History of Surat dates back to 3000 BC. According to Hindi myth, while travelling from Mathura to Dwarka, Lord Krishna with his cows took rest in Surat for a while. Surat stands on the hanks of the River Tapti and was once one of western India's major ports and trading towns. Surat was founded by Parsi refugees in the 12th century, and it emerged as a minor trading post during the 1500s when it was plundered and razed numerous times by the Portuguese. In 1592, after a protracted siege, the town fell to Akbar, under whose patronage; it became one of India’s most prosperous mercantile capitals, as well as a key transit point for Muslims heading to Mecca. The municipality of Surat was established as long ago as 1852 and since then civic amenities like hospitals, public gardens, etc. have gradually been growing.

The climate of Surat is mild due to its nearness to the Arabian Sea and characterised by the three seasons of summer, rains and winter. Summer temperature ranges from 22°C (71.6°F) to 40°C (104°F). The monsoon begins in late June and the city receives about 800 mm of rain by the end of September. Winter is mild and pleasant with temperature ranges from 12°C (53.6°F) to 31°C (87.8°F). From October onwards till March are really the most pleasant months of the whole year.

Surat city is one of the most important city on the industrial map of the country with many large industries developed over here. Surat is famous for its diamond industry and textile industry, along with chemical industries and the petrochemical, manufacturing, trade and natural gas based industries. It is the leading diamond polishing industry of India. Surat is also an industrial hub for the production of synthetic fibbers and man-made fabrics.

The nearest airport for Surat is Vadodara (Baroda), some 140 km away. Surat is connected to the national railway system through the Western Railways connecting it to Mumbai, Ahmedabad, New Delhi, Vadodara and other cities. While the city has a local city bus system (provided by GSRTC), the public transport needs of the city are met by privately operated auto rickshaws. There is a good network of roads for getting to Surat from within Gujarat as well as from the different states in the country.

All the schools of Surat (public and private) are under the Gujrat State Education Board. The schools in Surat provide secondary and higher secondary education to the students of the region. There are various Colleges and Institutes in Surat, these educational centers provide excellent education to the students with the help of all sort of modern facilities. A big attention of the Surat colleges is under the South Gujarat University in the Athva Lines area that is positioned on the banks of the Tapti River. Students from different corners of India come to some of the reputed institutes of Surat for higher education.

The Surat castle is one of the ancient monuments of 16th century existing in the city and bears a significant relevance to its history. The castle has 12-m high battlements and 4-m thick walls; iron strips were used to bind its various elements and all its joints were filled with molten lead to make it impenetrable. There is an imposing gateway in the eastern wing.

The Old Fort reflects the rich history of Surat. This fort of Surat has close association with the history of India. In the 14th century, the Old Fort has been constructed by Muhammed Tughlak. Nowadays, this place houses several government offices.

Dutch garden is one of the most significant gardens and major points of attractions in Surat. The sprawling gardens that bear telltale symbols of a bygone era also house an ancient Dutch cemetery. Dutch Garden has been set up to pay homage to the Dutch officers who were drawn to Surat on business purposes.