About Surat City | Facts | Best Places To Visit
In this article, we provide comprehensive information about the geography, history, population, and top tourist destinations of Surat City. Surat is a vibrant city located in the western state of Gujarat, India, and is one of the country’s fastest-growing urban centers. It has a rich history, economic significance, and is known for its cultural diversity and thriving textile industry.
| About: | Surat is a city situated in the western part of India, within the state of Gujarat. It stands out as one of the most dynamic cities in India, boasting one of the fastest growth rates due to an influx of immigrants from various regions of Gujarat and other states. Surat is recognized as one of the cleanest cities in India and is often referred to by several names, including “The Silk City,” “The Diamond City,” and “The Green City.” The city has a vibrant present and a rich heritage that reflects its historical significance. It was here that the British first landed in India, and the Dutch and Portuguese also established their business centers, remnants of which can still be seen in modern Surat. Historically, it was a glorious port where ships from over 84 countries would anchor at any given time. Today, Surat continues this tradition, attracting people from all over the country for business and employment opportunities. The city boasts an almost zero percent unemployment rate, making it easier for residents to find jobs due to the rapid development of various industries in and around Surat. Dandi holds historical importance as the site where Mahatma Gandhi initiated the Dandi March in 1930. Dumas, a beach located 16 km from Surat, and Hajira, another beautiful beach 28 km away, are popular destinations. Ubhrat is yet another lovely beach situated 42 km from the city. |
| History: | The city of Surat has glorious history that dates back to 300 BC. The origin of the city can be traced to the old Hindu town of Suryapur during 1500 – 1520 A.D., which was later colonised by the Brigus or the King from Sauvira on the banks of River Tapi. In 1759, The British rulers took its control from the Mughals till the beginning of the 20th century. The city is located on the River Tapi and has about 6 km long coastal belt along the Arabian Sea. Due to these reasons, the city emerged as an important trade centre and enjoyed prosperity through sea trade in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Surat became the most important trade link between India and many other countries and was at the height of prosperity till the rise of Bombay port in the 17th and 18th centuries. Surat was also a flourishing centre for ship building activities. The whole coast of Tapi from Athwalines to Dumas was specially meant for ship builders who were usually Rassis. After the rise of the port at Bombay, Surat faced a severe blow and its ship building industry also declined. During the post-independence period, Surat has experienced considerable growth in industrial activities (especially textiles) along with trading activities. Concentration of these activities combined with residential developments has resulted in considerable expansion of the city limits. |
| Geography: | Surat is a port city located along the banks of the Tapi River. After the construction of dams, the water flow in the Tapi decreased, leading to the closure of the original port facilities. The nearest operational port is now found in the Magadalla and Hazira area of the Surat Metropolitan Region. One of its notable attractions is ‘Dumas Beach,’ situated in Dumas. The city is positioned at 21°12′18″N 72°50′24″E and has an average elevation of 13 meters. The Surat district is bordered by Bharuch, Narmada, Navsari, and Tapi districts, with the Gulf of Cambay to the west. The climate is tropical, characterized by abundant monsoon rainfall. According to the Bureau of Indian Standards, the town is classified under seismic zone-III on a scale of I to V, indicating its vulnerability to earthquakes. |
| Country : | India |
| State: | Gujarat |
| District: | Surat |
| Language: | Gujarati |
| Population: | 6,936,534 (2021, Metropolis) |
| Literacy rate: | 86.65% |
| Major Attractions to Visit: | Dumas Beach Surat Castle (Old Fort) Sarthana Nature Park Gopi Talav Surat Science Centre Dutch Cemetery Shree Swaminarayan Temple Rani Talav Surat Art Gallery Chopati Beach Jungle Safari Park Bardoli ISKCON Surat Kavi Narmad Central Library Vesu Lake |