Surat
From a Mughal port to its revitalization via India's railways, this Gujarat city has never shied from prosperity's reach. Thriving diamond cutting and polishing industries complement its manufacturing of textiles, including silk and muslin. Surat's growth has been accelerating steadily, facilitated by its proximity to the Arabian Sea. But Dumas Beach's eerie reputation, Surat Castle's ancient glory, and the Dutch Gardens' architecture give Surat an underrated mystique that's worth exploring.