Surat is a big city located along the Tapi River in the western Indian state of Gujarat. It has a long history of silk weaving and is still an important center for the textile industry. The New Textile Market is a busy area filled with fabric shops.
One of the city’s key landmarks is Surat Castle, which was built in the 1500s to protect the area from Portuguese attacks. Close by, you can find old cemeteries with detailed tombs built during the Dutch, Armenian, and British colonial periods.
Surat also has a Science Centre that features hands-on exhibits and a 3D movie theater. Inside the complex, the Diamond Gallery highlights the city’s important role in the diamond trade.
In the northeast part of the city, Sarthana Nature Park is home to animals like lions, tigers, and deer, all living in a green, forest-like area. Another historic site near the river is the Chintamani Jain Temple, built in the 1600s. It is known for its beautiful interior, decorated with traditional paintings made from natural dyes.
To the southwest, Dumas Beach sits along the Arabian Sea and is a popular spot for locals and tourists. Farther down the coast is Dandi Beach, which became famous during the Salt March led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930 as a peaceful protest against British rule.
places to visit in Surat
Dumas Beach
Located about 21 km southwest of Surat, Dumas Beach sits along the Arabian Sea and is a favorite spot for visitors in South Gujarat. Besides its beautiful views and tasty local food, it’s also known for its spooky reputation and is listed among the top haunted places in India.
Jagdish Chandra Bose Aquarium
This aquarium displays many kinds of marine life, including turtles and even a tank filled with sharks. It’s a great place to learn about underwater creatures.
Science Centre
The Science Centre in Surat is a large complex with a science museum, art gallery, planetarium, auditorium, and an open-air theater. It was designed by HCP Design, a firm based in Ahmedabad.
Suvali Beach
Suvali Beach, once known as Swally Beach, is located near the village of Suvali in Surat’s Hazira suburb. It’s a peaceful seaside spot along the Arabian Sea.
Chintamani Jain Temple
Built in 1699 during Emperor Aurangzeb’s rule, this temple is located in Moraji Nagar in the center of Surat. Its location makes it easy for people from all parts of the city to visit.
Bardoli
Bardoli is a town on the eastern edge of the Surat Metropolitan Region. It plays an important role as one of the main satellite towns supporting the growing city of Surat.
Dutch Garden
The Dutch Garden is a historical site that features a formal garden and old cemeteries with tombs of British and Dutch officials and traders from colonial times.
Swaminarayan Temple
Founded by Swaminarayan, this temple is part of a religious tradition focused on devotion and worship. These temples, called mandirs, are peaceful places for prayer and reflection.
Gavier Lake
Gavier Lake is a calm nature spot known for its scenic beauty and variety of birds. Bird watchers and nature lovers often visit to enjoy its peaceful surroundings.
Surat Castle
Surat Castle, also called Surat Fort, was built in the 1500s by Sultan Mahmood III of Ahmedabad. It was designed to protect the city from repeated attacks during that time.
Best Time to Visit Surat
The ideal time to explore Surat is between November and January, when the weather is warm, dry, and pleasant—perfect for sightseeing. Surat has a tropical climate, so March to May can get very hot, while June to September brings heavy rains due to the monsoon season.
