Surat (Gujarat)
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Hotels & Resorts in Surat |
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 Since the earliest times,
the ancient port of Surat has been renowned for its fine silks and exquisite
brocades and its trade in spices. Surat has been one of the most prosperous of
India's cities in the 17th and 18th century. Surat, the city of commerce was an
important port that first attracted the Europeans to the riches of India.
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.
GENERAL INFORMATION
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Location:140 Kms From Vadodara,
Gujarat.
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Founded In: 12th century.
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Main Attractions: Old Fort, Dandi.
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Languages: Gujarati, Hindi, English.
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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.
EXCURSIONS
Ubharat: It is situated 42 kms from Surat. Ubharat is known for a fine,
sandy beach with a backdrop of shady palm groves.
Tithal: It is situated 108 kms from Surat and 5 kms from Valsad on the
Bombay Vadodara Western Railway. A beautiful sandy beach palm sheltered cottages
is what you would get to see there.
Bardoli: It is situated 34 kms from Surat. Gandhiji had launched a
farmers' movement known as the 'Bardoli Satyagrah' in 1921-22 under the
leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Swaraj Ashram at Bardoli has become a
place of pilgrimage in India.
Ukai: It is situated 94 kms from Surat. A major multipurpose irrigation
project of Gujarat, the storage of water at the dam site is almost as large as
that of Bhakra Nangal Dam in Punjab .
Bulsar: The Vansda National Park is situated in Bulsar District. Wild
animals such as leopards, tigers, panthers and wild boars are found here.
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.
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