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Area : 200 sq.
kms.
Since the early times the ancient port of Surat has been renowned
for its fine silks and exquisite brocades and its trade in spices.
The name is associated with ‘Saurashtra’ (The Good Land) the
regions covering the peninsula of Gujarat. It is situated on the
banks of the Tapti River and owes its development to its importance
as a trading centre. It was large in 1600 and even after a decline
in its fortunes the population in 1796 was estimated to be as much
as 800,000.
History of Surat is the saga of survival. Having lost its eminence
as a major port on the west cost of India in favour of Mumbai the
city has fought back as an industrial and trade centre. Mushrooming
textile and diamond industry has earned for Surat its lost glory. To
cap its achievements the cleanliness drive has catapulted it to an
enviable status of the “clean city”.
Surat has been one of the most prosperous of India’s cities in the
17th and 18th century. The East India Company established its first
warehouses in Surat in 1612. In Mughal times Surat was the main port
from which pilgrims sailed to Mecca. Parsis first settled in Surat
in the 12th century and the town was the port of choice for the
Mughals British Dutch and French down through the centuries. Now it
is a major industrial centre especially for the manufacture of
textiles and chemicals and the processing and finishing of diamonds.
Places of attraction :-
The Old Fort:
Built by Muhammed Tughlak in the 14th century as a defence
fortification against the Bhills.
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.
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
Mumbai-Vadodara Western Railway. A beautiful sandy beach and
palm-sheltered cottages is what you would get to see there.
Bardoli:
It is situated 34 kms. from Surat. Mahatma Gandhi had launched a
farmers satyagarh in 1921-22 under the leadership of Sardar
Vallababhai Patel. Swaraj Ashram at Bardoli has become a place
pilgrimage in India.
Ukai:
It is situated 94 kms. From Surat. It houses a major multipurpose
irrigation project of Gujarat. The storage of water at the dam site
is nearly as large as that of Bhakra Nangal dam in Punjab.
Bulsar:
The Vansada National Park is situated in Bulsar District. Wild
animals such as Leopards, Tigers, Panthers and Wildboars are found
here.
Castle:
The Castle on the banks of the Tapti near the old bridge provides a
good vantage point for viewing the city and surrounding countryside.
Built in 1546 by the Sultan of Gujarat the castle is on the river
bank beside Tapti Bridge. There is a good view over the city and
river form its bastions.
The museum nearby has an interesting collection of textiles,
furniture, painting stamps, coins and ceramics. Beside all these
places Surat has a number of mosques and Jain Hindu and Parsi
temples. |
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