Surat

About Surat

Surat is a colourful Gujarati city with a rich trading legacy, diamond and textile industry, colourful markets and vibrant food culture. Surat is located on the banks of the river Tapi and is a very old port city and a major trade centre, where traders and communities from various parts of the country and even the world gather. The city prospered owing to textile manufacturing, trading and craftsmanship, thus becoming one of the most prominent cities of Gujarat. Surat is also famous for its unique mixture of past and present growth. Historic buildings, old markets, colonial architecture and traditional neighbourhoods are nestled among contemporary shopping centres, commercial districts, and riverside spaces. It is known around the world for its diamond industry, and its textile markets are some of the busiest in the region.
Today's Surat has a vibrant mix of heritage, shopping, architecture and cuisine. Whether it is exploring the historic forts and temples or the Gujarati street food and Surati food, the city lets you have a colourful introduction to South Gujarat. Travellers interested in regional food, textiles, shopping, history and urban culture are particularly fond of Surat.

Best Time to Visit Surat

October to March is the best time to visit Surat - the weather is cooler and more pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing, shopping and exploring the old town. The winter season is ideal for walking around the ancient city and for outdoor activities. Afternoon sightseeing can be uncomfortable in the summer months between April and June as the weather is often hot and humid. July and August through September are the time of the monsoon, and significant rainfall occurs; the surrounding landscape turns green. Renters should take weather into account when planning outdoor activities during the rainy season.

Surat: Places, Experiences & Food

Places to Visit in Surat

• Surat Castle
• Dutch Garden
• Sarthana Nature Park
• Dumas Beach
• Suvali Beach
• Tapi Riverfront
• Sardar Patel Museum
• Chintamani Jain Temple
• Ambika Niketan Temple
• ISKCON Temple
• Gopi Talav
• Surat Fort
• Science Centre Surat
• Jagdish Chandra Bose Aquarium
• Dandi Beach
• Hazira
• Old Surat City
• Surat Textile Market
• Chowk Bazaar
• Dutch Cemetery
• English Cemetery

Things to Do in Surat

• Explore the historic Surat Castle
• Old city and its traditional markets
• Dutch Garden and historic cemeteries
• Surat's trading and maritime heritage
• City's famous textile markets
• Traditional Gujarati fabrics and clothing
• Surat's famous diamond industry
• Visit Sarthana Nature Park
• Spend an evening at Dumas Beach
• Visit Gopi Talav
• Explore the Tapi Riverfront
• Visit Sardar Patel Museum
• Surat's historic Jain and Hindu temples
• Visit the Science Centre
• Explore the aquarium and family attractions
• Take a trip to nearby Hazira
• Visit Dandi and learn about its connection with India's freedom movement
• Enjoy Surati street food
• Try a traditional Gujarati thali
• Explore local sweet shops and snack stalls
• Textiles, handicrafts and traditional clothing
• Experience the lively atmosphere of Surat's evening markets
• City's historic architecture and riverside scenery

What to Eat in Surat

• Locho
• Surati Ghari
• Surati Sev Khamani
• Khaman
• Khaman Dhokla
• Surati Khaman
• Undhiyu
• Surati Fafda
• Jalebi
• Ponk
• Ponk Vada
• Surati Patra
• Khandvi
• Dabeli
• Bhajiya
• Gota
• Sev Usal
• Ragda Pattice
• Gujarati Thali
• Dal Dhokli
• Gujarati Kadhi
• Thepla
• Khakhra
• Mawa Ghari
• Shrikhand
• Basundi
• Chaas
• Masala Chai