14 Amazing Weekend Destinations To Visit Near Surat

Staying in a business hub like Surat can have its pros and cons, while at large the place is brilliant to expand your economic horizon, it can however keep one really busy. Thank god, there are weekends that can be great for all those business class peeps who hardly get a leisure time to spend. And by leisure time, I clearly mean to say an indelible vacation. Well, keeping your busy schedule into consideration, you don’t need to look out for a far destination which would require a week-long off; instead of that search for a weekend destination where you can take your family for that unforgettable holiday experience. Do you know that there are some really amazing weekend getaways from Surat where you can plan a trip to spend some quality time with your family? Having said that I urge you to take out time on a weekend from your occupied schedule for some happening encounters with your friends and family. And to make it a bit easy for you, I have compiled a list of some top weekend destinations from Surat that you would surely love to explore. So, what’s the wait for? Let’s get started.

* Ahmedabad

On the banks of Sabarmati River, Ahmedabad along with being a commercial capital of Gujarat is a popular place of tourist interest. An apt weekend destination from Surat, Ahmedabad allows tourists to unwind themselves amidst the sublime architectural grandeur. Delineating the essence of the Gujarati culture, that is richly present in the air of the city, Ahmedabad is a place which can’t be missed if we are talking about the weekend getaways from Surat. From natural abundance and shopping destinations to beautiful gardens and marvellous architectures, Ahmedabad is surely a place with many sightseeing options.

* Bhavnagar

Enlaced with traditions and enriched with modern life, Bhavnagar is one such tourist destination that has numerous activities for tourists of every kind. Whether you are looking for some sacred site, natural beauty, cultural & historical attractions or a wildlife destination, Bhavnagar has everything in its fold that is enough to make you fall in love with this place. Apart from tourism, Bhavnagar is also an important trade and commerce centre of cotton goods in Gujarat. So, while indulging in shopping in Bhavnagar, you expect to see a lot of traditional cotton products.

* Saputara

A picturesque hill station in Gujarat perched atop the imposing Sahyadri Mountain Range, Saputara is known for spellbinding landscape and gorgeous gardens. This beautiful place in Gujarat derives its name from the snake deity which is worshipped by the locals. Besides, Saptura is also connected with Hindu mythology. One of them goes like that during the exile period, Lord Rama lived here for the longest period. While spending a weekend at Saputara, you get to savour the various hues of this enticing place; be it the adventurous ride at Pushpak Ropeway, boating at Saputara Lake, trekking through the dense forest, relishing the pristine beauty of waterfalls or taking a glance into the Saputara’s culture by visiting the artists’ village and tribal museum.

* Tithal Beach

A beach destination for all those looking for some fun-filled location to spend a day or two relaxing and chilling near Surat, is Tithal Beach. Lies on the coastline of Valsad, Tithal Beach is known for its black sand, and hence, catch the eye of the visitors. A day well-spent here gives you a lot of memories to cherish; from playing in the ocean water and satiating the natural instinct of building a sand castle to savouring the taste of traditional snacks and indulging in water sports activities, you’d be spoilt for choice at Tithal Beach.

* Daman

For more than 400 years, Daman was a significant part of the Portuguese empire in India along with Diu, Goa and Dadar and Nagar Haveli; the influence of which can still be observed here. However, presently, Daman is undoubtedly one of the major tourism destinations in India which is known for its action-packed beaches and gorgeous colonial forts and churches. Being a Portuguese colony, the city of Daman offers an enticing setting for that picture-perfect weekend destination from Surat. The blissful atmosphere of this place is something which can’t get to savour in the cacophony city life of Surat.

* Pavagadh

Another beautiful hill station located close to Surat is Pavagadh. The place is known for its abundance of greenery that proffer a picture-perfect sight to relish. But more than natural beauty, Pavagadh is known for its religious importance. Mahakali Temple is the prime attraction of this place that is located atop the hill. This popular temple in Pavagadh dates back to the 10th-11th century, and therefore, is esteemed as one of the oldest of their kinds in the region. In order to reach the temple, one has to undergo a 5 km long trek that cuts through a jungle. Apart from the temple, Pavagadh also architectural landmarks and pilgrimage sites like Jain Temple, Pavagadh Fort and Gumbaz ki Masjid.

* Umbergaon

In the Valsad district, Umbergaon is a beautiful town, located on the border of Maharashtra and Gujarat that attracts a lot of tourists round the year. The unique culture and enthralling attractions bid a great vacation time to tourists. The exquisite Umbergaon Beach is the star attraction. Here at this beach, the extremely calm and serene ambiance is something which you will hardly get to savour at any beach destination. Besides this, G.I.D.C Garden and Daman Ganga River Banks are two popular picnic spots in Umbergaon. Being a popular fishing village, numerous fishing harbours can also be seen at Umbergaon. Apart from these attractions, Umbergaon is also known for its beautiful temples that hold a sacred significance in the region. So, if you are looking for some unforgettable family time near Surat, there ain’t a better place than Umbergaon.

* Vadodara

Earlier called as Baroda, Vadodara is the cultural capital and the third largest city of Gujarat. On the banks of Vishwamitri River, the city of Vadodara is famed for its rich culture and traditions; the grand garba celebration during the Navratri time being one of the famous traditions of the city. The architectural brilliance is another thing that satiates the hunt of many travellers who are looking forward to relish historical grandeur. After the British, the city of Vadodara was taken over by the Gaekwad dynasty of the Marathas. However, the foundation of modern Vadodara was laid by Maharaja Sayajirao III; since then, the city has served as one of the incredible places to visit in Gujarat.

* Kevadiya

Probably, there are only few people who have heard about this place before the installation of the largest statue of the world – ‘The Statue of Unity’. True, the recently grown tourist destination in Gujarat, the town of Kevadia is known for the imposing effigy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel – ‘The Iron Man of India’. The statue is the largest of its kinds in the world with a height of 182 metres, that’s twice of the Statue of Liberty and is also the prime attraction of the town. Another popular place of tourist interest near Kevadiya is Sardar Sarovar Dam which is also the most ideal picnic spot from Surat.

* Palghar

A picturesque town in the state of Maharashtra, Palghar is often esteemed as the beautiful holiday resort from Surat. With its beautiful temples and pristine beaches, Palghar holds a unique charm in the tourism map of the state Maharashtra. The surrounding of the town is so sublime, calm, and virgin that one could definitely fall in love with this place in just one visit. However, this is not the only amazing thing in the beaut town of Palghar, the place is also very much famous as a significant producer of Sapodilla, locally known as ‘Chikoo’. Whether it’s a beach vacation you desired or a spiritual holiday you’re looking out to plan from Surat, Palghar is the perfect place to experience all that at one place.

* Mumbai

Doesn’t matter by which name you call it, whether ‘The City of Bollywood’ or the ‘The City of Dreams’, the fact is Mumbai is every traveller’s dream destination. The cosmopolitan culture perfectly blended with the modern chaos is something that makes Mumbai a long weekend destination from Surat. This enticing city has everything to offer, from sightseeing to shopping to food. Gateway of India, Shri Siddhivinayak Temple, Bandra Worli Sea Link, Hanging Gardens and Malabar Hill are some popular places to visit in Mumbai. However, a larger chunk of people, instead of exploring these destinations, prefer just to stand outside the bungalow of their favourite Bollywood celebrity just to get a sight of him/her. That’s the love for Bollywood!

* Mehsana

In north Gujarat, Mehsana is one of the important cultural and religious cities that is visited by oodles of tourists round the year. If you are looking to plan a family vacation from Surat, Mehsana is a perfect place to be. The prime attraction of the city are the temples making it an ideal religious getaway in Gujarat. Amongst numerous religious sites in Mehsana, Modhera’s Sun Temple and Mulnayak Jain Temple are two popular shrines in the city. Apart from this, the Thol Wildlife Sanctuary is another popular tourist place that draws a lot of tourists to Mehsana. There are also various amusement and water parks in Mehsana where you can take your kids on a family trip to in Mehsana for that unforgettable adventure.

* Nashik

Nashik, earlier known as Gulshanabad, is an ancient city and a travellers’ paradise in Maharashtra with numerous gems in its fold. The city is closely associated with the Hindu epic Ramayana; as it is believed to have served as the home of Lord Rama along with Laxman and Goddess Sita. Coming to Nashik’s tourism, the city is much famed as a renowned pilgrimage site in the state because of its age-old temples and ancient attractions. Not just for the pilgrims, Nashik is also an ideal destination to visit for the wine lovers as the city is home to half of India’s wineries, and therefore, is also touted as the ‘Wine Capital of India’.

* Malshej Ghat

A quaint hill station tucked away in the hills of ragged hills of Western Ghats, Malshej Ghat is one of the most famous nearby places to visit from Surat. Located in the Pune district of the state Maharashtra, this serene hill town is a perfect place to escape from the cacophony of the city life. Be it the nature that intrigues you or adventure that makes your vacation unforgettable, Malshej Ghat has everything. Adding a unique charm to the resplendent grandeur of the place are the panoramic landscapes and spellbinding waterfalls that together give tourists an experience of a lifetime. Besides these, the pristine lakes and historical forts are some more highlights of this beaut hill station. Apart from the nature lovers and adventure buffs, Malshej Ghat also serves as the cosy nest of numerous newlyweds on their romantic holiday.