Surat Travel Guide – Best Places, Food, Culture & Trips

Surat is not only Gujarat’s commercial powerhouse but also a paradise for food lovers and shopaholics. Known for its diamond polishing industry, textile markets, beaches, and street food, it attracts tourists from across the globe. It is also one of the cleanest cities in India, making it a pleasant place to explore.

Best Places to Visit in Surat

1. Sarthana Nature Park & Zoo

A family-friendly attraction with a variety of animals, birds, and reptiles. Perfect for kids and nature lovers.

2. Dumas Beach

A popular seaside spot located on the Arabian Sea, famous for its scenic beauty, evening walks, and local snacks like bhajiyas.

3. Sardar Patel Museum

A historic museum showcasing art, artifacts, paintings, and sculptures representing Surat’s cultural heritage.

4. Dutch Garden

A beautifully maintained garden with colonial tombs and serene surroundings, ideal for evening relaxation.

5. Gopi Talav

A restored lake with boating, gardens, and entertainment activities for families.

6. ISKCON Temple Surat

A peaceful spiritual center, offering calmness amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.

Food in Surat – What to Eat

Surat is truly a food capital of Gujarat, loved for its unique flavors and snacks. Must-try food includes:

• Locho – A soft, spicy street food made from gram flour.
• Surti Undhiyu – A traditional Gujarati winter delicacy.
• Khaman, Dhokla & Sev Khamani – Famous snacks across Surat.
• Ponk & Ponk Vadas – A seasonal specialty available in winter.
• Surti Sev Usal – Spicy curry topped with sev, served with pav.
• Ghotalo, Cold Cocoa, Surti Ice Dishes – Perfect for foodies seeking variety.

Culture of Surat

• Festivals: Surat celebrates Uttarayan (kite festival), Navratri Garba, and Diwali with unmatched enthusiasm.
• Textiles & Diamonds: Surat is world-renowned for its diamond cutting and polishing industry and is one of the largest producers of textiles in India.
• Shopping: Visit Ring Road Textile Market, Sahara Darwaja, and Millennium Market for sarees, dress materials, and fabrics.
• Languages: Gujarati is widely spoken, but Hindi and English are also common.

Best Trips & Excursions from Surat

If you have more time, plan short trips around Surat:

• Dandi – A historic place famous for Gandhi’s Salt March.
• Tithal Beach (Valsad) – A peaceful beach just 2 hours away.
• Saputara – A hill station in the Western Ghats, perfect for a weekend trip.
• Bardoli – Known for its historic role in India’s independence movement.
• Daman & Silvassa – Popular coastal and forest getaways.

Travel Tips for Surat

• Best time to visit: October to March (pleasant weather).
• Book cabs, tempo travellers, or luxury cars in advance if traveling during festive seasons.
• Don’t miss the street food at Ghod Dod Road and Chowk Bazaar.
• Carry light cotton clothes in summer; evenings can be humid.

Surat is more than just a business hub – it’s a city full of life, flavors, and culture. Whether you’re savoring Surti Locho at a street stall, shopping for sarees in textile markets, or relaxing at Dumas Beach, Surat promises a memorable experience.

For a hassle-free journey, travel with Kwick Travels. We provide outstation cabs, local taxis, tempo travellers, buses on hire, and luxury car rentals in Surat for your comfort and convenience.