Have you ever wondered what it would be like to stand in front of the world’s tallest statue and marvel at its majestic presence? If yes, then you should definitely plan a trip to the Statue of Unity, a colossal statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, one of India’s greatest freedom fighters and statesmen. The Statue of Unity is not just a monument, but a symbol of national unity and pride, as well as a tribute to the man who united India into one nation.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Statue of Unity, its history, its features, its attractions, and how to visit it. We will also share some interesting facts and tips that will make your visit more enjoyable and memorable. So, read on and discover why the Statue of Unity should be your next destination.
Who was Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel?
Before we dive into the details of the Statue of Unity, let us first learn more about the man who inspired it. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, also known as the Iron Man of India, was born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat. He was a lawyer by profession, but he joined the Indian National Congress and became one of the most prominent leaders of the Indian independence movement. He was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and played a key role in organizing various campaigns and movements against the British rule.
However, his most remarkable achievement was his role in the integration of India after independence. He was appointed as the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India, and he took charge of unifying the 562 princely states into one nation. He used his diplomatic skills, political acumen, and persuasive power to convince the reluctant rulers to join the Indian Union. He also dealt with various challenges such as communal riots, refugee crisis, and border disputes with Pakistan. He is widely regarded as the chief architect of modern India and a champion of national unity.
Sardar Patel was also a visionary leader who had a clear idea of how India should progress in the fields of agriculture, industry, education, and defense. He initiated various reforms and policies to improve the living standards of the people and strengthen the security of the nation. He was also a man of great courage and integrity, who never compromised on his principles or values. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, posthumously in 1991.
How was the Statue of Unity built?
The idea of building a statue of Sardar Patel was first proposed by Narendra Modi, then Chief Minister of Gujarat, in 2010. He envisioned it as a symbol of national integration and a tribute to Sardar Patel’s contribution to India’s unity. He also wanted it to be a tourist attraction that would boost the economy and development of the region.
The project was officially launched on October 31, 2013, on Sardar Patel’s 138th birth anniversary. The statue was designed by renowned sculptor Ram V. Sutar, who had also created several other statues of Indian leaders and icons. The statue is made of bronze-clad steel and concrete and stands on a concrete base that resembles a star. The statue depicts Sardar Patel in his characteristic attire, wearing a dhoti, kurta, shawl, and sandals. He is shown facing the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada river, which he had envisioned as a source of irrigation and power for Gujarat.
The construction process of the Statue of Unity was a massive engineering challenge that involved thousands of workers, engineers, technicians, and experts from various fields. The statue was built in four phases: foundation work, core work, outer structure work, and finishing work. The foundation work involved laying 212 piles that support the base of the statue. The core work involved erecting two towers that form the legs of the statue. The outer structure work involved assembling 6,500 bronze panels that cover the surface of the statue. The finishing work involved installing various features such as the viewing gallery, the museum, the observation deck, etc.
The construction process also involved various environmental measures such as planting trees, creating artificial lakes, installing solar panels, etc. The construction process also involved various economic benefits such as creating jobs, generating revenue, attracting investment, etc.
The Statue of Unity was completed in a record time of four years and inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 31, 2018, on Sardar Patel’s 143rd birth anniversary. The total cost of the project was estimated to be around Rs. 2,989 crore ($420 million). The Statue of Unity is the world’s tallest statue, with a height of 182 meters (597 feet), surpassing the previous record holder, the Spring Temple Buddha in China, which is 128 meters (420 feet) tall.
What can you do at the Statue of Unity?
The Statue of Unity is not just a monument, but a destination that offers various attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Here are some of the things you can do at the Statue of Unity:
Visit the viewing gallery: The viewing gallery is located at a height of 135 meters (443 feet) in the chest of the statue. It can accommodate up to 200 visitors at a time and offers a panoramic view of the Sardar Sarovar Dam, the Narmada river, and the surrounding landscape. You can also see the face of Sardar Patel up close and admire the details of his expression and features.
Visit the museum: The museum is located at the base of the statue and showcases the life and achievements of Sardar Patel. It has various exhibits, displays, audio-visuals, and interactive elements that depict his role in India’s freedom struggle and integration. You can also learn about his vision for India’s development and his legacy for future generations.
Visit the observation deck: The observation deck is located at a height of 153 meters (502 feet) in the head of the statue. It can accommodate up to 50 visitors at a time and offers a bird’s eye view of the entire complex and beyond. You can also see the engineering marvels that went into building the statue and appreciate its scale and magnitude.
Watch the light and sound show: The light and sound show is a spectacular display of laser technology that projects images and stories on the statue. It is held every evening after sunset and lasts for about 30 minutes. It narrates the history and significance of the statue and pays homage to Sardar Patel’s contribution to India’s unity.
Explore the attractions: The Statue of Unity complex has various attractions that cater to different tastes and preferences. You can enjoy nature and adventure at the river rafting, jungle safari, cycling track, etc. You can experience culture and heritage at the cactus garden, valley of flowers, butterfly garden, etc. You can also have fun and education at the children’s nutrition park, ekta mall, selfie point, etc.
Read about Vandana's experience at the Statue of Unity
How to visit the Statue of Unity?
If you are planning to visit the Statue of Unity, here are some useful tips and information that will help you make your trip smooth and hassle-free:
How to book tickets: You can book your tickets online through the official website [statueofunity.in] or through authorized agents. You can also buy your tickets on the spot at the ticket counter near the parking area. However, it is advisable to book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues and ensure availability. The ticket prices are as follows:
Entry ticket: Rs. 120 for adults, Rs. 60 for children (3-15 years), free for children below 3 years.
Observation deck ticket: Rs. 350 for adults, Rs. 200 for children (3-15 years), free for children below 3 years.
Bus ticket: Rs. 30 for adults, Rs. 15 for children (3-15 years), free for children below 3 years.
The entry ticket includes access to the museum, valley of flowers, Sardar Sarovar Dam view point, etc.
The observation deck ticket includes access to the viewing gallery and observation deck, in addition to the entry ticket facilities.
The bus ticket includes transportation from the parking area to the statue complex by shuttle buses.
You can also opt for combo tickets that include entry ticket + observation deck ticket + bus ticket at discounted rates.
How to reach: The Statue of Unity is located in Kevadia, Narmada district, Gujarat. It is about 200 km (124 miles) from Ahmedabad, 90 km (56 miles) from Vadodara, and 150 km (93 miles) from Surat. You can reach Kevadia by road, rail, or air as follows:
By road: You can drive to Kevadia by taking the National Highway 48 or State Highway 11 from Ahmedabad or Vadodara. You can also take a bus from these cities or other nearby towns to Kevadia. There are regular buses operated by Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) or private operators that ply to Kevadia.
By rail: You can take a train to Kevadia railway station, which is the nearest railway station to the statue complex. It is about 5 km (3 miles) from the statue. There are daily trains from Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and other cities that connect to Kevadia. You can check the train timings and availability on the official website of Indian Railways . From the railway station, you can take a taxi or a bus to the statue complex.
By air: You can take a flight to Vadodara airport, which is the nearest airport to Kevadia. It is about 80 km (50 miles) from the statue complex. You can find flights from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, etc. to Vadodara. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to Kevadia.
How to plan your stay: If you want to spend more time at the Statue of Unity and explore its attractions, you can book your accommodation at one of the hotels or resorts near the statue complex. There are various options available for different budgets and preferences, such as:
Tent City Narmada: This is a luxury tented accommodation that offers a scenic view of the statue and the river. It has 250 tents with modern amenities and facilities. It also has a restaurant, a spa, a conference hall, etc.
Shreshtha Bharat Bhavan: This is a 3-star hotel that offers comfortable rooms and suites with all the basic amenities and facilities. It also has a restaurant, a banquet hall, a gym, etc.
Ekta Nagar: This is a planned township that will offer various types of accommodation, such as cottages, villas, apartments, etc. It will also have various facilities and amenities, such as a shopping mall, a hospital, a school, etc.
How to make the most of your visit: To make your visit to the Statue of Unity more enjoyable and memorable, here are some tips and suggestions that you can follow:
Plan your visit in advance: You can check the official website [statueofunity.in] for the latest updates and information on the statue and its attractions. You can also download the official app [Statue of Unity] for your smartphone, which will help you navigate and explore the complex. You can also book your tickets and accommodation online through the website or app.
Choose the best time to visit: The Statue of Unity is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities. You can also visit during festivals and special occasions, such as Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary (October 31), Republic Day (January 26), etc., when there are special events and celebrations at the complex.
Follow the rules and regulations: The Statue of Unity is a national monument and a symbol of respect and reverence for Sardar Patel. Therefore, you should follow the rules and regulations that are in place for the safety and security of the visitors and the monument. You should not carry any prohibited items, such as weapons, explosives, alcohol, drugs, etc., to the complex. You should also not litter or damage any property or equipment at the complex. You should also respect the sentiments and culture of the local people and avoid any offensive or inappropriate behavior.
Also read about Harshit's visit to Zarwani Waterfall near Statue of Unity
FAQs about the Statue of Unity
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the Statue of Unity that you might have:
How tall is the Statue of Unity? The Statue of Unity is 182 meters (597 feet) tall, which makes it the world’s tallest statue.
How much did it cost to build the Statue of Unity? The total cost of building the Statue of Unity was estimated to be around Rs. 2,989 crore ($420 million).
How long does it take to see the Statue of Unity? It depends on how much time you want to spend at each attraction and activity at the complex. However, you can expect to spend at least 3 to 4 hours to see the main features of the statue and its surroundings.
What is the best time to visit the Statue of Unity? The best time to visit the Statue of Unity is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities.
How to reach the Statue of Unity from Ahmedabad? You can reach Kevadia by road or rail from Ahmedabad. By road, it takes about 4 hours to drive to Kevadia by taking the National Highway 48 or State Highway 11. By rail, it takes about 5 hours to reach Kevadia railway station by taking the Ahmedabad-Kevadia Express train.
What are the other attractions near the Statue of Unity? There are many other attractions near the Statue of Unity that you can visit, such as river rafting, jungle safari, cycling track, children’s nutrition park, etc.
We hope this article has given you a comprehensive overview of the Statue of Unity and its attractions. We also hope it has inspired you to plan your trip to this monumental tribute to India’s Iron Man.
Thank you for reading!
