Surat

Location : 140 km from Vadodara, Gujarat
Trip Highlights: Old Fort & Dandi
Ideal time to visit : September to March
Languages: Gujarati, Hindi & English
STD Code : 0261

The city of Surat is situated on the bank of river Tapi in the West Indian state of Gujarat. Surat was a great port city during the Mughal period. Since the ancient times, the ancient port of Surat has been famous for its exclusive quality fine silks and exquisite brocades and its trade in various spices. Surat has been one of the most progressive of India's cities in the 17th and 18th centuries. In Mughal times, Surat was the major port from which pilgrims sailed to Mecca. Presently, Surat is a major industrial city with many textile mills. Besides, Surat is also an important diamond-cutting centre in India. Situated in Valsad district, Surat is a home to leopards, tigers, panthers and wild boars. Today, Surat has become a major business city famous for its textile industry.

Major Tourist Attractions in Surat
The Old Fort
The Old Fort of Surat was built by Muhammad Tughlak in the 14th century as a defence fortification against the Bhils.

Dumas
A popular seaside health resort 16 kms. from Surat. on the Arabian Sea. Accommodation facilities are available in various cottages around the place.

Hajira
Hajira is situated 28 kms. from Surat. The pleasant Hajira beach is flanked by feathery casurina trees and has a comfortable holiday home for visitors.

Bardoli
Bardoli at a distance of 34 kms. from Surat is the place from where Gandhiji had launched farmers' satyagrah, known as the Bardoli satyagrah in 1921 -22 under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Swaraj Ashram at Bardoli has become a place of pilgrimage in India.

Ubharat
Situated 42 kms. from Surat, Ubharat is known for a beautiful, sandy beach with a backdrop of shady and swaying palm groves.

Bulsar
The Vansada National Park is situated in Bulsar District. Wild animals such as Leopards, Tigers, Panthers and Wild boars are found here.

Climate
The city of Surat occupies a position close to the Arabian Sea and therefore experiences a mild climate. Not much change is noticed between the temperatures in summer and winter. The average temperature in the city ranges between 10 degrees centigrade and 38 degrees. Though travellers can visit the city anytime of the year, the ideal time to arrive here is between the months of September and March.

Surat Air/Rail/Road Links
Airport : The nearest airport from Surat is Vadodara, 140 km away. The airport has regular flights to places like Mumbai and Bhavnagar.

Railways : Surat has been provided with its own railway station, which is connected to all the major cities of Gujarat and western India.

Roadways : An extensive road network links Gujarat with states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi. Mumbai is at a distance of 326 km from Surat.