Surat , Gujarat
About Surat
The busy and bustling port city of Surat lies on the shore of the Tapti River, and is one of the fastest developing cities of India. Surat is the second largest city in Gujarat and located about 290 kms south of Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat. Diamond City of the World, Textile City of India, Silk City, City of Bridges, Clean City - these are all titles that Surat proudly adorns.
Historians believe it was named Suryapur and now it has embraced people of all ethnicities who all live harmoniously in Surat. Surat is easily accessible from all major cities in Gujarat, is about 235 kms from Ahmedabad, 130 kms from Vadodara and 300 kms from Mumbai.
The tranquil and monumental ISKCON Temple on the brim of Tapti, is just 15 km away from the railway and bus station. Being adjacent to the Arabian Sea, Surat also has numerous beaches in its vicinity, Dumas Beach being the most sought-after one. The Chintamani Jain Temple, which ages back to the 15th century, with its beautiful paintings and intricate carvings is another site not to be missed. Other popular destinations in Surat include Diamond Industry, Old Fort, Vintage Dutch Cemetery, Dutch Garden, Chowpaty, Jagdishchandra Bose Aquarium, Sardar Patel Museum, the town of Bardoli, Dandi and Gavier Lake.
Surat is known for the warm hospitality of its people, the delicious food it offers including some items that are unique to the city, shopping opportunities and nearby excursions. Surat has good infrastructure, is one of the wealthiest cities in India and is clean and well laid out. The city is known for its resilience and the strong-willed and enterprising 'surtis' who live here. There are a few hillstations nearby, such as Saputara and Willson Hills and the nearest beaches are Dumas and Hajira.
Because of the scorching summers and slightly unpredictable Monsoons, the best time to visit Surat is between the months of October and February when the climate is crisp and enjoyable.