Iskcon temple of Surat is also famous by the name of Shri Radha Damodar Mandir. The temple was founded in 1978, originally the area allotted to the temple complex was approx. 900 sq. ft. But as time passed by the premises were extended and now the temple stands in all its glory in an area of 13,600 sq. feet. The temple is situated just a few kilometers away from the heart of the city at a slightly secluded location, making the temple even more serene and calming. Shrila Prabhupada himself visited and approved the land, on which the temple was constructed, in the year 1970. 

The Iskcon devotees consider Lord Krishna as the divine supreme, the ultimate God. Radha is recognized as the female counterpart of Lord Krishna the representative of divine Love. The Krishna movement is shared with the devotees via preachings and the devotees further share their learnings with people around them, this activity is known as Sankirtans, and the activities included in it are singing devotional prayers and mantras in public areas and distributing devotional books to people who are willing to purchase.

The Iskcon temples across the world are identical to the eyes as they are built according to similar architectural styles that are slightly Neo-Vedic and traditional. There is no specific design that is to be followed by Iskcon temples thus the ones in India are designed using a very elegant architectural style. The Iskcon temple situated in West Virginia is also known as the Taj of America. 

The structure of the Isckon temple of Surat is very traditional and backward. It is painted in a shade of red and pink making it easy to catch the eyes of the people passing by. The entrance of the temple is very minimalistic and simple with a tinge of elegance. In front of the entrance is a tiny circular garden that is well maintained and lush green making the place lively. 

Even before you enter the temple the sound of “Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Ram Hare Ram Ram Ram Hare Hare”, will reach your ears. The temple simplex is surrounded by palm trees and the area in itself is so calm that you will feel de-stressed instantly. The temple complex also has a separate building that is used as a guest house and people visiting the temple can book a stay here through the temple website. 

Inside the temple reside the statue of Lord Krishna and Radha followed by one of Lord Rama and Sita Mata. The statute of Shrila Prabhupada carved using Chandan wood also resides in the temple. In the temple complex, one can find shops that sell souvenirs and books.

• One can take part in the prayer ceremonies held daily.
• You can dance and sing to your heart's content to the devotional songs that are played in the temple. 
• You can meditate and even chant the Krishna mantra.
• You can click pictures of the temple and the idols.
• One can even take a stroll on the temple premise. 
• Attend the Satsang and preaching sessions if you are interested, you can also enroll yourself in their Gita classes.

• If you do not like to visit crowded places then avoid visiting the temple during festivals. 
• During weekends the count of locals visiting the temple increases so be ready to have a fun-filled time at the temple. 
• Wear comfortable clothes and make sure they are decent enough for a temple visit. 
• Take off your footwear outside the temple and do not waste the prasadam.
• Do not cause disturbance in the prayer hall.

The best time to explore Surat and visit the temple is during the winter season which is from October to February. If you are here just to visit the temples of Surat then you can stop by anytime because whenever you visit a pilgrim site there is no best time.

• Gopi Talav
• Surat Castle
• Ubharat Beach
• Dumas Beach
• Sardar Patel Museum
• Ambaji Temple
• Dutch Garden
• Mughal Sarai

• There are a total of 150 Iskcon Temples around the world and the first Iskcon temple in India was constructed in Vrindavan. 
• The biggest Iskcon temple in India is in Mayapuri, West Bengal.