Surat, Gujarat

About Surat

Situated on the south of Vadodara lies the important trading center and port of ancient India called Surat, the city of Textile mills. It is also famous for its zari and brocades and is also an important diamond cutting centre. It is a city of gems and diamonds. Located on the southern bank of Tapti, Surat is renowned for its fine silk and exquisite brocades like the Tanchoi, Gajee and Kinkhab styles sometimes woven with gold and silver threads. It is also famous for spices and its diamond market as well as ivory and wood artwork of rare beauty.

Places of Interest in Surat

The Old Fort

Built by Mohammad Tughlak in the 14th century, as a defence fortification against the Bhils.

The Textile Market

Surat's vast and active textile market testifies its importance in the textile trade even today.

Dumas

A seaside health resort 16 kms from Surat.

Hajira

It is situated 28 kms from Surat. The pleasant Hajira Beach is fringed by feathery 'Casurina' trees and has a comfortable holiday home for visitors.

Dandi

Situated on the coastline and well known as a salt centre, Dandi has acquired a name in history after the famous 'Dandi March Salt Satyagraha' launched by Gandhiji in March, 1930 AD. While overtly the Dandi march purported to protest against the hateful Salt Tax levied by the British, the underlying purpose was to kindle the spark of Civil Disobedience and thereby attain independence. On a warm April morning in 1930, Gandhi and his 78 followers marched 241 miles to Dandi and formally breached the Salt Law, an act that would go down in the annals of history as the first salvo to be fired against the British Empire.