Surat is a port city famous for Sarees and textiles manufacturing. Surat and its metropolitan area had a population of approximately 2.9 million. The city is situated on the left bank of the Tapti River, 14 miles from its mouth. A moat indicates the dividing-line between the old city, with its narrow streets and handsome houses, and the newer suburbs, but the city wall has almost disappeared. The city is largely recognized for its textile and diamond businesses. Surat is also the a district in the state of Gujarat. Surat city is the administrative headquarters of this district. This district is surrounded by Bharuch, Narmada (North), Navsari and Dang (South) districts. To the west is the Gulf of Cambay. In the year 1496, a Hindu trader called Mallik Gopi settled in Surat. According to the Portuguese chronicles, he was considered the governor of Surat but could not prevent the city from being looted at least seven times. In 1861, Zafarali Mills took the plunge in the field of textiles. Nowadays, Surat is the main textile market of India and it has grown tremendously, not in the least because of establishments of several multinational companies in the field of petrochemicals, steel and cement. is also famous for its 'Ghari's' (a type of a sweet). Surat will probably never forget the donation of Sir Ferdunji Sorabji Parekh to the Government of Surat. Sir Parekh donated about five million Rs in the year 1915, i.e. with a value of about 2500 million Rs these days. The fund was raised for the development of educational and cultural activities in Surat.

WHERE TO STAY HOW TO REACH By Air - Surat city is well connected by the major cities like Delhi and Mumbai with regular flights provided by Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Sahara, Spicejet and Air Deccan. By Rail - Surat is well connected to major cities like Mumbai & Ahmedabad with express and regular trains. By Road - Surat is has a good road network, well connected to the other cities. There are frequent buses avail be from Mumbai. WHEN TO GO Best time to travel Surat is between October and March. WHAT TO SEE Dutch Garden - The ancient Dutch gardens, the Dutch cemetery and Makaipul, the original port from where the ships sailed to other parts of the world. Textile Market - The market is famous for fine silk fabric. Rangupavan - It is the open air theatre. The Old Fort - The fort is worth visiting, it was built in the 14th century. Dumas - It the famous sea-side health resort. WHERE TO EAT There are so many good restaurants serving regional Gujarati, Indian, continental and Chinese cuisnes.