Sūrat

Surat is one of India’s most extraordinary cities — a place where ancient history and dazzling modern energy collide in the most exciting way. Sitting beside the Tapi River in the state of Gujarat, it was once one of the busiest trading ports in the entire world, welcoming merchants from Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. You can still feel that history when you visit the battle-scarred old castle by the river, or discover the quiet cemeteries where Dutch and Armenian traders were buried centuries ago, far from home.

Today, Surat has reinvented itself as one of the fastest-growing cities on the planet. It sits at the very heart of the global diamond industry, with skilled craftspeople here cutting and polishing the precious stones that end up sparkling in jewellery shops worldwide. But the city is not all about glittering gems — it is also famous for incredible street food, and an evening walk along the dark sands of Dumas Beach, snacking on Surti treats with the Arabian Sea breeze in your face, is something pretty hard to forget.