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Surat

Surat

State

Gujarat

Country

India

Continent

Asia

Size

474 KM2

Population

7,184,590

Spending Budget

$22,293 - $78,597

Famous For

  • Surat is also known as Diamond city
  • Surat is a second largest city in Gujarat and 9th largest city in India.

Best Time to Visit

  • January
  • February
  • March
  • October
  • November
  • December

History

The city is believed to have been founded by a Brahman named Gopi, who built the Gopi Tank (water reservoir) in 1516 and named the area Surajpur or Suryapur. Surat became the name of the city in 1520. It was plundered by Muslims in the 12th and 15th centuries. In 1514 the Portuguese traveler Duarte Barbosa described Surat as a leading port. It was burned by the Portuguese (1512 and 1530) and conquered by the Mughals (1573) and was twice sacked by the Maratha king Shivaji (17th century). Surat thereafter became the emporium of India, exporting cloth and gold. Its major industries were textile manufacture and shipbuilding. The British established their first Indian factory (trading post) at Surat (1612). The city gradually declined throughout the 18th century. The British and Dutch both claimed control, but in 1800 its administration passed to the British. By the mid-19th century Surat had become a stagnant city of 80,000 inhabitants. It prospered again with the opening of India’s railways. The ancient art of manufacturing fine muslin was revived, and Surat’s cottons, silks, brocades, and objects of gold and silver became famous. The city houses other industries and has several educational institutions. It is served by highways and the Western Railway. The surrounding area is intensively cultivated; chief crops include cotton, millet, pulses, and rice.

Present Day

Surat is a city located on the western part of India in the state of Gujarat. It is one of the most dynamic city of India with one of the fastest growth rate due to immigration from various part of Gujarat and other states of India.Surat is the 8th largest city of India in terms of population and largest in non-capital cities. As per city mayor’s foundation report, Surat is the 4th fastest growing city globally. The city has a very vibrant economy. It is hub to the diamond and textile industry. According to an estimate, Surat accounts for 90% of the world’s total rough diamond cutting and polishing. In textiles, Surat contributes 40 per cent of the nation’s total manmade fabric production, 28 per cent of the nation’s total manmade fiber production. With the decadal growth of over 55%-60% since last four decades, Surat is one of the cleanest city of India. It has the most vibrant present and an equally varied heritage of the past. It is the city where the British first land in India.

Future

The Dutch and the Portuguese also established there business centers in Surat, the remnants of which are still preserved in the modern day Surat. In past this was a glorious port with ships of more than 84 countries anchored in its harbour at any time. Still today, Surat continues the same tradition as people from all around the country flock in for business and jobs. Surat has practically zero percent unemployment rate and jobs are easier to get here due to very fast development of various industries in and around Surat City.
Must Visit Places ------------

The Dutch Garden

The Dutch Garden is a major attraction in town which has greenery amidst. The garden has been designed in a European style. The garden boasts of good manicured gardens, flower beds, unique fountains and vast grassy carpeted lawns. The timings are from 8 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 11 pm.

Hajira village

Hajira village is one of the famous places. The places have many hot water springs and also hajira beach is one of the famous places to visit. It is about 25 km from the city.

Gopi Talav

Gopi Talav is an ancient artificial lake. The urban lake has a gorgeous fountain in the centre. Aside from the aesthetic beauty, there are a number of games and activities available at the spot. Boat Rides are the highlight of the lake.

Amazia water park

Amazia water park is filled with various adventures activities. You can enjoy here King cobra rides, Tribal twist, forest jump. The fees for children and senior citizens is INR 800 and for adults INR 1000. The timings are from 10 am to 6 pm.

Saputara

Saputara is known as a hill station famous for sightseeing, trekking and boating activities. You can see here Saputara Tribal Museum, Saputara Lake, Gira Waterfalls. And also you can enjoy Dang Darbar festival which is before the Holi. In this festival you will enjoy dance and music. The best time to visit is between March to November. The distance from Surat is about 156 km.

Swaminarayan temple

Swaminarayan temple is one of the popular religious spot in Surat. It was constructed with pink stones. There are three shrines in this temple. The temple is located on the banks of Tapi River. The timings of the temple are 10 am to 5 pm.

Science Centre

The Science Centre does a great deal in the explosive growth of the city. The galleries display a wide range of touching various factions of the world like Space, Cosmos, Polar, Textile, and Diamond. The Science Centre also have a ’Fun Science Gallery’ where more than 50 exhibits have been displayed that give a fun twist to the various principles of science. The Science Centre is also equipped with a fully functional planetarium and here, you can virtually teleport to the stars, moons and planets of the universe. The entry fees for children is INR 40 and for adults INR 60. Timings of Science Centre is from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Surat Fort

Surat Fort is best to visit and you will enjoy seeing the architecture of it. The entry fees for children and senior citizens are INR 20 and for adults INR 40. The timings are from 10 am to 6 pm. Fort is closed on Mondays.

Snow Park

Snow Park is situated inside the Rahulraj Mall in Surat and you can find there number of snow games and activities and they also have artificial snow fall, cars, DJs and snow sculptures. The entry fees are between INR 400 to INR 600. The timings for the park is 12 pm to 10.30 pm.

Chintanamani Jain Temple

Chintanamani Jain Temple is an ancient temple situated near Rani Talab in Surat. This is the 400 year-old Jain temple and it is famous for its vegetable dye paintings of Jain preacher Acharya Hemchandra, Solanki King and King Kumarpala.