Overview
Surat: The historic sea port of Gujarat
Located on the banks of the Tapti River, Surat is a perfect blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture. Its thriving business sector, combined with its quaint architectural heritage, makes Surat one of the most unique destinations in Gujarat.
Once a major port for the Mughals and a crucial transit point for Mecca, Surat became the first English settlement in India in 1613. The city witnessed several bloody conflicts between the Portuguese and the British for dominance. Matters escalated further with the arrival of the Dutch East India Company in 1620 and the French in 1624.
The fate of Surat ultimately fell into the hands of the British by the 18th century. They transformed the city into a thriving commercial hub by establishing spinning mills, textile units and paper factories. However, this prosperity was short-lived, as the British later developed Mumbai into their primary port and administrative centre. Today, Surat stands proud as the leading centre for diamond processing in the world.
Following are the main attractions of Surat:
Surat Castle: This famous landmark, built in 1546 by Sultan Mahmud III of the Gujarat Sultanate, protected the city from Portuguese invasions. Overlooking the Tapti River, the castle offers a wonderful view of the city and the calm, flowing river. The spacious gallery within its premises is also quite impressive.
Purna Wildlife Sanctuary: One of the densest bamboo forests in Gujarat, this sanctuary spreads across 160 acres along the banks of the Purna River. Significant species found here include leopards, macaques, sambars, civet cats, and various birds such as the grey hornbill, jungle fowl and woodpeckers.
Sardar Patel Museum:
Also known as Sardar Sangrahalaya, this museum was established in
1980 to showcase maps and other educational exhibits. Today, this
124-year-old institution forms an invaluable repository of Surat’s
civilisation and cultural evolution.
Dutch Cemetery: The Dutch and Armenian cemeteries in Surat are located in an area known as Gulam Falia in Katargam. These tombs vary greatly in shape and size. The most prominent among them is the tomb of Baron Adrian Van Reede, adorned with elegant pillars and a grand dome.
Excursions from Surat
Travellers can also explore nearby destinations such as Dumas (16 km), Hajira (28 km) and Ubharat (42 km) during their visit to Surat.
Shopping in Surat
Surat is renowned for its diamonds and silk production. Additionally, visitors often shop for gold and silver items in the bustling markets of Surat.
When to reach
The best time to visit Surat is from October to February
due to pleasant weather conditions. The vibrant
Dang Darbar festival (March) also offers a wonderful cultural
experience for visitors.
How to reach
Air: As a domestic airport, Surat Airport receives flights
from Delhi and Mumbai.
Rail: Surat is a major railhead connecting key Indian cities
via Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
Road: The city is well-connected by good motorable roads to all
major destinations in Gujarat.
