Surat City

The city of Surat is in Gujarat, western India. Due to immigration from different parts of Gujarat and other Indian states, it is one of the most dynamic cities in the country with one of the quickest rates of growth.

One of the cleanest cities in India is Surat, which is also referred to as “The Green City,” “The Diamond City,” “The Silk City,” and so on. It boasts the liveliest past as well as the most diverse present. The British made their first landing in India in this city. Additionally, the Dutch and the Portuguese founded business hubs in Surat, the ruins of which can still be seen in the city today. Previously, this was a wonderful port with ships from over 84 countries docked in its harbour at all times.

Surat continues this history today, with people from all across the country flocking in for commerce and jobs. Surat has a nearly 0 per cent unemployment rate, and jobs are simpler to come by due to the rapid development of various sectors in and around Surat City.

History of Surat

Local evidence suggests that in the late 15th century BCE, a Hindu priest by the name of Gopi built the city of Surat. The place was given the name Suryapur by him, which means “City of the Sun.” In the eighth century, the Parsis made their way to the city. The Portuguese Empire destroyed Surat in the year 1512. As the fifteenth century came to an end, Surat emerged as one of western India’s principal ports.

The British had reached Surat by 1608, and after winning a naval battle against the Portuguese, they took control of the trade along the west coast of India. The city was soon designated as the East India Company presidency’s seat. The English East India Company transferred the presidency to Bombay by 1687. Many of Surat’s structures were destroyed in 1837 by a massive fire and a flood.

Following Indian independence, the government divided the erstwhile princely realms of Bombay Presidency, Kutch, and Gujarat, which contained Surat, into three larger states: Saurashtra, Kutch, and Bombay State. The north of the new state spoke primarily Gujarati, whereas the south spoke Marathi. Bombay State was divided into Gujarat and Maharashtra on May 1, 1960. The state of Gujarat annexed Surat.

Culture of surat

Here, most of the important Indian festivals are celebrated. But the most significant festival is Navratri. People of all ages turn out to commemorate this occasion by dancing the “garba” and “dandiya raas.” Here, too, the Uttarayan kite-flying festival is celebrated with much fanfare and joy. Moreover, Surat is renowned for its delicious food. The locals’ favourite foods are things like locho, a steaming snack made with lentils and gram flour that is best consumed right away. Famous dishes from this region include ghari, Surati khaman, petis, rasaawala khaman, undhiyu, and sarasiya khaja. In Surat, Street food is also highly well-liked.

Tourism In Surat

Tourist attractions include iconic landmarks like the Sardar Patel Museum, Dutch Garden, Mughal Sarai, Tomb of Khudawand Khan, and Rang Upvan. Pristine beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, and environment reserves in and around the city entice nature lovers looking to relax in nature. Surat is also an ideal destination for fun-loving vacationers and foodies interested in learning about Western India’s culture.

Science Centre: The Science Centre is the city’s premier destination for science and technology enthusiasts. It is situated on City Light Road, City Light Town. The Science Centre offers a variety of advanced tourism activities, including an amphitheatre, planetarium, museum, and art gallery. You should include this location in your list of tourist attractions because it offers both entertainment and education. The Science Centre is one of Surat’s best tourist attractions.

Dumas Beach: The Beach is one of the most popular local beaches. It is located 21 kilometres southwest of The City. The beach is one of the weekend picnic destinations in The city. It is managed by the Surat Municipal Corporation. You can also consume traditional dishes like Pav Bhaji, Bhajiya, Gathiya, and more. The Dumas Beach is a must-see during your vacation. The beach is one of the most stunning tourist attractions.

Surat Castle (Fort): Commonly known as the ‘Old Fort’, is one of the major tourist attractions in The City. It was built by the Gujarat Sultanate on the foundation of Feroz Khan Tughlaq of the Delhi Sultanate. The primary objective of this fort was to defend against the Portuguese. Today, it is one of the city’s most popular historical landmarks.

Sardar Patel Museum: It was established in 1891 (132 years ago). The museum was once known as the Winchester Museum. Following independence, the museum was renamed the Sardar Patel Museum. The museum is also called Sardar Sangrahalaya. The museum’s facilities include a planetarium, ancient antiquities, paintings, a scientific gallery, an amphitheatre, an art gallery, an auditorium, and a restaurant. The audio in the auditorium will be in three languages: Hindi, Gujarati, and English. The museum houses more than 8,000 artefacts and antiques.

Jagdish Chandra Bose Aquarium: It is the country’s first multifunctional underwater aquarium and was named after Bengali physicist Jagadish Chandra Bose. Narendra Modi inaugurated it on March 1, 2014. The 25,722 square meter space will cost 20 crore Indian rupees. A jellyfish pool and a shark tank will be major attractions during the aquarium’s initial development phase. The shark tank will be two stories tall (40 feet long by 30 feet broad) and hold 700,000 litres.

Chintamani Jain Temple: The Chintamani Jain Temple is a masterpiece of Jain architecture, with beautiful carvings and meticulous craftsmanship. As a revered spiritual destination, it offers a peaceful setting for introspection and devotion.

Dutch Garden: Located near the renowned Dutch Cemetery, the Dutch Gardens provide a tranquil escape with beautiful views of the River Tapi. This location also provides a view of Makkai Bridge, a well-known bridge in the city, which adds to the beautiful experience.

Surat’s Weather And Climate

The summer season, which begins in early March and lasts until June, is marked by extremely hot and dry weather. April and May are the hottest months, with an average maximum temperature of 37°C. The monsoon season begins in late June, and the city is deluged with rain. However, by October, the monsoon has passed and the city has returned to high temperatures, which will last until late November. The arrival of winter, which begins in December and ends in late February, provides a respite from the city’s searing heat. The weather is pleasant, with average mean temperatures of approximately 23 °C.

The best time to visit Surat is during the winter months between October and February.