One of the state's oldest cities, Surat, has been India's ancient trading centre. Since long, traders from across the seven seas had links with this city. Known for silks, textiles, spices and exquisite diamond cutting and polishing, Surat was described as "a storehouse of the most precious production of Hindustan" by a Portuguese traveller Barbosa in 1514. The city's industrialisation began nearly a century later when the Britishers set up the first factory in 1612. Surat has been one of the most prosperous of India's cities in the 17th and 18th century. 

In Mughal times, Surat was the main port from which pilgrims sailed to Mecca. Textiles for ceremonial and utility purposes, wood lacquer and ivory handicrafts, embroidery and jewellery had great demand in the world market then. Fine silver and gold jewellery crafted in Surat is srill a rage here, but this southern most city of the state is today more known for diamond cutting and polishing industry besides the jari and art silk produced there.

Places of interest in Surat

The Old Fort was built by Muhammad Tughlak in the 14th century to fortify the defense against the Bhils.

The ancient Dutch gardens, the Dutch cemetery and Makaipul, the ancient original port from where the ships sailed to other parts of the world are other attractions.

The nearly 100 years old Sardar Patel Museum has over 10,000 specimens of arts and crafts. *Rangupavan, an open air theatre with 18 metres by 10.5 metres stage and a capacity of around 4000 spectators is one of the biggest in the country.

Surat's vast and active textile market testifies its importance in the textile trade even today.

From Surat one can go to Dumas, an excellent health resort which overlooks the Arabian sea is about'16 kms from Surat. There are a number of cottages available for visitors to stay and relax.

HAJIRA

Another well known health resort is Hajira, south west of Surat on the creek of the Arabian sea. Hajira has two wells with water rich in iron and sulphur. The pleasant Hajira beach is fringed by feathery casurina trees. Hajira is situated 28 kms from Surat.

UNAI

Another important landmark which gives antiquity to Surat is Unai with its hot springs some 64 kms from Surat. They find reference in the puranic literature and are believed to have been created by Lord Ram, the hero of the epic Ramayan, by shooting an arrow in the ground.

UBHARAT

This is another fine, sandy beach with a backdrop of shady palm groves, situated about 42 kms from Surat.

TITHAL

Situated about 108 kms from Surat and 5 kms. from Valsad on the Mumbai - Baroda Western Railway route, Timal, is a beautiful sandy beach fringed with palm-sheltered cottages.

BARDOLI

Swaraj Ashram at Bardoli, about 34 kms from Surat has become a place of pilgrimage in India. Gandhiji had launched a farmer's satyagraha in 1921-22 under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

DANDI

Along the coastline of Gujarat and about 50 - 55 kms from Surat, lies Dandi where the story of salt was scripted with the famous Dandi March Satyagraha, in 1930, led by Mahatma Gandhi. The Salt Sayagraha proved to be the beginning of the end of the British Empire in India.

UKAI

A major multipurpose irrigation project of Gujarat is situated at Ukai, about 94 kms from Surat.

VANSADA NATIONAL PARK

The Vansada Nadonal Park, situated in valsad district is a home to leopards, tigers, panthers and wild boars. The best time to visit is between October and March.

SAPUTARA

Gujarat's best known hill resort, Saputara - literally, the Abode of Serpents, is situated atop the second highest plateau in the Sahyadri range and in the midst of thick forests. Saputara has all the necessary amenities like hotels, parks, swimming pools, boat club, theatres and a museum to ensure an enjoyable holiday. Saputara is 164 kms from Surat.

How to reach !

Air
Various domestic airlines connect Mumbai & Bhavnagar to Surat.

Rail
It is on the western railway line of Mumbai - Delhi & Mumbai - Ahmedabad.

Road
State Transport buses and private luxury coaches from Surat connects various centres of Gujarat. Surat is approximately 297 kms from Mumbai, 155 kms from Baroda and 275 kms from Ahmedabad.

Facilities at your reach !
Vegetarian and Non-vegetarian food is available at various hotels and restaurants.
STD / ISD facilities arc available.
Private hired cars and minibuses are available for local transport.

Place to Stay
The Toran Chain of Hotels, run by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat are available at Surat & Tithal. For reservations at any of these facilities you can contact the nearest office of TCGL.