One of the most popular places in Gujarat, Surat is very well known for its textile and diamond industry. However, what most people do not know is that there are a number of places in and around the city which makes it a pleasure for travelers to visit. Surat is blessed with wonderful beaches and historical museums, from great shopping spots to some delectable food joints and it is sure to win the heart of every travel enthusiast.
| Places | Open Time | Entry Fee |
| Surat Castle | 10 am – 6 pm | N/A |
| Mughal Sarai | 24 hours | N/A |
| Dutch Garden | 8 am – 11 pm. | N/A |
| The Tomb of Khudawand Khan | 6 am – 6 pm | N/A |
| Sarthana National Park | 10 am – 5 pm | Rs. 15/- |
| Ambika Niketan Temple | 10 am – 5 pm | N/A |
| Sardar Patel Museum | 9 am – 5 pm | Rs. 20/- |
| Rang Upvan | 10am – 10pm | N/A |
Also known as the Old Fort, the Surat Castle was built in the early 18th century to defend the city against the Portuguese. From the top of the fort, one can enjoy a beautiful vista of the Tapi River which flows by. The fort is a great place to explore and the nooks and corners of the fort are filled with all kinds of stories. This is a must- visit for those who want to study historical architecture. Do not forget to attend the video presentation which tells you the history of the Sultanate in Gujarat. This is one of the best places to visit near Surat within 50 km.
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The name Mughal Sarai itself invokes history and tourists visit this structure in droves even today to imagine what it must have been like to travel during the Mughal era. The structure was previously used as an inn or Sarai and today the building houses many government offices of Surat Municipality. The stunning art work and intricate engravings on the arches still proudly proclaim the grandeur of Mughal heritage. There are a number of cafes and restaurants nearby where one can enjoy authentic Gujarati cuisine.
The Dutch Garden, also known as the Dutch Cemetery, happened to be the burial ground for many Dutch and British officials who had settled in that part of the country in the colonial era and were later laid to rest. There are a number of tombs here and the landscape has been wonderfully maintained. The most iconic tomb inside the garden is that of Baron Adrian Van Reede, who himself happened to be the director of the Dutch company and the mausoleums of the Dutch cemeteries. It is one of the most unique tourist places to visit in Surat.
Located near Chakla Bazaar, the tomb happens to be the resting place of one of the most revered governors of Surat, Khudawand Khan. It is said that he did much for the prosperity of the city and to promote it as a commercial hub, for which it is famous till today. The tomb has wonderful Islamic engravings and the architecture is stunning. The Chakla Bazaar nearby is itself one of the most popular places to visit in Surat for shopping where one can pick out traditional Bandhni dupattas, accessories like cloth bags and jootis and glass bangles.
The Park was created in 1984 and today happens to be the largest butterfly park in the country. Many rare and exotic species of butterflies can be found here and a habitat conducive to their growth environment has been created here. One can also collect a lot of information regarding the butterflies from here. Apart from butterflies, it is also a great place to learn about and see some wildlife and there are a number of deer, langurs, wild rabbits, zebras and many species of birds to be seen here. The nature trails here will let you take a walk amidst lush greenery. It is one of the best places to visit near Surat within 300 km and enjoy a picnic.
Also located near the Tapi River, this temple happens to be a most revered site of pilgrimage for the people of Surat. The temple was built in 1969 and there are two smaller shrines inside the temple, one dedicated to Lord Ram and his wife Sita, and the other dedicated to Laxminarayan. The main shrine is dedicated to Goddess Ambika and festivals like Navaratri are held here with great pomp. Even if one is not spiritually inclined, one must visit this temple complex for its serenity and calm. After a visit to the temple, one can enjoy the beautiful view of the River Tapi and go boating. Overall, it is one of the best places to visit near Surat for 1 day.
One of the best places to visit in Surat is the Sardar Patel Museum and it is a popular tourist attraction. The museum has a large collection of ancient artifacts, maps, books, scrolls, paintings, statues, historical documents among others and they tell the annals of the glorious past of Gujarat and this country. There is also a planetarium at the museum, along with an exhibition room with maps of travelers. The audio- visual show which talks about the creation of the universe is a major draw and various school excursions are held here from time to time.
The biggest outdoor amphitheater in Surat, Rang Upvan frequently plays host to notable Gujarati plays and many respected theater personalities have performed here. Apart from plays, musical concerts and even yoga sessions are held here. The grounds are almost always booked and groups and performers have to book the venue months in advance to get a slot here. Anyone who looks forward to exploring the cultural scene of Surat must come here for some of the performances.
These fabulous places in Surat will surely make you fall in love with the city and you are sure to plan your next visit here again soon enough.
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