The 12 Best Things To Do In Surat

Surat is the second largest city in Gujarat and the ninth largest in the country. It is well known as the diamond city of India and over 90 percent of the world’s diamonds are cut and polished here. It is also one of the major industrial hubs of Gujarat. Additionally it is also a major textile producer and a growing IT hub of India. In terms of fun and frolic, Surat has many sights, sounds and activities that will entertain you immensely. Find the best ones below.

Best Things To Do In Surat

1. Feel the chills at Dumas Beach

Dumas Beach in Surat is famous for paranormal activities. Multiple incidents have been reported here by locals and visitors who claim spirits walk along the shore at night. People have reported screams at night, spooky laughter and strange sounds.

Allegedly there have been incidents of people disappearing from Dumas Beach. If you’re visiting in the day, enjoy strolling on the expansive beach and binge on local food items (bhajiya and tomato puri) sold at the beach.

• Where: Arabian Sea, Surat

2. Pray at ISKCON Temple

Get a spiritual high at Surat’s iconic ISKCON Temple. The atmospherics inside this vast temple complex will make you feel calm and happy. Take part in the aartis and bhajans that regularly take place at the temple and shop from the souvenir store at the temple.

Admire the artfully carved and decorated statues of Rama, Laxman, Sita, Krishna and Radha. You can also sit and meditate in the quiet premises of the temple.

• Where: Jahangirpura, Surat

3. Get a glimpse of history at Surat Fort

The Castle of Surat is a 16th century construction. The then King of Ahmedabad Sultan Mahmud III had ordered its construction as a defence against invasions. Located on the banks of river Tapi, the Fort is an irregular square shape in the middle, with two high towers built on two sides.

Located around 4 kilometres from Surat station, this fort has been restored to rebuild its erstwhile glory. You can take some great pictures of the fort ramparts, a must-visit for those who love history.

• Where: Varasa

4. Experience aquatic life at Jagdishchandra Bose Aquarium

This underwater aquarium is a delight for marine biology enthusiasts. There are around 100 species of fish including sharks. These fishes are collected from freshwater, lagoons and oceans.

Fishes include stingrays, piranhas, jellyfish, goldfish, starfish, lobsters, eels, turtles and a shark tank. Visit this place with kids and family.

• Where: Pal

5. Enjoy wholesome family time at Gopi Talav

Surrounded by mango orchards, Gopi Talav offers many recreational activities, including a lake for boating, train rides, bumper cars, bull rides, wall climbing, carousel, water tricycles, zip lines.

You can also check out various zones such as history zones, food zone, diamond zone, textile zone and environmental awareness zone. Gopi Talav also has a jogging park, a well-maintained garden and an open-air theatre.

• Where: Rustampura

6. Visit European style Dutch Gardens

The Dutch Gardens are one of the most visited places in Surat. Here you will find mausoleums and magnificently carved tombstones of British, Armenia and Dutch officials who visited Surat for business reasons. Check out the imposing tombs of Christopher and George Oxenden, the mausoleum of Baron Adrian Van Reede and the Anglican Church and an old English factory nearby.

The gardens are designed in European style and are very well-maintained and manicured. Surat residents come here for jogging and walks.

• Where: Nanpura

7. Stroll along the Tapi Riverfront at night

For a leisurely evening walk alongside Tapi river, do visit the Tapi riverfront which is well-maintained and huge. It looks picturesque when it is fully lit up at night.

The place is ideal for spending quiet time in front of the peaceful river and there are several restaurants where you can eat great Surati food. You can take amazing pictures of the riverfront as well as the surrounding areas.

• Where: Adajan Patiya

8. Visit Sarthana Nature Park

A lush green nature park in Surat, Sarthana is home to many species of animals and has a zoo worth visiting. Animal species you can spot here are lion, tiger, antelope, blackbuck, spotted deer, otter, pelican, flamingo, crocodile and python.

The nature park is a great place to trek through thick foliage and eucalyptus and mango trees. The park is only 8 kilometres away from Surat and is a great way to spend time in nature and spot exotic and endangered animals.

• Where: Surat Kamrej Road

9. Go on a shopping spree

In Surat, you will find the most versatile range of textiles in many of its markets. Some of them are New Textile Market, Radha Krishna Market, Adarsh Market, Textile Tower Market. You will find an amazing assortment of sarees, fabric, embroidered cloth and material.

Famous markets in Surat are Shanivari Market for trinkets and souvenirs, a unique Saturday Flea Market, Old Bombay Market for sarees and Varachha and Mahidharpura for diamonds.

• Where: Surat

10. Sunset at Ubharat Beach

Drive down to the secluded and pristine Ubharat Beach to enjoy lounging around the seashore and simply relaxing.

This is a great way to spend time with the family or have some peace and quiet all alone. The beach offers a great view of the sunset, and the twilight hour at the beach looks surreal and beautiful. You can also find food stalls nearby selling local eats.

• Where: Near Navsari

11. Explore Sardar Patel Museum

Established in 1889, Sardar Patel Museum is home to over 10,000 art and craft artefacts. You will find many ancient art specimens made from terracotta and metal. You will also find many exhibits from the Mughal era.

There is also a notable collection of Surat’s ethnic history. The museum also has a planetarium.

• Where: Swamy Dayanand Sagar Marg

12. Eat delicious Surati food

One of the many delights of Surat is its delectable cuisine. The specialty items are Locho – a variant of Gujarati Khaman, the mouth-watering Surati Sev Khamani which is made from chana dal,  the special Surati Oondhiyu which is made from eight vegetables and a big array of bhajiyas like Lashkari bhajiya, tomato bhajia, aloo bhajia and more. Try ponk vadas, a special innovation of Surat.

You will find street vendors and roadside restaurants and shops selling one or more of these items in Surat. Gaurav Path at Piplod is a famous street food area.

• Where: Streets of Surat

Enjoy all these things to do in Surat on your next tip. The city will charm you with its hospitality and vibrant colours. What is your favourite thing to do in Surat? Let us know in the comments below.