The city is near the mouth of the Tapti River and the Gulf of Khambhat 14 miles from its mouth. 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. A major seaport from the 16th century, it was conquered by the Mughals in 1573 and was twice sacked by the Marathas in the 17th century.

The city cleaned up its act and its civic image after a major epidemic struck in the early 90s. Today the city administration prides itself on the cleanliness and its well kept streets and urban districts.

However Surat is a city poor in historical places and natural sights, but rich in riches. Flooded with business and industries, it is a city with peace and maximum prosperity. Recently selected amongst the cleanest one, Surat owes a healthy share in the exports of Diamond and Textile products.

Being the city of diamonds and textiles, Surat today is a fast developing and modern commercial centre and its home to South Gujarats only international class Five Star luxury hotels.

Many of the popular types of food of the state of Gujarat originated in this region.

Most major Indian festivals such as Diwali and Ganesh Chaturthi are celebrated here with enthusiasm. The kite flying festival of Makar Sankranti is especially popular in the city.

The climate can be categorised as mild to warm with little variations in the temperatures through the different seasons. Surats proximity to the Arabian Sea ensures that summer temperatures never get intolerable though average temperatures do climb as high as 38. Its the humidity that is really enervating. Winters are mild while the region receives a fair bit of rain during the rainy season from June to September. From October onwards till March are really the most pleasant months of the whole year.

The entire Indian sub continent has the same health hazards so one line of defence should cover you on all territories. The major risks to your health from the armies of mosquitoes are malaria, encephalitis, kala azar and dengue. Bearing this in mind take a trip.