Introduction: Surat is a city in Gujarat in India. It located in the western part of India. The River Tapi flows embracing the city of Surat. Once during the Mughal Era Surat was a great port city. The port of Surat was famous for quality silk and exquisite brocades and exportation of various spices since the ancient times. During the 17th and 18th century Surat was one of the most fast growing cities of India. Pilgrims of the medieval era sailed to Mecca through the port of Surat. It is currently a major city of textile industry and major diamond cutting industry of India. Surat has very rich collections of wild animals and birds. It is a home to animals like Leopard, Panther, Tiger and Wild Boars.

History: In an old Sanskrit scripture, the western Chalukyas conquered Lata Pradesh, which is the entire belt of Gujarat in 610 AD. The Hindu rulers continued ruling thereafter till the 12th century when Qutab-ud-din penetrated. The Persians have account of Surat after the 12th century. According to Abbe Reynal, Surat was nothing more than a mean hamlet at the beginning of the 13th century. During the trade growth of Surat, learned Brahmins called it Suryapur and the present location of Surat is believed to be the old Suryapur. It is also said that the port of river Tapi was a place where Muslims were exported to Mecca. The name Surat was derived from a Persian word Bunder-e-Khoobsurat meaning beautiful port.

Places of interest: Muhammad Tughlaq built The Old Fort of Surat to defend against the Bhils in the 14th century. It is now a perfect place for tourist visit. Hajira beach is a perfect place for holidays. It is 28 km from Surat. Lined up by feathery trees of Casurina Trees it makes a picturesque place for tourists. Dumas is a popular seaside health resort on the Arabian Sea with proper accommodation facility. Bardoli had become a place of historical importance and currently a pilgrimage place. It is from this place where Gandhiji launched his Satyagrah Movement also known as Bardoli Satyagrah. Ubharat and Tithal are beautiful beaches of tourist interest.

Travel information: Surat is in the western city of India with proper growth of economy and industrialization. One can get the best qualities of silk and Brocades from here. There are numbers of domestic airlines connecting Surat with the other parts of the nation like Bombay and Bhavnagar. A broad gauge railway tract is running passing through the Surat station via Delhi and Mumbai. The state transport buses as well as private air-conditioned buses are transporting passengers connecting Surat with rest of the major cities of India. Considering the climatic conditions, it is best to visit Surat during the period from October to March. Accommodation is not a problem for tourists.