Surat District of
Gujarat is spread over an area of 7,657 sq km. It forms part of the orchard region of Gujarat. Spice trade was the main thing that lured the Europeans to India. The English
East India Company established their first warehouses in Surat in 1612.
Most of the people engage in agriculture and fruit farming. Cotton, paddy, sugarcane, and fruits are the main cultivations. Bardoli, Dandi, Dumas,
Hajira, Ukai, Utran, and Vedchhi are important places. Magdalla is an important port in Surat.
Surat is famous for zari work, and the cutting and polishing of diamonds. There are two Gandhian ashrams, which are located at Bardoli and Vedchhi.
