About Surat

Located: In Gujarat, on the left bank of the Tapti River, 14 miles from its mouth.

Area:153.16 km²

Languages spoken:Gujarati, Hindi, English.

Surat is situated in Gujarat, on the left bank of the Tapti river, 14 miles from its mouth. Surat is a port city and is the second largest city in Gujarat. It is the ninth largest city in India. A moat indicates the dividing-line between the old city, with its narrow streets and handsome houses, and the newer suburbs, but the city wall has almost disappeared. The Surat district is surrounded by Bharuch, Narmada (North), Navsari and Dang (South) districts. To the west is the Gulf of Cambay.

Surat has the most pleasant climate throughout the year. There is not much change in winter and summer temperature. Although one can visit Surat in any season, the best time to do so would be between October and March.

Surat is now India's second cleanest city after Chandigarh. Even after the floods in 2006, Surat maintained its cleanliness.

Surat was ranked the No.1 city in India to earn, invest and live.

Surat has the highest No. of flyovers in Gujarat. Surat has a very good shopping area. It includes all major brands. Pizza Hut, McDonald's, Subway are some of the major restaurant chains offering fast food to the locals.

Surat is famous for its huge textile and diamond business.

Most of the diamonds are polished in Surat. In 2005, Surat cut 92% of the world's diamond pieces. Because of this it earned India $8 billion in exports. The diamond industry was established in 1901 by gujarati diamond emigrants from South Africa and by mid 70's Surat-based diamond stones began exporting stones to the US for the first time.

Surat is also famous for its saree business. 2 out of every 10 sarees manufactured in India is from Surat. During festive season and during marriage season people fly to surat to buy sarees as they get more varities at cheaper rates too.

Surat has a large production of synthetic fibers and man-made fabrics, therefore contributing almost 28% of India's total synthetic fiber output and 40% of the nation's total man-made fabric production and computrised embroidery work. In addition it, is home to several major processing facilities/manufacturing centers for Reliance Petrochemicals, Essar Steel, Larsen & Toubro, KRIBHCO, ONGC, Shell, and many others.