//
City in Gujarat, India
Photo: Rahulogy at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Surat (Gujarati: સુરત Surat, Hindi: सूरत Sūrat), a bustling commercial city in South Gujarat, is a major gemstone centre with over 92% of the world's diamonds being cut here. On the banks of the Tapi River, Surat was a major port in medieval India as well as the early British colonial times till the formation of the city of Bombay (present-day Mumbai). It is the second-largest city in Gujarat with a population of nearly seven million (2025), and an example of both the boom in Gujarat's development and a continuation of the state's historical role as a centre of the mass production of high quality textiles.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
The Jain temple was constructed during the regime of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1699 AD. It is at Muglisara, near mausoleum of Mirjan Sami. It has not only religious importance but also establishes one of the best examples of wooden craftsmanship and drawing with vegetable dye of Gujarat. Though the temple is marked by its outward simplicity, the inner parts of temple is a treasury of art.
at City Light Road near Parle Point. Has a planetarium, science models, art gallery & museum (shifted from Chowk Sardar Patel Museum.)
Surat is largely recognized for its textile and diamond businesses: 92% of the world's diamonds are cut and polished in Surat. Lots of diamond factory at Varachha road. Diamond trading and broker offices are situated at mini bazaar Varachha and Mahidharpura.
on Karatgam Road
The ancient Dutch gardens, the Dutch cemetery and Makaipul, the old original port from where the ships sailed to other parts of the world are other attractions.
People can spend some private time there with their loved one. Lake View Restaurant is also good one
The building which is used as an office complex by Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) is one of the ancient monuments of Surat city and was built as a 'Sarai' or Musafarkhana (travellers' inn). It was built during the period of Mugal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1644 AD. This building with its considerable architectural qualities as disposed by the skilful composition of its various parts combined with combination of arches, cornices, decorated parapets, sculptured patterns on the exterior facade etc. each being disposed in an artistic and effective manner upon a strong foundation with coherent strength is still intact and is in a very good state of preservation.
Nature Park Sarathana is at the north-east corner of Surat City, which is approachable by Surat Kamrej Road. The site is covered with an area of 81 acres with river Tapi on the north side and Surat Kamrej road is on its south side. Land is fully vegetated with trees of eucalyptus, casurina and mango. The site is an ideal place for the development of a zoo with the new concept of natural habitat design.
An open-air theatre with a capacity of around 4,000 spectators. This is one of the biggest theatres in the country
This museum was established at the beginning of the 20th century and has a collection of over 10,000 specimens of arts and crafts.
Old Fort
This historical castle, which was planned and built between 1540 and 1546 by Khudawand Khan on the banks of the River Tapi, is one of the chief ancient monuments of Surat. The magnificent gateway is a massive structure with strong door shutters furnished with protruding spikes at the exterior facade, and there is a decorative architectural treatment at the interior facade.
Lake is renovated and now has very good garden, restaurant and boating facility available.
Science Centre
Over and above Science Center (Fun science section), The complex has museum, art gallery, planetarium, auditorium, amphi theater, diamond gallery. It is host of many cultural events and art exhibitions.
In 1850, a wealthy pearl merchant, Naginchand Jhaveri, donated funds for the construction of this library and named it after the British collector Andrews for his help. Its associated hall was used for stage shows and gatherings but later converted into part of the library. Inside are 18,000 books including a large number of Gujarati and Hindi novels as well as reference books on erstwhile princely states. It is associated with the Nanpura Parsi library too.
The Roza is dedicated to governor of Surat, Khwaja Safar Suleimanim. It was built by his son in 1540. Example of an Indo-Persian architecture.
Visit for water sports. Causeway is a low level check dam build on the River Tapi. Water sports facility is available in the upstream water. People flock to this place on weekend and winters. Visitors also include migratory birds such as gulls and terns. Usually closed for visitors during the monsoon (July to September).
Nankhatai biscuits made by Nanubhai Saiyadwala's shop is worth trying.
Offers a wide range of cuisines including Italian and Mexican.
Offers a wide range of cuisine including Italian and Mexican.
In the centre of the Textile Market area, it gives a spectacular view of the city any part of the day. They have a fixed buffet system and have both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
A restaurant chain.
A multi-cuisine vegetarian restaurant.
Delivers excellent amenities and warm, friendly service. There are four room categories equipped with full range of facilities to cater to business travelers and vacation guests.
Provides 3-star facilities and accommodation.
It can be noisy due to the close proximity to the main road but the rooms are of a reasonable standard. Preferred location for those opting to stay near railway station.
Located near the happening new city on airport road is preferred by business travelers.
Not great ambience and the revolving restaurant "Kandeel".
The rooms are not as good as the foyer but in an acceptable condition. The gardens and river view compensates for this. Being oldest it seems to be more popular hotel in Surat.
TGB
This hotel has 162 deluxe rooms and 8 suites. Conference rooms, manicured lawns, 3 multi-cuisine restaurants, 24 hours coffee shop and boutique shops for shopping extravaganza. All the guest rooms are fully air conditioned, with internet access, attached bath, telephone and LCD television. It offers facilities that include a specialty restaurant serving Mediterranean food, a minibar stocked with cocktails and 24-hour room service. They have a dedicated vegetarian restaurant and have also started non-vegetarian restaurant.
There are many beauty and fashion shops in the city located at Ghoddod road, Iscoan Mall and many more places.
By train
By car
The Golden Quadrilateral highway system passes by Surat city. You can get into Surat from National Highway 8 from 3 major connector highway.
By bus
The Central Bus Station is on opposite side of Railway Station and has regular buses to different towns of Gujarat, operated by the GSRTC. Out-State bus stops at this depot.
By boat
There is a port at Hazira, but passenger boats/ships are not frequently operated. Heavy ships are usually used by the Hazira-based industries like Reliance, Essar and L & T, Kribhco.
By bus rapid transit
The Surat BRTS network has expanded rapidly. It has air conditioning. Check apps for schedule.
By metro
The Surat Metro is under construction as of April 2026. Both lines are expected to be operational by December 2027.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Surat · International · STV
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Surat and India.
Travel tipsExplore the rainy seasons in Asia month by month. Compare Southwest and Northeast monsoons, typhoon belts, dry island escapes, and travel dates.
8 min read
Travel tipsSpot and avoid common tourist scams in India, including fake train ticket offices, closed hotel lies, rigged auto-rickshaws, and temple donation tricks.
8 min read
Travel tipsFull 2026 list of visa-free and visa-on-arrival countries for Indian passport holders. Check entry requirements, stay limits, and transit visa rules.
7 min read
InspirationThe premier first-time India travel guide covering Delhi monuments, the Taj Mahal in Agra, Jaipur royal forts, sacred Varanasi, and Kerala backwaters.
6 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.