Overview
About Surat
Surat, on the banks of the Tapi river in southern Gujarat, is one of India's great trading cities. Centuries ago it was a bustling port where Mughal, Portuguese, Dutch and English merchants did business, and today it is known worldwide for cutting and polishing diamonds and for its huge textile industry, especially synthetic and zari fabrics.
For a traveller, Surat's biggest draw is its food. The city has a proud saying that you should "eat in Surat", and its lanes deliver: steamed locho for breakfast, the ghari sweet, winter treats like ponk and Surti undhiyu, and late-night snack streets that stay busy long after dark. Surtis are known for their easy-going love of food and good times.
Beyond the plate, Surat has an old fort by the river, colonial-era Dutch and English cemeteries, a black-sand beach at Dumas and plenty of parks along the Tapi. It also makes a handy base for the historic Salt March site at Dandi and for the hills of Saputara.
- Street food
- Diamond industry
- Textiles and zari
- Locho and ghari
- Dumas Beach
Sightseeing
Best Places to Visit in Surat
Heritage & Museums
Surat Castle
Also called the Old Fort, this 16th-century fortress near the Tapi was built to protect the city from raiders, and has been restored with exhibits on its long history.
Dutch and English Cemeteries
Old European cemeteries near Katargam Darwaja with large domed tombs that recall Surat's days as a major trading port.
Sardar Patel Museum
One of the older museums in Gujarat, with collections of art, crafts, coins, textiles and objects from the region's past.
Beaches & Parks
Dumas Beach
A black-sand beach on the Arabian Sea at the edge of the city, popular for evening walks and its row of snack stalls. Swimming is not advisable here.
Suvali Beach
A quieter, less developed beach north of Hazira, good for a peaceful drive and watching the sun go down over the sea.
Gopi Talav
A historic lake in the old city that has been redeveloped with walkways, gardens and evening lights.
Sarthana Nature Park
A large zoo and nature park on the city's eastern side, home to animals and birds and a popular family outing.
Temples
Ambika Niketan Temple
A well-known temple to Goddess Ambika on the bank of the Tapi, especially busy during Navratri.
Nearby Excursions
Dandi
The coastal village where Mahatma Gandhi ended the Salt March. The National Salt Satyagraha Memorial here tells the story with sculptures and exhibits.
Saputara
Gujarat's main hill station in the Dang forests, with a lake, viewpoints and cool weather, especially pleasant during and after the monsoon.
Experiences
Top Things to Do in Surat
- 1
Go on a food crawl
Start with locho and khaman in the morning, try sev khamani and Surti cold cocoa during the day, and end at a night snack street such as the evening stalls along Dumas Road.
- 2
Taste winter ponk
From roughly December to January, roadside stalls roast tender green sorghum (ponk) and serve it with sev and chutneys, a Surat speciality.
- 3
Visit the textile markets
Wander through the vast wholesale textile markets along Ring Road for sarees, dress materials and zari work at the source.
- 4
Watch the sunset at Dumas
Join locals on the black sand at Dumas Beach in the evening, followed by bhajiya and corn from the stalls.
- 5
Celebrate Uttarayan
In mid-January, Surat's rooftops fill with people flying kites from morning to night during the Uttarayan festival.
- 6
Day trip to Dandi
Drive to the Salt Satyagraha Memorial at Dandi and continue to the coast for a quiet beach afternoon.
Weather
Best Time to Visit Surat
The best time to visit Surat is November to February. Here is what each season is like.
Summer
March to June
25°C to 40°C
Hot and increasingly humid. Plan sightseeing for early mornings and evenings, when the food streets come to life.
Monsoon
July to September
25°C to 32°C
Heavy rain can cause waterlogging in parts of the city. It is the best time for Saputara, where the hills turn green and waterfalls flow.
Winter
October to February
15°C to 32°C
The most comfortable season for exploring, and the time for ponk, undhiyu, Navratri, Diwali and the Uttarayan kite festival.
Getting there
How to Reach Surat
By Air
Surat International Airport, on the Dumas road, has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and several other cities. Vadodara and Ahmedabad airports are alternatives with wider connections.
By Rail
Surat Railway Station is a major stop on the busy Mumbai–Ahmedabad–Delhi line, and almost every train on this route halts here. Udhna Junction is another station on the city's southern side.
By Road
Surat lies on the national highway between Mumbai (about 280 km) and Ahmedabad (about 265 km). Frequent state and private buses run to cities across Gujarat and Maharashtra, and taxis and app cabs are easy to find in the city.
Taste of the city
Famous Food of Surat
Locho
A soft, crumbly steamed gram-flour snack topped with butter, sev and spices, Surat's favourite breakfast.
Ghari
A rich sweet made with puri dough, mawa, dry fruits and ghee, traditionally eaten on Chandani Padvo.
Surti undhiyu
A winter dish of mixed vegetables and fenugreek dumplings slow-cooked with spices, best with puri.
Surti ponk
Roasted young sorghum grains, a seasonal winter snack served with sev and garlic chutney.
Sev khamani
Crumbled khaman tempered with mustard seeds and topped with sev, pomegranate and coriander.
Surti cold cocoa
A thick, chilled chocolate drink sold at popular stalls around the city.
What to Buy in Surat
- Sarees and dress materials from the Ring Road textile markets
- Zari and embroidered fabrics
- Ghari and farsan from local sweet shops
- Surti snacks to carry home
Travel Tips for Surat
- Gujarat is a dry state; alcohol is available only through permits, so plan accordingly.
- Visit food streets in the evening, when most snack stalls open and the city is at its liveliest.
- Avoid swimming at Dumas Beach because of strong currents and soft black sand.
- Ghari and undhiyu are seasonal favourites, so time your trip for winter if food is your focus.
FAQs
Surat Travel FAQs
What is the best time to visit Surat?
November to February is the best time to visit Surat, with pleasant weather and winter specialities such as ponk and undhiyu. Summers are hot and the monsoon is very wet.
How many days are enough for Surat?
Two to three days is enough to see the main sights, explore the food scene and take a day trip to Dandi or Saputara.
What is Surat famous for?
Surat is famous for its diamond cutting and polishing industry, textiles and zari, and its street food, especially locho, ghari and undhiyu.
What food should I try in Surat?
Try locho, khaman, sev khamani, ghari, Surti undhiyu, ponk in winter and the city's famous cold cocoa.
Is Dumas Beach worth visiting?
Dumas Beach is worth a visit for an evening walk and snacks at the stalls. Its sand is black and swimming is not recommended.
How far is Saputara from Surat?
Saputara is about 165 km from Surat by road, making it a good overnight trip, especially during the monsoon.
