ABC OF SURTI SIGHTSEEING.........
Now that the entire world has discovered where Surat lies on the map, we Surtis are expecting a whole load of tourists to visit Tapi town and perceive the Sun god’s hide and seek act.
A usual dilemma many Surtis face and complaint about is that ‘there is no place in Surat to take visitors to.’ Well, fret no more, read on to plan a city tour –
A Airport- that awaits more flights, also for Athwagate that has an aeroplane which does not fly.

B Bazaars- Bhagal, Chowk, Chauta, Khand etc., which have different strokes for different folks.

C Chintamani Jain temple, an outstanding example of carved craftsmanship that has its miniature replica in the London museum.

D Dutch cemetery at one end and Dumas beach at the other.

E Eiffel tower, a mini wonder.

Flyovers that network all over town.

G Gopipura, Golwaad and Ghoddod road, each with individual history.

H Hazira home to industrial giants.

I Indoor stadium for its magnitude, Iskon mall for shopaholics.

JJamunanagar for Gardens and walkways.

K Katargam- hub of embroidery trade, Kargil Chowk for eventful evenings.

L Libraries- Andrews, Narmad, Gandhi Smruti,Nagindas .

M Mogul Sarai, the ancient tavern that now houses the offices of the SMC.

N Navapura- the oldest Mahalakshmi temple, Nanpura - oldest bakery and garden.

O Ovaras, the river bank ghats in town - navdi, patali, furja, paanch pandav and also ghanta ovaro behind Kasturba baug that has a huge bell, a measure for flood levels.

P Pandesara hums 24/7 with the textile buzz.

Q Surat’s Qilla that has become a ‘spilts villa’ where government offices and the forestry department function.

R Ring road and Rajmarg, two of our busiest business streets also for Rang upvan one of India’s largest amphitheatre and Rander for ancient mosques and Jain temples.

S Station, the connectivity that the city thrives on, Sardar Patel museum, Suvali beach-the gateway to India for Britishers, Sarthana zoo.

T Tapi, the Sun god’s daughter, one of the 3 rivers in India that runs from East to West.

U Universities VSNGU, SVR, SVNIT and Udhna a paradise for our labour clan.

VVarachha, where the world’s best stones turn to sparkling prisms.

W Weir cum causeway that runs over the Tapi at Singanpor and offers a ‘view to a spill’.

X Xavier’s, voted the best state board school for 2009.Home to cricket, basketball, tennis, karate, yoga activities in the evenings.

Y Yarn markets, the base from which we rule the man made textile market.

Z Zhampa bazaar, beyond the clock tower, the much sought after meat market for non vegetarians and fancy lace market for vegetarians.

To top that, each area has a special Surti dish to go with it where B is for Bhusu, G is for Ghari, K is for Khaja, L is for Locha khaman, P is for Ponk, R is for Rangooni paratha, U is for Undhiyu...

Welcome to Suryapur-city of the Sun.

TAPI TOWN TATTLE Land of the hiding Sun.