Places to See in Surat
Surat city is one of the Top Tourist Places to See in Gujarat, India, the most reason being the beauty and culture of Surat. There are many places worth seeing in Surat city of Gujarat, which attract every tourist, which include Dumas Beach, VR Surat, Surat Castle Fort, Sarthana Nature Park, and More.
About Surat (Top Places to See in Gujarat)
Surat, known as the Diamond City & Silk City of India. Surat has a long history. During the Mughal period, the city flourished as an important port. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Surat became one of India’s wealthiest ports and a major trade route between India and countries such as England, Portugal, and the Netherlands. Surat was founded in the 15th century by a Brahmin named Gopi.
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Best Places to See in Surat
Surat (Diamond City & Silk City of India) has many places for tourists to see or visit, offering a different level of experience. The list of places to see in Surat is as follows.
Dumas Beach
Dumas Beach is a popular Place to See in Surat, Gujarat. This beach is a favorite among tourists in Surat. It is known for its unique black sand, its vibrant atmosphere of food stalls and activities, and its supposed haunting.
Key Attractions
- Black Sand
- Camel and horse rides
- ATV and mini-Thar rides
- Beach volleyball and cricket
- Photography, especially during sunset
Dutch Garden
The Dutch Garden is one of the most beautiful and popular gardens not only in Surat but in the entire Gujarat. Located near the Tapi River, this garden is a historic, European-style park. The manicured lawns, geometric patterns & famous monuments, including the tomb of Baron Adriaen van Reed, made it a popular recreational spot and burial place for early European settlers.
Key Features
- Historical Significance: This garden is linked to Surat’s colonial history, containing the tombs of Dutch and English merchants.
- Design and Layout: The garden is designed with a symmetrical, geometric layout typical of 17th-century Dutch gardening, featuring fountains, green spaces, and structured pathways.
- Location and Facilities: The garden features benches, making it a tranquil, beautiful place for tourists and locals, especially at sunset.
- Attractions: The tombs of Dutch and English merchants attract visitors.
VR Surat
VR Surat is a world class shopping mall. Located on Dumas Road, Magdalla, it opened in 2013 and offers a curated mix of top international and national fashion brands, dining and entertainment, including a multiplex and bowling alley, spread over 5 floors.
Key Features
- Retail & Fashion: Features over 100 brands, including Zara, H&M, Marks & Spencer, Shoppers Stop, and Swarovski.
- Dining & Food: Many VIP Kitchen Avaliable
- Entertainment: Hosts a multiplex, gaming zones, and regular art and cultural events.
- Best Architecture & Decor
- Accessibility: Features wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking, restrooms, and elevators.
Visiting Information
- Address: Dumas Road, Magdalla, Surat, Gujarat 395007.
- Timings: Generally open from 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM.
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-week to avoid heavy weekend crowds.
Surat Castle
- Surat Castle, also known as the Old Fort, was built between 1540 and 1546 by Khudawand Khan to defend the city from Portuguese invaders. Located on the banks of the Tapi River, the fort is one of the top places to See or Visit in Surat.
Key Information
- Architecture: The structure features thick, high walls and large round towers, reinforced during construction with iron strips and molten lead.
- Restoration: Following a 12-year restoration project by the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) under the Smart Cities Mission, the fort is now a developed heritage site featuring modern technology, including a 3D projection mapping and a short documentary on the history of Surat.
- Visitor Information: Located near Chowk Bazar, it is open from 10 AM to 6 PM (closed Mondays and national holidays).
- Features: The renovated, air-conditioned premises include a museum showcasing historical items, and it offers, guided tours
Sarthana Nature Park
Also known as the Shyamaprasad Mukherjee Zoological Garden, this park is also located near the banks of the Tapti River in Surat. Established in 1984, this park showcases a variety of wild animals, including lions, tigers, leopards, deer, and more. Making it a popular, affordable, and beautiful spot for family outings, nature walks, and picnics.
Key Information
- Location: Located in the northeastern part of Surat.
- Biodiversity: This park is home to a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, leopards, Himalayan bears, crocodiles, and a variety of birds.
- Entertainment: Visitors can enjoy nature trails, wildlife viewing, and the tranquil riverside atmosphere.
- Facilities: The site also has a children’s area, and there is both free and paid parking.
- Best time to visit: The cooler months are best for viewing the animals, which are generally healthy.
- Tips: While this is a great place for children to see the animals up close, some areas need better maintenance and cleaning.
Iskcon Temple
Iskcon Temple is one of the most see & visited places in Surat. This temple is also known as the Shri Radha Damodar Temple. The temple features intricate architecture, a 13,600-square-foot complex, beautiful statues of Krishna and Radha, a guest house, and a serene atmosphere
Galteshwar
Galteshwar, located 39 km from Surat on the banks of the Tapi River, is a serene and picturesque place famous for its temple of Lord Shiva. People often visit this place for its natural beauty, which includes a tall statue of Shiva, a recreated “Triveni Sangam”, and a bathing area with a mini-swimming pool.
Key Attractions
- Location: A beautiful riverside spot in the Surat district, approximately 39 km away.
Temple Features: The main attraction is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, consisting of a large statue and a smaller, covered shrine.
Parking: Yes, it offers wheelchair-accessible parking.
Atmosphere: It is known as a beautiful place, often visited for relaxation and its tranquil, beautiful atmosphere near the water.
Jagdishchandra Bose Aquarium
Jagdish Chandra Bose Aquarium (JCB Aquarium) is one of the most see places in Surat. It is India’s first multidisciplinary underwater aquarium, housing over 100 species of marine and freshwater fish. Popular with families, it features unique species like sharks, stingrays, piranhas, and turtles, making for an interesting and educational experience.
Key Details
Species and Exhibits: The aquarium features a wide variety of fish, including American lobsters, moray eels, snowflake eels, lionfish, alligator gar, and ghost fish.
Special Features: It features a two-story structure, a large shark tank, and a special jellyfish pool.
Ticket Prices: Entry is ₹100 for adults, ₹40 for children (3-17 years), and ₹60 for senior citizens.
Facilities: Parking is available within the complex.
Ambika Niketan Temple
Ambika Niketan Temple is one of the most popular and visited temples in Surat. Built in 1969 on the banks of the Tapi River in Athwalines, it is a famous, two-story temple dedicated to Goddess Ashtabhuja Ambika. It is a major Shakti worship center, housing temples of Lord Shiva, Ram-Sita, and Lakshmi Narayan, and is most crowded during Navratri.
Kavi Narmad Central Library
Kavi Narmad Central Library is one of the most popular libraries in Surat. Established in 1991 on Ghod Dod Road, this library is a large public library. It serves as a major educational hub with a large collection of books, a dedicated study hall, and an e-library.
Key Details
Location: Opposite Umra Police Station, Athwa Lines, Ghoddod Road, Surat-395007.
Features: Offers a wide range of literature, including science, engineering, medicine, self-development, and Gujarati literature.
Facilities: Includes a reading room, a newspaper/magazine section, and study areas, as well as free and paid parking options.
Atmosphere: Considered a quiet, disciplined environment ideal for studying.
Operation Hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Closed Days: Closed on major public holidays such as Independence Day, Republic Day, Diwali, and other special holidays.
Gopi Talav
Gopi Talao is a historic, restored lake and recreational destination in the Gopipura area of ​​Surat, Gujarat. It currently features a beautiful garden, musical fountains, boating, ziplining, and a variety of food stalls, making it a popular, bustling destination for families. It is one of the most popular lakes in Surat.
Key Details
Renovation and Zones: The area was redeveloped into seven zones, showcasing aspects such as textiles, diamonds, and the environment.
Entertainment Activities: Popular attractions include bumper boats, a mini train for children, wall climbing, and zip-lining.
Food and Facilities: The park has a food court and is known for its illuminated fountains in the evening.
Hours and Entry: It is generally open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, and the entry fee is nominal.
Places to See Near Surat
There are many places to see Near Surat city which are worth visiting for tourists, which are as follows.
Ubharat Beach
Ubharat Beach is about 42-50 km from Surat. It’s a quiet, black-sand beach known for its tranquil atmosphere, beautiful palm trees, and picnic spots. It’s a less crowded, relaxing spot with sunset views. Although it lacks many amenities and has poor access, it can offer a wonderful experience.
Aquamagica Water Park
Aqua Imagica Surat (formerly Amazia) is a large water park operated by Imagica World Entertainment Ltd. Featuring a variety of thrilling, high-speed, and family-friendly slides, a wave pool, and daily service, it is a popular entertainment destination in the area. One of the largest water parks in Surat, it offers a truly spectacular experience.
Dandi Beach
Dandi Beach is near Navsari (about 50-60 km from Surat). It is a historic, tranquil coastal spot in Surat. It is famous for being the place where Mahatma Gandhi broke the British salt monopoly in 1930. It has golden sands, calm waters, and is home to the National Salt Satyagraha Memorial. It is one of the must-see places.
Tithal Beach
Located approximately 74-90 km from Surat, Tithal Beach is known for its unique black sand and beautiful coastline along the Arabian Sea. It’s a popular weekend getaway, offering water sports like speedboats and jet skiing, as well as famous temples like Shri Sai Baba and Shri Swami Narayan.
Suvali Beach
Suvali Beach, about 25 km from Surat near Hazira, is a quiet, clear, black-sand beach on the Arabian Sea, often sought after for its tranquil atmosphere. Known for its historical significance as the site of a 1612 battle between the British and the Portuguese, it’s a beautiful spot for picnics, sunbathing, and watching the sunset.
Jampore Beach
Located 5 km from Moti Daman Jetty (about 100-120 km from Surat), this quiet, black sand beach is known for its tranquil atmosphere, casuarina plantations, and safe, shallow waters. It’s great for picnics and relaxation, offering activities like camel riding, horseback riding, and water sports like jet skiing. It’s one of the top places to visit in Surat.
