The East India Company established its first warehouses
in Surat in 1612. And it was at Surat that Sir Thomas Roe
landed when he came as King James' ambassador to the court
of Emperor Jehangir. In Mughal times, Surat was the main
port from which pilgrims sailed to Mecca.
Even today, Surat is a premier industrial city of India.
It is a city of riches, of gems and diamonds. Times may
have changed but Surat remains and continues to grow.
Surat was founded by Parsi refugees in the 12th century,
and it emerged as a minor trading post during the 1500s
when it was plundered and razed numerous times by the Portuguese.
In 1592, after a protracted siege, the town fell to Akbar,
under whose patronage; it became one of India's most prosperous
mercantile capitals, as well as a key transit point for
Muslims heading to Mecca.
Prime Attractions
The Old Fort: Built by Mohammad Tughlak in the 14th century,
as a defence fortification against the Bhils.
The Textile Market: Surat's vast and active textile market
testifies its importance in the textile trade even today.
Dumas:
A seaside health resort 16 kms from Surat.
Hajira:
It is situated 28 kms from Surat. The pleasant Hajira
Beach is fringed by feathery 'Casurina' trees and has a
comfortable holiday home for visitors.
Dandi:
Situated on the coastline and well known as a salt centre,
Dandi has acquired a name in history after the famous 'Dandi
March Salt Satyagraha' launched by Gandhiji in March, 1930
AD.
While overtly the Dandi march purported to protest against
the hateful Salt Tax levied by the British, the underlying
purpose was to kindle the spark of Civil Disobedience and
thereby attain independence.
On a warm April morning in 1930, Gandhi and his 78 followers
marched 241 miles to Dandi and formally breached the Salt
Law, an act that would go down in the annals of history
as the first salvo to be fired against the British Empire.
How to Get There
Air:
Various domestic airlines connecting Mumbai and Bhavnagar.
Rail:
Surat is on the Mumbai - Delhi - Ahmedabad broad gauge
line.
Road:
State transport buses and private luxury coaches connects
various centres of Gujarat, Maharashtra , Madhya Pradesh
, Delhi and Rajasthan , Surat is 282 Kms from Mumbai 129
Kms from Vadodara & 230 Kms from Ahmedabad.
Local Transport:
Tourist taxis, metered auto rickshaws and the city bus
service are main modes for commuting.
