You're Going to Love Surat
Tucked away in southeastern Gujarat, Surat is the state's second-largest city and its industrial powerhouse. Dynamic, prosperous, and exciting, Surat is famous for its diamond cutters and has plenty of historical charm as well.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Surat
1. It's the Center of the Global Diamond Industry
Surat's army of craft experts polish over 90 percent of the world's diamonds. Head to the Surat Diamond Association on Varachha Road to find cut-price bargain jewels.
2. A Collection of Enchanting Historical Sights
Surat has long been a vital port. See the impressive ramparts of Surat Fort as well as Mughal masterpieces from the 16th century, like Mughal Sarai, to get a feel for Surat's historical side.
3. Deliciously Spicy Surti Cuisine
Surat is Gujarat's culinary capital. Surti food is famous for its delicate but spicy dishes. Don't miss dishes like Rasawala Khaman or Surti Ghari sweets.
4. Relax with a Visit to Suvali Beach
Surat is also close to the Indian Ocean coast, and you can easily get to long stretches of sand like Suvali Beach.
5. Enjoy a Safari in Vansda National Park
Vansda is around two hours drive southeast of Surat, and it's a great place to see tigers, panthers, and leopards in the wild.
When to Visit Surat
Estimated hotel price
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October to March tends to be the best time of year to visit Surat, with mild temperatures and relatively little rain. Spring might be ideal, with the city hosting the magnificent Dangs Darbar festival.
How to Get to Surat
Plane
Surat Airport (STV) is well connected to Mumbai and New Delhi. From there, a taxi into town should cost around ₹70.
Train
Trains run into Surat Railway Station from Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Delhi, among many other Indian cities.
Car
Highway 48 runs up the coast from Mumbai and also connects Surat to Ahmedabad and Vadodara.
Bus
Intercity buses to and from Surat are provided by Raj Express. Buses from Mumbai take around five hours and will cost ₹500.
Airlines serving Surat
Where to stay in popular areas of Surat
Most booked hotels in Surat
How to Get Around Surat
Public Transportation
Public transportation in Surat isn't as good as it could be, so locals tend to rely on auto-rickshaws to get around (or taxis). Fares start at around ₹14.
Taxi
Expect taxis in Surat to cost around ₹45 for the meter drop, then ₹30 or so per mile.
Car
You can rent a car in Surat from companies like Surat Car Rental, and prices tend to start at around ₹500-800 per day.
The Cost of Living in Surat
Shopping Streets
Whether you want to shop for traditional fabrics, craft items, or designer clothes at modern chain stores, Dumas Road is Surat's shopping center. However, there are also diamond boutiques elsewhere, particularly on Ghod Dod Road.
Groceries and Other
Local supermarkets include Star Bazaar and Dhiraj Sons. As a guide, expect a gallon of milk to come to around ₹190.
Where to Eat in Surat
For authentic, spicy Gujarati cuisine, be sure to visit Surat standouts like Ziba at the Grand Bhagwati (where the fish masala is spectacular), and Kansar Gujarati Thali or Sasumaa. Meals will usually come to about ₹300-400 per head.