Surat in Gujarat lies on the banks of the River Tapti. Earlier it used to be one of the chief ports of western India. There are evidences that this port served as a gateway to the then state of Gujarat.

Parsis came and settled at Surat in Gujarat in the 12th century. In 1573, Surat came under the rule of emperor Akbar. He could identify the immense potentiality of the region as a port. It was then that the city became a prime Mughal trading port. Surat in Gujarat was thus converted into a wealthy city. However in 1612, the British founded a trading factory here. This was later followed by the industrial settlements of the Dutch in 1616 and that of the French in 1664.

Surat in Gujarat is no more an important port at present. Rather it is a prime industrial center. It is noted for the manufacture of textiles and chemicals, as well as the processing and finishing of diamonds. Surat is a predominantly industrial city. Obviously it does not attract the tourists.

There are many beaches near Surat in Gujarat. The popular spots for sightseeing are:

Hajira, 28 km (kilometer) from the city
Ubhrat, 42 km
Tithal is 108 km away
Navsari
Udvada, only 10 km north of Vapi, the station for Daman

Surat in Gujarat is on the main Mumbai to Ahmedabad railway line. The 263 km trip to Mumbai takes between 4 and a half hours to 6 and a half hours. While the trip to Ahmedabad is 229 km away from Surat and takes about 3 and a half hours.

Last Updated on : 30 September 2011

Gujarat Tourist Destinations