Top 21 Weekend Getaways from Surat for a One-Day Trip

Surat, known as the “Diamond City,” is rich in culture and history and surrounded by amazing destinations that make for perfect one-day trips. From serene beaches to historical landmarks and wildlife sanctuaries, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the Top 21 Weekend Getaways from Surat, including reasons to visit, major attractions, best times, and dining recommendations.

1. Dumas Beach

Why You Should Visit:

Located just 20 km from Surat, Dumas Beach is a popular local getaway offering stunning sunsets and a tranquil ambiance.

Major Attractions:

Black Sand Beach: Known for its unique color and serene atmosphere.
Food Stalls: Enjoy local delicacies like bhajiya and pav bhaji.
Haunted Reputation: Adds a mysterious allure to the beach.

Best Time to Visit:

Early morning or evening (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Sugar n Spice: Offers snacks and quick bites.
Jalaram Locho House: Known for its Gujarati street food.

2. Suvali Beach

Why You Should Visit:

Located 25 km from Surat, Suvali Beach is less crowded and ideal for a peaceful day by the sea.

Major Attractions:

Serene Environment: A clean and quiet beach, perfect for relaxation.
Photography: Ideal for capturing sunrise or sunset.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to afternoon (6:00 AM – 11:00 AM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Suvali Café: Serves snacks and beverages.
Highway Dhaba: Known for vegetarian meals.

3. Tithal Beach

Why You Should Visit:

Located 90 km from Surat, Tithal Beach is known for its black sand and lively atmosphere.

Major Attractions:

Beach Activities: Enjoy camel rides and food stalls.
BAPS Swaminarayan Temple: A spiritual retreat near the beach.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning or evening (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Tithal Beach Café: Known for its street food.
Hotel Gujarat Bhavan: Offers Gujarati thalis.

4. Gopi Talav

Why You Should Visit:

Located in the heart of Surat, Gopi Talav is a historical lake turned recreational spot.

Major Attractions:

Boating: Enjoy paddle and motorboat rides.
Heritage Significance: A 16th-century water reservoir with historical relevance.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning or late afternoon (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Kailash Sweets: Known for its snacks and sweets.
Jalaram Kathiyawadi Thali: Serves authentic Gujarati meals.

5. Bardoli

Why You Should Visit:

Located 35 km from Surat, Bardoli is a historically significant town associated with India’s independence movement.

Major Attractions:

Sardar Patel Museum: Learn about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s contributions.
Historical Sites: Explore landmarks tied to the Bardoli Satyagraha.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to noon (7:00 AM – 12:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Bardoli Café: Offers vegetarian snacks.
Hotel Saffron: Known for North Indian cuisine.

6. Dandi Beach

Why You Should Visit:

Located 65 km from Surat, Dandi Beach is historically significant for Mahatma Gandhi’s Salt March.

Major Attractions:

Historical Importance: Learn about the Dandi March’s role in India’s freedom struggle.
Scenic Beauty: Enjoy the peaceful beach and surrounding landscapes.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning or evening (6:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Salt Satyagraha Café: Known for light meals and snacks.
Dandi Food Hub: Offers vegetarian meals.

7. Ubharat Beach

Why You Should Visit:

Located 40 km from Surat, Ubharat Beach is a picturesque destination perfect for a family outing.

Major Attractions:

Clean Waters: Ideal for a refreshing dip.
Food Stalls: Enjoy local delicacies by the beach.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to afternoon (7:00 AM – 1:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Ubharat Dhaba: Serves fresh Gujarati food.
Beachside Café: Known for snacks and beverages.

8. Sarthana Nature Park

Why You Should Visit:

Located within Surat, this park and zoo are perfect for a day with family and kids.

Major Attractions:

Zoo: Spot exotic animals like tigers and leopards.
Nature Walks: Explore the lush greenery and serene environment.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to noon (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Nature Park Café: Offers tea and light snacks.
Sarthana Treat: Serves vegetarian meals.

9. Chhab Chhaba Chhab Water Fun Park

Why You Should Visit:

Located 22 km from Surat, this water park is perfect for families looking for a fun-filled day.

Major Attractions:

Water Rides: Wave pools, slides, and lazy rivers.
Kiddie Pools: Safe areas for children.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to afternoon (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Park Restaurant: Offers multi-cuisine meals.
Highway Treat Café: Known for snacks and beverages.

10. Vansda National Park

Why You Should Visit:

Located 110 km from Surat, Vansda National Park is a lush forest area ideal for nature enthusiasts.

Major Attractions:

Wildlife Spotting: Leopards, pangolins, and various bird species.
Nature Trails: Perfect for trekking and photography.

Best Time to Visit:

Winter mornings (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Forest Café: Offers light meals and tea.
Highway Dhaba: Known for vegetarian food.

11. Saputara Hill Station

Why You Should Visit:

Located 165 km from Surat, Saputara is Gujarat’s only hill station, offering scenic views and a refreshing climate.

Major Attractions:

Saputara Lake: Enjoy boating in the serene waters.
Sunset Point: Witness stunning views of the setting sun over the hills.
Artist Village: Explore local crafts and artwork.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to evening (6:00 AM – 4:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Hotel Lake View: Known for its vegetarian thalis.
Sugar n Spice Saputara: Offers multi-cuisine meals.

12. Purna Wildlife Sanctuary

Why You Should Visit:

Located 125 km from Surat, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary is a lush forest area perfect for trekking and wildlife enthusiasts.

Major Attractions:

Biodiversity: Home to leopards, deer, and exotic bird species.
Trekking Trails: Explore scenic paths through dense greenery.

Best Time to Visit:

Winter mornings (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Forest Retreat Café: Offers snacks and tea.
Highway Dhaba: Known for Gujarati meals.

13. Dang Forest

Why You Should Visit:

Located 140 km from Surat, Dang Forest is an unspoiled natural retreat ideal for adventure seekers.

Major Attractions:

Waghai Botanical Garden: Explore the diverse flora.
Don Hill Station: A lesser-known hill retreat.
Waterfalls: Visit Gira and Girmal Waterfalls nearby.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to afternoon (6:00 AM – 1:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Dang Treat Café: Serves vegetarian meals.
Hilltop Dhaba: Known for light snacks and tea.

14. Ukai Dam

Why You Should Visit:

Located 95 km from Surat, Ukai Dam is the second-largest reservoir in Gujarat, offering scenic beauty and tranquility.

Major Attractions:

Scenic Views: Enjoy peaceful surroundings by the water.
Boating: Perfect for a relaxing ride.
Nearby Wildlife: Spot birds and small mammals.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to noon (7:00 AM – 12:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Dam View Café: Known for snacks and tea.
Highway Inn Dhaba: Offers vegetarian meals.

15. Unai Hot Springs

Why You Should Visit:

Located 120 km from Surat, Unai Hot Springs is a natural hot water spring believed to have therapeutic properties.

Major Attractions:

Hot Water Pools: Relax in the naturally warm waters.
Nearby Temple: A small temple adds spiritual significance to the visit.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to afternoon (7:00 AM – 1:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Unai Café: Offers snacks and beverages.
Highway Treat Dhaba: Known for Gujarati dishes.

16. Wilson Hills

Why You Should Visit:

Located 130 km from Surat, Wilson Hills is a serene hill station offering breathtaking views and a tranquil environment.

Major Attractions:

Sunset Point: A stunning view of the Arabian Sea in the distance.
Lady Wilson Museum: Learn about the history of the area.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to evening (6:00 AM – 4:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Hilltop Dhaba: Known for vegetarian meals.
Wilson Hills Café: Offers light snacks and drinks.

17. Gira Waterfalls

Why You Should Visit:

Located 120 km from Surat, Gira Waterfalls is a picturesque monsoon destination.

Major Attractions:

Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by lush greenery, the falls are a visual treat.
Photography: Perfect for capturing nature’s beauty.

Best Time to Visit:

Monsoon season (July – September) mornings (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Gira Café: Offers tea and snacks.
Hill Retreat Dhaba: Known for Gujarati meals.

18. Hathni Mata Waterfalls

Why You Should Visit:

Located 110 km from Surat, Hathni Mata Waterfalls is a hidden gem amidst dense forests.

Major Attractions:

Waterfalls: A serene and refreshing spot for nature lovers.
Nature Walks: Explore the surrounding greenery.

Best Time to Visit:

Monsoon season (June – September) mornings (7:00 AM – 11:00 AM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Forest Dhaba: Serves traditional Gujarati food.
Waterfall Café: Offers light meals.

19. Navsari (Parsis Hub)

Why You Should Visit:

Located 40 km from Surat, Navsari is a quaint town known for its Parsi heritage.

Major Attractions:

Atash Behram Fire Temple: A sacred site for the Parsi community.
Dandi Memorial: A historical landmark.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to noon (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Jamshed’s Kitchen: Known for Parsi delicacies.
Navsari Treat Café: Offers vegetarian snacks.

20. Parnera Hill

Why You Should Visit:

Located 100 km from Surat, Parnera Hill is a mix of historical and spiritual importance.

Major Attractions:

Hilltop Temples: Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Kali.
Ruins of a Fort: Explore remnants of a historical fort.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Hill View Café: Offers snacks and tea.
Parnera Dhaba: Serves Gujarati meals.

21. Ajwa Water Park (Near Vadodara)

Why You Should Visit:

Located 150 km from Surat, Ajwa Water Park is a fun-filled destination for families and groups.

Major Attractions:

Water Rides: Enjoy thrilling slides and wave pools.
Resort Amenities: Relax amidst scenic gardens.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to afternoon (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Parkside Café: Known for quick snacks.
Ajwa Treat Restaurant: Offers multi-cuisine meals.

Conclusion

Surat is surrounded by a plethora of destinations that cater to nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike. These 21 weekend getaways provide a mix of relaxation, exploration, and fun, all within a day’s reach. Use this guide to plan your trips and enjoy the recommended attractions and dining options for a memorable experience. Happy traveling!