Songadh is a small town in Tapi district, in south Gujarat, built at the foot of a solitary hill on the highway about 85 km from Surat. The hill carries Songadh Fort, the early seat of the Gaekwad dynasty: Pilajirao Gaekwad occupied the area in 1719 and built the fort, and from this base the family grew into the rulers of Baroda. The area was Bhil country before that, and the fort's story includes a Bhil assault in the 1857 uprising.
There is not much beyond the fort and the reservoir, and that is honest and useful to know. The fort is a modest ruin with a short climb, not a restored palace. About 13 km away the Ukai Dam holds back the Tapi as the Vallabh Sagar reservoir, which gives the district its water and its calm views.
Songadh works best as a short stop or a one-night base for travellers moving between Surat and the Dangs or the Maharashtra border. It suits history-minded visitors who like a small hill walk, and older travellers will find the pace gentle, provided they go in daylight and in the cooler months.
Before you plan
Songadh at a glance
- Best months
- October to February is the most…October to February is the most comfortable; April and May are hot, and the monsoon makes the fort paths slippery.
- Ideal trip length
- Half a day to one dayHalf a day to one day, usually combined with Surat or the Dangs
- Airport
- Surat AirportSurat Airport (STV) is the nearest major airport, about 85 km away by road
- Railway station
- A station named Ukai Songadh serves…A station named Ukai Songadh serves the area; Surat Junction is the main rail hub about 85 km away
- Getting around
- A hired car or taxi from Surat is…A hired car or taxi from Surat is the easiest way; the fort is a short walk from the town and local autos cover short distances
- Daily budget
- LowLow; there are few facilities, so costs are mainly the car from Surat and basic meals
- Senior comfort
- Moderate: the fort is a short climb…Moderate: the fort is a short climb on uneven ground, and facilities are limited
- Language
- Gujarati and HindiGujarati and Hindi, with local tribal languages in the surrounding district
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Songadh: January, February, November, December. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Songadh itinerary
One good day
1 day in Songadh
Reach Songadh early from Surat and climb the fort in the cool morning, reading the signboard at the entrance and taking in the views from the top. Have lunch in town, rest, then drive about 13 km to Ukai Dam for the Vallabh Sagar reservoir in the late afternoon.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days in Songadh
Arrive in the morning, climb the fort slowly and spend the rest of the day resting and exploring the town.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days in Songadh
Drive from Surat and settle in. Walk around town and note the fort on the hill.
Day-by-day plan →
