SURAT, city situated on the left bank of river “Tapi” once one of western India’s major ports and trading towns. Surat is second largest city in Gujarat and ninth largest in India. Surat is famous for its textile and diamond businesses. Three-quarters of the world’s diamonds are cut and polished in Surat. Surat has highest number of flyovers in Gujarat state.
The city is probably best known these days, however, as the site of an outbreak of pneumonic plague in 1994, Surat proudly claim to be one of the India’s cleanest cities with glorious past and bright future.
Best places to visit in and around the Surat :
There are several historical monuments in and around Surat. The major attractions are Dandi, Dumas, Hajira, Tithal and Ubhrat. Dandi, is a place which is historical very important. Dandi is the place where Mahatma Gandhi started Dandi March in 1930. Dumas, a beach located 16 km away from Surat city. Hajira, is one more beautiful beach which is 28 km away from the city. Ubhrat is a one more beautiful beach 42 km away from the city.
Surat District is one among 25 Districts of Gujarat State ,India. Surat District Administrative head quarter is Surat. It is is Located 267 KM North towards State capital Gandhinagar . Surat District population is 6081322. It is 2 nd Largest District in the State by population.
Geography and Climate Surat District
It is Located at Latitude-21.1, Longitude-72.8. Surat District is sharing border with Nandurbar District to the East , Bharuch District to the North , Narmada District to the North , Navsari District to the South . It is sharing Border with Maharashtra State to the East . Its in the 93 meters to 139 meters elevation range.This District belongs to Western India . It is a Coastal district and beaches also there.Surat District is sharing border with arabian sea.
Census 2011 of Surat District
Surat district Total population is 6081322 according to census 2011. It is the 2nd largest district in the state by Population . But Largest District in the state By Area. 12th Largest District in the Country By Population. 1st highest District in the State By literacy rate. 54th highest District in the Country By literacy rate.its literacy Rate is 87.89
History ::
Surat, previously known as Suryapur, is a city in the Indian state of Gujarat. Surat – the modern port city of today boasts of a great historical and cultural heritage. The history of Surat takes us back to the epic age of Mahabharata and Ramayana. According to mythological beliefs, Lord Krishna stopped in the city whiles his journey from Mathura to Dwarka.
Surat of today has earned the reputation of an important industrial hub and commercial center of the country. A glimpse on the history of Surat will prove that the city has always been a great trading center.
The great explorer Hiuen Tsang referred the Surat City as Sowrata and described it as a business town on the shore of Arabian Sea near Gujarat.
Surat reached the highest point of prosperity during the sixteenth century. The Surat Port was considered important by the European traders. The British and the Portuguese waged battles against each other to gain supreme control over the trading route. The French and the Dutch also arrived in the city with merchandising objectives. The place is also known as India’s western gateway because of its strategic position. People of many races from various places have come to Surat from the ancient times, because of which, the city has witnessed a blend of many traditions and cultures.
Surat is also known to be the world’s largest diamond manufacturing centre, home to over 5,000 diamond manufacturing units including most advanced, large-scale diamond cutting factories in the world. The Surat SEZ boasts of over 100 listed companies and is fast emerging as a leading jewellery production hub.
The art and culture of Surat is much diversified and the people here are generally of soft nature. The pleasure loving people of Surat have a very stylish and spirited outlook. The language that is mostly spoken in the Surat City is Surti Gujrati language.Many people refer to the unique culture of Surat as the “Surti Culture”. Surti culture though distinct in its flavor still retains the main essence of the Indian culture. Most residents here are Hindus, though other minority communities like Muslims and Christians are also its residents. Most of the major Hindu festivals are celebrated here but especially the festivals of Navaratri and Diwali along with Makar Sankranti are celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Apart from the history and highlights of Surat, Gujarat is also proud to be the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, India’s Father of Nation. Today the state has conserved Mahatma with museums, statues, ashrams and much more. This is the place where he was born and started movements that forced British’s out and gave India independence. The very famous Sabarmati Aashram, which was one of the residences of Gandhi, is just 3-4 hrs drive from Surat. One who wishes to learn more about the life of Mahatma Gandhi should visit this place.
Diamond City” : Surat is well known for its Diamond business. “Silk City” : Surat is also known as “Textile city”
Head Qu
arters : Surat
Language : Gujarati and Sindhi, Hindi, Marvadi, English, Marathi, Telugu, And Oriya
Area: 7,657 sq. km
Population : 6081322
Sex Ratio : 788
Density : 1376/ sq. km
Literacy : 87.89
Elevation / Altitude: 93 – 139 meters. Above Seal level
District Pin code Index: 394XXX, 395XXX
Vehicle Registration Number: GJ-05, GJ-19
RTO Office: Bardoli, Surat
List Of Talukas in Surat
- Bardoli
- Chorasi
- Kamrej
- Mahuva
- Mandvi
- Mangrol
- Umarpada
- Olpad
- Palsana
- Surat City (Majura, Adajan, Udhna, Katargam, Puna)