Surat, Gujarat

Surat is the second largest city in Gujarat, quite famous from tourism point of view. It is located on the bank of River Tapti and was a major port in the 17th and 18th century. According to the popular belief, the city was founded by Gopi, a Nagar Brahmin, who rose to be the Prime Minister in the Sultanate of Gujarat, under Mahmud I and Muzaffar II. Apart from this, Surat also has the distinction of being the first European settlement in India. It was also host to the Dutch and the Portuguese. In the starting of the 17th century, the East India Company established its warehousing facility. 

They destroyed the supremacy of the Portuguese over the port. Sir Thomas Roe went to the court of Emperor Jahangir to show his credentials as the ambassador of England. After this, the city was made the seat of presidency, under the East India Company. During the ancient era, Surat was used as the main port for the Muslim pilgrims to travel to Mecca for Haj. Today, the city is one of the prosperous cities in India. It has a flourishing Diamond industry and a major chunk of the world's diamonds are cut and polished here.

Transport

Places to See:

Dutch Garden

Dutch Garden and the Dutch Cemetery are some of the famous tourist spots in the city. The architecture of the place serves as one of the major draws for the visitors. 

Old Fort

Old Fort in Surat was constructed by Muhammed Tughlak in the 14th century. It was built as a defense against the Bhils and is now being used as the office of the Municipal Corporation. 

Sardar Patel Museum

Sardar Patel Museum is yet another fascinating place in the city. This museum is around 100 years old and it boasts of a collection of over 10,000 specimens of arts and crafts of the state. 

Rang-upavan

Rang-upavan is the biggest open air theater in the country. It has a stage of 18 meters by 10.5 meters dimensions. The theater has an astounding capacity of around 4000 spectators at a time. 

Dumas & Hajira

Dumas and Hajira are the famous health resorts near Surat. Dumas is just 16 km from the city, while Hajira lies at a distance of 28 km. They are situated on a brook of Arabian Sea blessed with natural beauty. Hajira houses two wells, containing water rich in iron and sulphur. Besides, Hajira beach, being dotted by the feathery Casuarina trees, serves as the perfect retreat from the city's hectic life. 

Gaurav Path

Gaurav Path is the liveliest place in Surat and is ideal place for a drive. It was constructed by the Surat Municipal Corporation. 

Chowpati

Chowpati is the favorite hangout of the people in the city. It is a lively picnic spot where people can relax in the big gardens. One can also enjoy mouth watering snacks like Paav Bhajee and Paani Puri here. 

Makiapul

Makiapul is the original ancient port of Gujarat, from where the ships sailed to different parts of the country.

Dandi

Dandi is situated on the coastline near the Surat city of Gujarat. The place is associated with the famous Dandi March organized by the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Owing to the fact that the place was the venue for an important campaign in the National Freedom Struggle of India, it has become a major excursion from Surat. 

Bardoli

Bardoli is located at a distance of 34 km from Surat and it is considered one of the major travel destinations near the city. The reason for this is that the place acquires an important place in the history of India. It is visited by followers of Gandhiji and Sardar Patel and also holds significance for the historians............
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