Surat in Gujarat is a port city situated on the banks of the Tapti River. Surat is a busy commercial centre for textiles and diamonds. The city is a major gem stone centre and over 90% of the world's diamonds are cut and polished here. Surat is famous for its diamond and textile industries. It is known as the textile hub of the nation and is at the heart of the world's diamond-polishing industry.
For the food-lovers, some special and unique dishes of Surat include Surti Undhiyu, Rasawala Khaman and Surti Ghari. Many of the popular types of food of the state of Gujarat originated from this region. Surat being an integral part of the state of Gujarat, Gujarati is the dominant language spoken by the locals.
Best time to visit:
Surat has a tropical savanna type climate and the best time to visit is from November to March.
Top five places to see:
Diamond Industry – Around the world, 8 out of 10 diamonds on the market were cut and polished in Surat. The rough diamonds from Surat go as smooth gems to Antwerp, Belgium where the international diamond trade is run.
Marjan Shami Roza – This mausoleum for Khwaja Safar Sulemanim, the Governor of Surat, was built by his son in 1540, with signs of Persian influence in the architecture.
Chintanamani Jain Temple – The Jain temple was constructed during the regime of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb It has not only religious importance but also establishes as one of the best examples of wooden craftsmanship. Though the temple is marked by its outward simplicity, the inner parts of temple are a treasury of art.
Surat Castle – In 1540, Sultan Mahmud III had this castle built with extra strength for protection against Portugese raids. It is now filled with government offices, but tourists can visit all the way to the top for a marvellous view of the city and Tapi River.
Sardar Patel Museum – This museum was established in 1889 and has a rich collection of over 10,000 specimens of arts and crafts. The rare collection in this museum represents the rich history and eclectic ethnic mix of Surat.