Surat (Gujarat) FAQs In 2024

10 FAQS on Surat

What is Surat famous for?

Surat, a city in the Indian state of Gujarat, is famous for its diamond cutting and polishing industry, often referred to as the diamond capital of the world. It is also known for its textile industry, particularly for producing silk and cotton fabrics, and the Surat Zari Craft. Furthermore, the city has a rich cultural heritage with historical landmarks and is famous for its food.

Top tourist attractions in Surat include the Surat Castle (Old Fort), Sardar Patel Museum, Dutch Garden, Dumas Beach, ISKCON Temple, and the Tapi Riverfront. Historic sites like the Surat Castle and the Dutch Cemetery offer insights into the city's past, while the Jagdishchandra Bose Aquarium in the Pal area provides a variety of aquatic life to explore.

The best time to visit Surat is from October to March when the weather is pleasant, with cooler temperatures and less humidity, ideal for exploring the city and engaging in tourist activities. The monsoon season from June to September can be less comfortable due to high humidity and heavy rainfall.

Surat celebrates all major Indian festivals with great fervor. Navratri and Diwali are especially significant, with the city lit up in lights and colors. The Chandi Padvo festival is unique to Surat, with a tradition of enjoying Ghari, a sweet dish, under the full moon. Other festivals include Makar Sankranti (Uttarayan), where kite flying is a popular activity, and Ganesh Chaturthi.

Surat offers a range of shopping experiences from traditional markets to modern shopping malls. The textile market is one of the largest in India, where visitors can purchase silk sarees, dress materials, and other fabrics. The diamond market is also worth exploring for jewelry enthusiasts. Ghoddod Road and Rander Road are popular shopping streets, while VR Mall and RahulRaj Mall are among the city's modern shopping complexes.

When visiting Surat, one should not miss out on the local Gujarati cuisine. Specialties include Surti Ghari (a sweet), Locho (a savory snack), Khaman, Undhiyu (a mixed vegetable dish), and Surti Sev Khamani. Street food is popular and can be sampled at places like Sarasiya Khaja and Lassiwala.

Surat offers a range of accommodation options suitable for all budget levels. From luxury hotels like The Grand Bhagwati and Lords Plaza to budget stays, you can find a variety of hotels, guest houses, and serviced apartments across the city. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during the festive season and business conferences.

Yes, Surat is close to several beaches on the Arabian Sea coast. Dumas Beach is one of the most popular beaches and is located around 21 kilometers from the city center. Suvali Beach, Tithal Beach, and Ubharat Beach are other options for those looking to relax by the sea.

Surat is generally considered a safe city for tourists. However, like any other city, it is advisable for visitors to take standard precautions, be aware of their surroundings, and secure their belongings. It is always recommended to follow local guidelines and respect cultural norms.

Tourists can get around Surat using various modes of transport. The city offers city bus services, auto-rickshaws, and mobile app-based taxi services such as Ola and Uber. For short distances, cycle rickshaws are also a common and affordable option. To explore nearby attractions, one can rent a car or hire a taxi for a day.