, the British Assistant Collector who took a keen interest in
increasing the prosperity of Surat. A place of tourist's interest Winchester
Museum houses a variety of items.
Shopping in Surat
Shopping in Surat is a delightful experience and you should not miss it
during your trip to the city. Some of the most popular items of Surat
include traditional handlooms and handicrafts, and woodworks. The artisans
of Surat manufacture table lamps, boxes, side tables and various other
utilities that you can carry as souvenoir. Surat is also known for zari
work, while shopping in Surat pick up a few beautiful garments adorned with
exquisite works of zari, kinari and salma. The city of Surat also has a rich
tradition of silver work and you may buy jewelleries or items made for
silver. Sadeli or marquetry work is another specialty of Surat. A number of
private-run shopping centres and government emporia sprawl across the Surat
city. Besides, you can also explore the stall erected by the local vendors
who offer a good bargaining.
