Located along the banks of the Tapti River, Surat is an easily accessible port city in Gujarat. Surat welcomes travellers, businessmen, nature-enthusiasts and history buffs all around the year. Due to its proximity to the Western coast, Surat is significant from trade and tourist perspectives. The city is home to various naturally beautiful locations and striking monuments.
Table of Content
Surat is a perfect place to explore the culture of Western India and a haven for food lovers. People from all parts of the country flock to this city to taste the traditional Surti cuisine. In order to cover this second-largest city in Gujarat, one would need a couple of days. In this article, find the best places to visit in Surat.
Places To Visit In Surat
- Dumas Beach
- Sarthana Nature Park and Zoo
- Dutch Garden
- Sardar Patel Museum
- Sneh Rashmi Botanical Garden
- Science Center Surat
- Ambika Niketan Temple
- Jagdish Chandra Bose Aquarium
- Shri Swaminarayan Temple
- Ubharat Beach
Dumas Beach
Travel 21 kilometres southwest of Surat to reach the serene beach of Dumas. The beach is situated at the mouth of the River Mandola and Tapi. Dumas Beach is not an ordinary beach and falls under one of the popular beaches in India. Equally famous among locals and tourists, Dumas beach is mostly crowded during the day. However, after sunset, you can find the place absolutely deserted.
The beach is considered a haunted place and numerous paranormal activities have been reported so far. Many have claimed ghost sightings and horrific screams and laughter. This black beach sand is often a place where people play volleyball and bathe under the shimmering sun. Damas beach is a place that you cannot miss out on visiting while in Surat.
Opening hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Major Attractions: Ghost sightings and paranormal activities
Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
Things to do: Relaxing, Photography, Beach Volleyball
Sarthana Nature Park and Zoo
Sarthana Nature Park and Zoo is the largest and one of the oldest zoological gardens in Surat. Established in 1984, Sarthana Nature Park is the first zoo in the southern part of Gujarat state. Being a popular breeding ground for wild beasts, this zoo has successfully bred lions, royal Bengal tigers, Himalayan bears and white peafowl. Sarthana Nature Park and Zoo is among the popular places to visit in Surat.
This nature park is a haven for nature lovers and kids. The park facilitates for its visitors to learn a thing or two about wildlife and how to protect them. Apart from animals, one can spot a wide variety of migratory birds and wild plants. It is owned and managed by Surat Municipal Corporation.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Major Attractions: Royal Bengal tiger
Ideal duration to explore: 2-3 hours
Things to do: Animal spotting, Learn about wildlife conservation and breeding
Dutch Garden
Located in Nanpura, you can find one of the most renowned tourist spots in Surat that is called Dutch Garden. The well-planned and maintained garden has a European style to its aesthetics. Dutch Garden is where the city-dwellers go to breathe some fresh oxygen. Along with its beauty, the garden also has a rich history behind it.
Dutch Garden is the resting place of a few English and Dutch explorers who had settled in Surat. Amidst several tombs, the grave of Baron Adrian Van Reede is the most visited one over here. Baron Adrian Van Reede had built the first trading port in Surat. Transport yourself to the colonial-era Surat or just relax by nature while in Dutch Garden.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM; Monday to Friday from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Major Attractions: Baron Adrian Van Reede’s tomb
Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
Things to do: Morning and evening walks
Sardar Patel Museum
Established in 1890. The Sardar Patel Museum is where over 8500 artefacts from Surat’s glorious past are kept on display. The museum was once known as the Winchester Museum and is located in an old building on Shahibaug. The building which was once a residence for Shah Jahan and later Rabindranath Tagore is a beauty in itself.
Sardar Patel Museum exhibits silk textiles, glassware, metalware, paintings, terracotta and ivory artefacts that depict the culture of the city. Learn more about India’s past ranging from the Vedic period, Mughal period and the British era from the 3D AV laser show hosted every evening. Sardar Patel Museum has to be a part of your places to visit in Surat if you are a history buff.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM; Monday to Friday from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Major Attractions: 3D AV laser show
Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
Things to do: Learn more about India’s deep history
Sneh Rashmi Botanical Garden
If you are seeking some tranquillity then Sneh Rashmi Botanical Garden should be a part of your itinerary. Situated on the banks of the Tapti river, the garden is spread over 34-acres of land. Inaugurated by the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Narendra Modi, Sneh Rashmi Botanical Garden is one of the most popular places to visit in Surat during the day.
At Sneh Rashmi Botanical Garden, you will come across various exotic plants. The garden is a haven for kids who can enjoy toy train rides and many kinds of swings. If you fancy watching Surat from the sky then make sure you hop on that hot air balloon ride. Sneh Rashmi Botanical Garden is a hotspot for families.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Major Attractions: Fun-rides, Hot Air Balloon Ride
Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
Things to do: Ride Hot Air Balloon, Spend quality family time, spot exotic plants
Science Center Surat
Find yourself in a science wonderland while at Science Center Surat. The state-of-art centre was built in 2009 and comprises thematic galleries, a 3D amphitheatre, a solar power plant, an art gallery and a museum. It won’t be difficult to spot the sphere-shaped digitally equipped Platerium that nestles in the vicinity. Unravel the celestial secrets by paying a visit to this planetarium.
The expansive science centre displays a wide range of science exhibitions on the ground floor. Engage yourself in activities at ‘Fun Science Gallery’ and learn various principles of science in a fun way. Due to its widespread popularity, the Science Center Surat is one of the most famous places to visit in Gujarat.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Major Attractions: Planetarium, Fun Science Gallery, Sardar Patel Museum
Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
Things to do: Learn science in a fun way, explore more about celestial bodies
Ambika Niketan Temple
Should your visit to Surat coincide with the eve of Navratri then paying a visit to the Ambika Niketan Temple would be worth your time. Situated on the banks of River Tapti, the Ambika Niketan Temple is home to Devi Ashtabuja Ambika. The striking white stone statue has eight arms. Each holding a trident, a conch, bell, flower, discus and other weapons.
The two-storied temple also possesses idols of Lord Shiva, Lord Lakshmi Narayan, Lord Ram and Goddess Sita. It is one of the famous pilgrim destinations in Surat. The temple was built in 1969 and is run by Shri Ambika Niketan Trust. Visit this shrine to indulge yourself in a divine atmosphere.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 07:00 AM to 01:00 PM; Monday to Sunday from 03:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Major Attractions: The white stone statue of Devi Ashtabuja Ambika
Ideal duration to explore: 1 hour
Things to do: Worship
Jagdish Chandra Bose Aquarium
Jagdish Chandra Bose Aquarium, the first multidisciplinary aquarium of India houses over 100+ species of fish. This one-of-its-kind aquarium makes it to the list of things to see in Surat for many. A haven for kids, the Jagdish Chandra Bose Aquarium is where they can also learn about marine biodiversity and explore rare species of marine creatures.
The aquarium is rigged with 52 specialized tanks with built-in ecosystems that are needed for the well-being of marine aquatic animals. The major attractions here include the jellyfish pond, dolphin tunnel and the double storied shark tank.
Opening hours: March to October – Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 06:30 PM; November to February – Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:45 PM
Major Attractions: Jellyfish pond, Dolphin tunnel and the double storied Shark tank
Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hour
Things to do: Learn in depth about marine creatures
Shri Swaminarayan Temple
Shri Swaminarayan Temple is another place of pilgrim significance by the banks of river Tapti. This shrine draws a lot of devotees and tourists because of its salient beauty. The temple is built using pink stones and is decorated with mesmerising wooden carvings. As per devotees, Swaminarayan or Sahajanand Swami is believed to be the incarnation of Narayana (Lord Vishnu) of Nara-Narayana.
Shri Swaminarayan Temple is one of the popular holy destinations in Surat. The temple welcomes visitors all around the year. Visit Shri Swaminarayan Temple to find yourself in a commendable calm environment. The idols of Harikrishna Maharaj, Radha-Krishna Dev, Lord Swaminarayan, Gunatitanand Swami, and Gopalanand Swami are worth looking forward to. The idol of Ladila Shree Ghanshyam Maharaj is the major attraction over here.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM; Monday to Sunday from 4:00 PM to 8:15 PM
Major Attractions: Idol of Ladila Shree Ghanshyam Maharaj
Ideal duration to explore: 1 hour
Things to do: Worship
Ubharat Beach
Ubharat Beach also known as Ubharat Beach is a beach along the Arabian Sea situated about 50 kilometres from the heart of Surat city. This black beach is a favourite spot among locals and tourists alike. Ubharat Beach is one of the highly recommended places to visit in Surat for food.
If you have a thing for seafood then a trip to Ubharat Beach just can’t be missed. Take a stroll barefooted on the sandy beach while enjoying the golden sun dipping into the horizon or take a camel ride. Ubharat Beach is mostly visited by families. Make sure you pack your cameras as the beach is a fine spot to click Instagram-worthy pictures.
Opening hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Major Attractions: Camel Riding
Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
Things to do: Morning and evening walks, photography, seafood tasting
To conclude, Surat is a place that one should surely visit while in Gujarat. The city has a beauty of its own that makes the travellers want to go once again. From a business standpoint, known as the ‘Diamond City’ Surat is a paradise for shopping lovers.
Surat has all sorts of destinations for its visitors. Whether you are a history buff, a science and nature lover or a foodie, this city has a place for you. Surat is one of the top destinations in Gujarat and endures visitors all around the year.
FAQ
What is Surat famous for?
Along with beautiful temples, monuments, beaches and gardens, Surat is famous for its silk and diamond industries. About 90% of the world’s diamonds are polished in Surat. The city is a perfect amalgamation of tourist and business centres. In addition, Surat’s own local delicacies are renowned countrywide.
Is Surat worth visiting?
For its cultural and historical significance, Surat is totally worth visiting. Along with beautiful places to see, you can also find a shopping haven in Surat. The city caters to all types of travellers.
How can I spend a day in Surat?
With a plethora of destinations to choose from, it’ll be ideal if you would have an itinerary in place. It is very much essential that you sort the places as per your taste and likings. One can cover highly popular places like the Science Centre, Sardar Patel Museum, Sarthana Zoo etc. in one day.
Which is the famous food in Surat?
When in Surat, you will be welcomed to a wide variety of street food. Make sure you try sev tameta, misal pav, locho and Lahori omelette. People who seek places to visit in Vadodara for food, usually do not miss out on trying the Surati street food as well.