Holiday in Surat

About Surat

Surat is one of the fastest-growing cities in India and is located in the western state of Gujarat on the Tapi River, near its mouth into the Arabian Sea. The city is world-renowned as a global center for diamond cutting — about 90% of all diamonds cut worldwide are processed here. With over 7 million inhabitants, Surat is a vibrant metropolis that combines economic dynamism with a rich history. The textile industry forms the second major pillar: Surat is often referred to as the Silk City of India, as a large part of India's art silk and sari fabrics are produced here. The textile market on Ring Road is a huge shopping paradise with hundreds of shops. The Dutch Garden and the old fortress (Surat Castle) from the 16th century remind us of the time when Surat was one of the most important ports of the Mughal Empire. Portuguese, Dutch, British, and French fought for control over this strategic trading post. The East India Company established its first branch in India here in 1612. The street food in Surat is legendary and is considered among the best in all of India: Locho, Undhiyu, Ghari, and Surti Ponk are just a few of the local specialties that cannot be found elsewhere in this quality. The city has been repeatedly awarded by the Indian government as the cleanest city in India. Dumas Beach on the Arabian Sea and the Science Centre are popular destinations for families and travelers.