Are you looking for a peaceful and serene beach vacation in Gujarat? If yes, then you should definitely visit Suvali Beach, a tranquil and serene black sand beach located 20 km from Surat. Suvali Beach is one of the most secluded and beautiful beaches in India, ideal for solitude seekers and nature lovers.
In this article, we will explore the history, features, attractions, and accommodation options of Suvali Beach. We will also share some tips on how to reach and enjoy this amazing beach.
History of Suvali Beach
Suvali Beach has a rich and fascinating history, as it was once a Portuguese colony in the 16th century. The Portuguese built a lighthouse on the beach, which still stands today as a landmark. The lighthouse is a white tower that offers a panoramic view of the sea and the surroundings. You can climb up the stairs to the top and admire the scenery.
The beach was also the site of a historic naval battle between the Portuguese and the Marathas in 1664, which resulted in the defeat of the Portuguese. The battle was fought over the control of Surat, which was then a prosperous port city. The Marathas used fire ships to set ablaze the Portuguese fleet, which was anchored near Suvali Beach. The battle is considered as one of the first instances of naval warfare in India.
Features of Suvali Beach
Suvali Beach is a long and wide black sand beach that stretches for miles along the Arabian Sea. The sand is soft and smooth, with a unique texture and color. The beach is surrounded by lush greenery and coconut trees, creating a contrast with the dark sand. The beach is mostly deserted, with no vendors or restaurants nearby, making it a perfect place to relax and unwind.
The beach has clear and calm water that is suitable for swimming, boating, kayaking, jet skiing, etc. You can also enjoy some water sports activities on the beach, such as banana boat rides, parasailing, water skiing, etc. The beach is also home to many migratory and resident birds that flock to the beach during different seasons. Some of the common birds that can be spotted on the beach are flamingos, pelicans, herons, egrets, etc.
Attractions near Suvali Beach
Suvali Beach offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Some of them are:
Snow Park:
Snow Park is a fun-filled attraction near Suvali Beach that offers snow-themed activities and games for all ages. It has artificial snow machines that create a winter wonderland on the premises. Visitors can enjoy snow slides, snow ball fights, snow sculptures, etc. Snow Park is open from 10 am to 10 pm every day and charges Rs. 250 per person for an hour.
Sneh Rashmi Botanical Garden:
Sneh Rashmi Botanical Garden is a beautiful garden near Suvali Beach that showcases a variety of plants and flowers from different regions of India and abroad. It has more than 1,000 species of plants, including medicinal plants, ornamental plants, cacti, bonsai, etc. It also has a butterfly park, a rose garden, a lotus pond, etc. Sneh Rashmi Botanical Garden is open from 9 am to 6 pm every day and charges Rs. 20 per person for entry.
Tapi River Front:
Tapi River Front is a scenic spot near Suvali Beach that offers a view of the Tapi River and its surroundings. It has a promenade that runs along the river bank and has benches, fountains, lights, etc. It also has a boating facility that allows visitors to enjoy a ride on the river. Tapi River Front is open from 6 am to 10 pm every day and charges Rs. 50 per person for boating.
Ubharat Beach:
Ubharat Beach is another beautiful beach near Suvali Beach that is known for its golden sand and blue water. It is more crowded and commercialized than Suvali Beach and has many facilities such as food stalls, changing rooms, parking space, etc. It also has some resorts and hotels nearby that offer accommodation and entertainment options for visitors. Ubharat Beach is open from 6 am to 8 pm every day and does not charge any entry fee.
Accommodation near Suvali Beach
Suvali Beach has several accommodation options nearby that cater to different budgets and preferences. Some of them are:
Best Western Yuvraj:
Best Western Yuvraj is a 3-star hotel located 20 km from Suvali Beach. It offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, etc. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a gym, and a conference hall. The hotel charges Rs. 3,000 per night for a standard room.
To book a stay at this hotel click here.
Park Inn by Radisson Surat:
Park Inn by Radisson Surat provides accommodation in Surat. Featuring a fitness centre, the 5-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The accommodation features room service, a 24-hour front desk and currency exchange for guests. The hotel charges Rs. 8,500 per night for a standard room.
To book a stay at this hotel click here.
Rajhans Belliza Luxurious Studio Apartment:
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, Rajhans Belliza Luxurious Studio Apartment is situated in Surat. There is an in-house restaurant, plus free private parking. The apartment with a balcony and pool views has 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a microwave and a toaster, and 2 bathrooms with a bath or shower. The hotel charges Rs. 4,000 per night for a 2-bedroom apartment.
To book a stay at this hotel click here.
Best time to visit Suvali Beach
The best time to visit Suvali Beach is during the winter months from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the water is clear. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 30°C during this period, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Visitors should wear light cotton clothes and sunscreen during this season.
The summer months from April to June are hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C. The water may also become murky due to algae growth. Visitors should avoid visiting Suvali Beach during this season, or wear hats, sunglasses, and loose clothes to protect themselves from the heat.
The monsoon months from July to September are rainy and windy, with frequent showers and thunderstorms. The water may also become rough and choppy due to high tides and currents. Visitors should be careful of the weather conditions and not venture too far into the water during this season. They should also carry umbrellas, raincoats, and waterproof bags to keep their belongings dry.
How to reach Suvali Beach
Suvali Beach can be easily reached by road, rail, or air from different parts of India. Some of the ways to reach Suvali Beach are:
By road:
Suvali Beach is well-connected by road to Surat city, which is 20 km away. There are regular buses and taxis that ply between Surat and Suvali Beach. The bus fare is around Rs. 50 per person, while the taxi fare is around Rs. 500 per trip.
By rail:
Suvali Beach is also accessible by rail from Surat railway station, which is 18 km away. There are frequent trains that run between Surat and other major cities in India, such as Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, etc. The train fare varies depending on the class and destination of the train.
By air:
Suvali Beach can also be reached by air from Surat airport, which is 25 km away. There are domestic flights that operate between Surat and other cities in India, such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, etc. The flight fare depends on the airline and the destination of the flight.
Explore a different side of Surat through the lens of The Dainty Dandelion, here.
Suvali Beach is a tranquil and serene black sand beach in Surat that offers a unique and relaxing experience for visitors. It has a rich history, a beautiful landscape, a variety of attractions, and a range of accommodation options.
It is a perfect destination for solitude seekers and nature lovers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. If you are looking for a peaceful and serene beach vacation in Gujarat, plan your trip to Suvali Beach today!