Gujarat ·
Surat
A Tapi riverside trading port turned diamond and textile powerhouse, where Mughal-era Dutch and English garden-tombs sit alongside a modern gem-cutting industry. Once the Mughal Empire’s principal port for the Mecca pilgrimage and Indian Ocean trade, Surat now cuts and polishes the vast majority of the world’s diamonds, a legacy visible at the Surat Diamond Bourse alongside older landmarks like the Dutch Garden’s colonial-era tombstones and the Mughal-built Surat Castle on the riverbank.
Surat at a Glance
Why Surat?
The highlights, landmarks and experiences that make this destination worth visiting.
- Dumas Beach
- Andrew Library
- Surat castle
- Gopi Talav
- Science Centre Surat
Surat at a Glance
Essential travel information to understand Surat before planning your visit.
Can be combined with
Explore Surat
Places to Visit
- Dumas Beach: A popular black-sand beach located about 21 km from the city center, known for its serene sunset views, gentle waves, and local food stalls selling roasted corn and chai.
- Andrew Library: In 1850, a wealthy pearl merchant, Naginchand Jhaveri, donated funds for the construction of this library and named it after the British collector Andrews for his help. Its associated hall was used for stage shows and gatherings but later converted into part of the library.
- Surat castle: This historical castle, which was planned and built between 1540 and 1546 by Khudawand Khan on the banks of the River Tapi, is one of the chief ancient monuments of Surat.
- Gopi Talav: Lake is renovated and now has very good garden, restaurant and boating facility available.
- Science Centre Surat: Over and above Science Center (Fun science section), The complex has museum, art gallery, planetarium, auditorium, amphi theater, diamond gallery. It is host of many cultural events and art exhibitions.
Things to Do
- Causeway: Causeway is a low level check dam build on the River Tapi. Water sports facility is available in the upstream water.
- Chintanamani Jain Temple: The Jain temple was constructed during the regime of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1699 AD. It is at Muglisara, near mausoleum of Mirjan Sami.
- City Science Centre: Has a planetarium, science models, art gallery & museum (shifted from Chowk Sardar Patel Museum.)
- Diamond market: Surat is largely recognized for its textile and diamond businesses: 92% of the world's diamonds are cut and polished in Surat. Lots of diamond factory at Varachha road.
- Dutch, English and Armenian Cemeteries: Dutch, English and Armenian Cemeteries is worth a visit while in Surat.
- Dutch Garden: The ancient Dutch gardens, the Dutch cemetery and Makaipul, the old original port from where the ships sailed to other parts of the world are other attractions.
Sightseeing Places
- Dumas Beach: A popular black-sand beach located about 21 km from the city center, known for its serene sunset views, gentle waves, and local food stalls selling roasted corn and chai.
- Andrew Library: In 1850, a wealthy pearl merchant, Naginchand Jhaveri, donated funds for the construction of this library and named it after the British collector Andrews for his help. Its associated hall was used for stage shows and gatherings but later converted into part of the library.
- Surat castle: This historical castle, which was planned and built between 1540 and 1546 by Khudawand Khan on the banks of the River Tapi, is one of the chief ancient monuments of Surat.
- Gopi Talav: Lake is renovated and now has very good garden, restaurant and boating facility available.
- Science Centre Surat: Over and above Science Center (Fun science section), The complex has museum, art gallery, planetarium, auditorium, amphi theater, diamond gallery. It is host of many cultural events and art exhibitions.
Places That Define Surat
Explore the most iconic landmarks and sacred sites.
Dumas Beach
A popular black-sand beach located about 21 km from the city center, known for its serene sunset views, gentle waves, and local food stalls selling roasted corn and chai.
Andrew Library
In 1850, a wealthy pearl merchant, Naginchand Jhaveri, donated funds for the construction of this library and named it after the British collector Andrews for his help. Its associated hall was used for stage shows and gatherings but later converted into part of the library.
Surat castle
This historical castle, which was planned and built between 1540 and 1546 by Khudawand Khan on the banks of the River Tapi, is one of the chief ancient monuments of Surat.
Gopi Talav
Lake is renovated and now has very good garden, restaurant and boating facility available.
Science Centre Surat
Over and above Science Center (Fun science section), The complex has museum, art gallery, planetarium, auditorium, amphi theater, diamond gallery. It is host of many cultural events and art exhibitions.
Explore Destination on Map
Discover all sub-destinations, routes and detailed navigation information on an interactive map.
Explore Surat on Map
Open the destination map to discover attractions and routes.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Way
- When to Visit: Climate-based guidance for choosing your dates.
- Getting Around: How to reach and move around.
- Budget & Practical Tips: Costs and safety notes from local guidebook sources.
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport is Surat International Airport (STV), about 14 km from Surat.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Surat railway station, about 1 km from central Surat.
- By Road: The Central Bus Station is on opposite side of Railway Station and has regular buses to different towns of Gujarat, operated by the GSRTC. Out-State bus stops at this depot.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer: Summer in Surat (Apr, May, Jun) averages 27–36°C with about 31 mm of rain per month.
- Monsoon: Monsoon in Surat (Jul, Aug, Sep) averages 26–30°C with about 418 mm of rain per month.
- Post-monsoon: Post-monsoon in Surat (Oct, Nov) averages 22–32°C with about 87 mm of rain per month.
- Winter: Winter in Surat (Dec, Jan, Feb) averages 19–32°C with about 1 mm of rain per month.
Weather
- Summer: Average highs of 36°C and lows of 27°C.
- Monsoon: Average highs of 30°C and lows of 26°C.
- Post-monsoon: Average highs of 32°C and lows of 22°C.
- Winter: Average highs of 32°C and lows of 19°C.
Travel Tips
- Staying safe: Surat is one of the safest city in India, and even travelling at night is not a matter for concern, as the city night life is such that people don't interfere much with other. Everybody is busy with their own friends and family; leave them alone, and you'll be fine.
- Getting around: While the city has a local city bus system, the public transport needs of the city are met by privately operated auto rickshaws. A lot of road engineering projects have been completed, particularly the elevated roads, or flyovers in the diamond and textile districts of the city.
- Climate: The climate is tropical and the city receives the full impact of the monsoon. Winter Temperature: Max 31°C, Min 12°C Summer Temperature: Max 42°C, Min 24°C Rainfall: mid-June to mid-September 931.9 mm Lowest Recorded Temperature: 6.5°C Highest Recorded Temperature: 48°C
- Heat: Daytime highs reach about 37°C in March; carry water and plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning.
- Rain: The wettest months are July, August, September and October; check road and site conditions before travelling.
Local Transport
- By bus rapid transit: The Surat BRTS network has expanded rapidly.
- By metro: The Surat Metro is under construction as of April 2026. Both lines are expected to be operational by December 2027.
Suggested Itinerary
Choose the perfect duration for your Surat trip.
Spiritual & Religious
Planning Guide
- Overview: Surat, a bustling commercial city in South Gujarat, is a major gemstone centre with over 92% of the world's diamonds being cut here. On the banks of the Tapi River, Surat was a major port in medieval India as well as the early British colonial times till the formation of the city of Bombay (present-day Mumbai). It is the second-largest city in Gujarat with a population of nearly seven million (2025), and an example of both the boom in Gujarat's development and a continuation of the state's historical role as a cent
- Accommodation: For a decent hotel you need to spend at least ₹ 2000. Hotel Merit offers excellent, clean, reliable and reasonably priced accommodation (₹1880 per 24 hours stay) – and it at least looks like the newest of the hotels clustered helpfully near the railway station. Listed options include Budget Inn Bellevue, Best Western Yuvraj and Hotel Park Inn.
- Best Way To Explore: While the city has a local city bus system, the public transport needs of the city are met by privately operated auto rickshaws. A lot of road engineering projects have been completed, particularly the elevated roads, or flyovers in the diamond and textile districts of the city.
The Sacred Heart of Surat
A timeless journey of faith and devotion.
Significance
Surat, a bustling commercial city in South Gujarat, is a major gemstone centre with over 92% of the world's diamonds being cut here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Surat is most comfortable in January, November and December, when average daytime highs stay at or below 32°C and rainfall is low. The hottest month is March (average high 37°C) and the wettest months are July, August, September and October.
The nearest airport is Surat International Airport (STV), about 14 km away. The nearest railway station is Surat railway station, about 1 km away. See the How to Reach page for road, rail and air details.
Main attractions include Dumas Beach, Andrew Library, Surat castle, Gopi Talav and Science Centre Surat.
A stay of 1 day covers the main sights. Ready-made 1-day and 2-day itineraries are linked on this page.
Average highs range from 30°C to 37°C over the year, with about 1526 mm of rain in total.
Tour Packages for Surat
Your Surat Journey Starts Here
Explore top attractions, local culture, and the experiences that make this destination worth visiting.