I am going to Surat in India at the end of November, which is my birth place. I have previously been many times for a maximum of 2 weeks. This time round my stay is for much longer about a month. I would love to spend time in Surat but would also like to know if there are any places to visit near Surat as well, like some hill station or tourist destinations. I can probably go to more than one place as I would have plenty of time. I am quite interested in wildlife, so if there is any such place to visit, please post details about it.
Hello, @Naina! Welcome to the forum! Here are some places near Surat that you can visit: Places Under 200 Kilometres from Surat 1. Silvassa - This is the capital of the union territory Dadra and Nagar Haveli. It is about 145 kilometres away from the city of Surat. The city was once a Portuguese colony and you can still find traces of the bygone era in the surrounding structures within it. Despite being ruled by the Portuguese or even the Marathas, the tribal communities of the city are still intact and very much a part of the region. The city boasts of natural sceneries, from its lake, gardens and wildlife park. The Silvassa Vasona Lion Safari has about two to three Asiatic lions and you can easily spot them in the park. This safari cannot be compared to the likes of the safaris in the Corbett National Park or Ranthambore National Park though, as the area is fairly small and there are no other animals that you can see. It's still a good way to see the majestic Asiatic lions though. Another wildlife sanctuary you can visit though is the Satmaliya Deer Park. This sanctuary is home to deer species like chinkaras, blackbucks and spotted deers. You can also spot some peacocks, porcupines, ducks and rabbits around the park. You can also enjoy boating in the Dudhni Lake or even some water sports activities. The Swami Narayan Temple is also a major attraction of the city. This temple is a replica of the Akshardham Temple. It is located in a large area and has beautifully crafted exteriors as well as interiors. Must visit places - Silvassa Vasona Lion Safari, Satmaliya Deer Park, Swami Narayan Temple, Dudhni Lake, Nakshatra Garden, Silvassa Tribal Museum, Vanganga Lake Garden and Om Temple. 2. Saputara - This is about 159 kilometres away from Surat. This is a hill station in Gujarat, situated about 1,000 metres above sea level. Being a planned hill station, Saputara has many amenities for tourists. Hotels here range from luxury to budget ones. There are also various adventure activities that the tourists can join in like horse riding, boating, cable riding, trekking and camping. One famous attraction here is the Gira Waterfall, which drops to a height of about 75 feet. You need to walk for about one kilometre to reach the falls. There are a few food stalls selling snacks and beverages near the falls. But during the summer season and winter season, these stalls do close off. The waterfalls aren't so magnificent during the other seasons as well, except monsoon. About 37 kilometres away from Saputara, there's the Vansda National Park. The national park is home to a wide variety of mammals, insects, snakes and birds. While you're there, try to find the largest spider in Gujarat, known as the giant wood spider. If you're not satisfied, you can travel a bit further to the Purna Wildlife Sanctuary, about 77 kilometres away from Saputara. This sanctuary is home to many bird species as well as insects. Saputara is also home to many gardens and parks, which can be relaxing tourist attractions for weary guests. Must visit places - Gira Waterfalls, Vansda National Park, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary, Saputara Lake, Saputara Tribal Museum, Lake Garden, Step Garden, Hatgadh Fort and many more. 3. Vadodara - One of the safest cities in India, this small city is gaining popularity, both as a tourist hub and an economic hub. The city, unlike the other two mentioned, have good infrastructures and have a variety of malls and multiplexes. It is also just about 154 kilometres from Surat. The city has also preserved much of its culture, as evidenced by the cultural programs held every so often here. Despite being an urbanised city, Vadodara has done well to maintain some greenery in many areas. The heritage of the city has also been saved, as one can witness through the palaces and temples here. The Laxmi Vilas Palace, is one of the biggest of its kind in the world. The palace was originally built for just two persons but it has over 150 rooms. It has intricate stained glass windows and even used both local and international materials for its construction. For some wildlife experience, visit the Sayaji Baug and Zoo, which has some species of animals, museums, a planetarium and even a toy train. The Asiatic lions are the primary attractions of the zoo but it also has a number of birds in it. Must visit places - Laxmi Vilas Palace, Sayaji Baug and Zoo, Maharaja Fatesingh Museum, Tapovan Temple, Nandalay Haveli and many more. Related thread - Places to Visit Near Ahmedabad & Places to Travel Alone in India. Places Under 350 Kilometres from Surat 1. Nashik - This city is located in Maharashtra, at an elevation of about 700 metres above sea level. It is about 240 kilometres away from Surat. The Godavari River flows around the city, which is sometimes referred to as the Ganga River of the South. Perhaps what makes Nashik famous is that the Kumbh Mela, celebrated every 12 years, is held here. Yet another reason to visit the city is because of its grape vineyards. The brands of wine here are known worldwide. A visit to the vineyards is sure to revive your spirits. The city is also home to many temples, which are well-preserved and has stunning architecture as well. You can also visit natural attractions like waterfalls, caves, hills and lakes. Manmade attractions include ancient forts, museums and dams. Must visit places - Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, Kalaram Temple, Sula Vineyards, Pandavleni Caves, Gangapur Dam, Brahmagiri Hill and many more. Related thread - Places to visit near Nasik & Places to Visit in Nashik. 2. Matheran - This hill station is about 330 kilometres away from Surat. The smallest hill station in the country, which is also the only village to have banned vehicles in its vicinity. Travelling to Matheran means that you need to walk, walk a lot. But in reality, that's a good excuse to explore all the points, corners and attractions of the hill station. Just like many hill stations in India, the British were so captivated by the beauty of Matheran that they made it their summer retreat. There's not much you can do in Matheran, except enjoy the wonderful views from its many points and peaks. You can also ride the toy train, which takes you from Neral to Matheran. The ride in itself is not the main point, but the panoramic views you get from it. Oh, you can also try out valley crossing, but it's not for the faint-hearted, mind you. Must visit places - Toy Train, Louisa Point, Charlotte Lake, One Tree Hill Point, Panorama Point, King George Point and many more. Related thread - Suggestions for couple trip to matheran, Hill Stations Near Pune & Places near Pune to visit in summer. I hope this helps you.
