Statue of Unity in Gujarat - World's Tallest Statue
Reputed as the world’s tallest statue, the Statue of Unity stands in pride in the southern part of Gujarat. This statue is of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, also known as the ‘Iron Man of India’. He was the Deputy Prime Minister of Independent India and played a significant role in Indian politics. It is one of India’s newest landmarks and was officially inaugurated by the present Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 31st 2018, 143rd birthday of Sardar Patel.
History of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was a famous political leader who contributed to India’s freedom struggle. He was born in Nadiad, a city in Gujarat. In the early years, Patel was one of the most famous barristers in that region. He entered politics and became the 49th President of the Indian National Congress. Everyone used to call him Sardar which means chief.
Vallabh Bhai Patel had worked very hard to restore peace after Indian independence. He served the refugees fleeing to India from Pakistan and united the princely states to form a part of the Indian Union in 1947. He also established the All India Service System and became the name behind India’s Civil Servants. The Statue of Unity is dedicated to him which has become the tallest statue across the globe. Its height is twice the Statue of Liberty in New York.
Location of Statue of Unity
Dedicated to Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, Statue of Unity is a gigantic statue in the Indian state of Gujarat. It stands tall on the banks of the Narmada River in Kevadiya Colony.
Features of Statue of Unity
1. The height of the statue is 182 metres
With a height of 182 metres, the Statue of Unity is regarded as the world’s tallest statue. The foundation stone was laid in the year 2013 and the project was completed within a short period of forty-six months. Previously, China’s Spring Temple Buddha was the tallest in the world and took around eleven years to complete.
2.Statue of Unity has five zones
Sardar Patel Statue of Unity is an engineering marvel that comprises of five unique zones. However, only three of which are accessible to the common public. The first zone boasts of an exhibition centre, a museum and the memorial garden. The second zone reaches up to the statue’s thigh.
The third zone houses the observation deck. The fourth and fifth zones are inaccessible to the commoners. They feature a maintenance area as well as the upper part of the statue.
3. The statue stands at Sadhu Pet on Narmada River
The colossal statue of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel stands on the island of Sadhu Pet on River Narmada. It faces the Sardar Sarovar Dam, the second-largest dam across the globe. It also boasts of an extensive canal network. The Statue of Unity is 150 kilometres from Surat and 100 kilometres from Vadodara. This has been a remote area. However, after the construction of the giant statue, countless tourists visit the spot every year.
4. Exhibition Hall and Gallery
The base of the Statue of Unity features a huge exhibition hall, a gallery and a memorial garden. The exhibition hall sprawls across an area of 4647 square metres and sheds light into the life of Vallabh Bhai Patel, first Deputy Prime Minister of independent India. The audio-visual gallery showcases the different historical events of modern India, the culture of the tribal people as well as the Sardar Sarovar Dam.
5. Observation Deck
The observation deck is one of the many highlights of the colossal statue. It sits at a height of 135 metres and can be reached by 2 high-speed elevators. The passenger elevators can carry up to 26 people to the viewing desk within 30 seconds. The viewing gallery can accommodate up to 200 people at a time. This is the ideal place to relish the panoramic view of the Narmada River and the Sardar Sarovar Dam enclosed by lush green hills.
Interesting Facts about Statue of Unity
1. The landmark depicts the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel who was the Deputy Prime Minister of free India. He is also known for his major contributions in the Indian independence .
2. Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel has also played an important role in uniting the Indian princely states to form the Indian Union.
3. The viewing gallery stands at an altitude of 135 metres and offers a spectacular view of the surroundings as well as the Satpura and Vindhyachal Ranges. It is huge and can accommodate 200 people at one go.
4. The Statue of Unity officially opened on 31st October 2018 and took only 46 months to complete the construction.
5. The gigantic statue is wind and earthquake resistant. It can withstand a wind velocity of 180 kilometres per hour and resist earthquakes that measure 6.5 within a distance of 12 kilometres from the spot.
6. The total height of the structure including the base is 240 metres and over 65,000 metric tonnes of cement was used for the purpose.
7. India’s most reputed engineering company, Larsen and Tubro worked on the construction of the statue. It employed 250 engineers and 3000 workers for the work.
8. The Statue of Unity was built using approximately 6,500 tonnes of steel.
9. The height of the statue’s toe is approximately 3.6 metres
Upcoming Tourist Attractions of Statue of Unity
1. Children Nutrition Park
The Children Nutrition Park will be an interesting mix of education and entertainment, not only for the children but also for the adults. It will feature interactive games, virtual reality arena as well as increase awareness regarding nutrition in a fun and entertainment manner.
2. Mirror Maze
Mirror Maze is an arena inside the Children Nutrition Park. It would comprise of countless mirrors of different sizes and visitors have to navigate and find their way.
3. Digital Forest
Digital Forest is a theme park that would sprawl across an area of 1.5 acres. It would give visitors a virtual experience of the abundant flora and fauna in a jungle namely trees, plants, reptiles, mammals and more.
4. Ferry Service
Visitors will be able to enjoy ferry service between Shreshtha Bharat Bhavan and the landmark.
5. Dinosaur Trail
Dinosaur Park will be created near the Statue of Liberty to educate children about the existence of dinosaurs and create awareness about Gujarat's fossil heritage.
6. WiFi
34 MB of free Wi-Fi service will be provided to every visitor coming to the Statue of Unity. Thereafter, charges will be applied to the same.
7. Ekta Auditorium
A community hall with an area of 1700 square metres is being constructed near the site. This auditorium will host different socio-cultural programs all year round.
8. Ekta Nursery
Ekta Nursery is being developed with the aim that visitors must take home seeds and plant it as a symbol of unity. Local youths would be a part of this initiative.
9. Cactus Garden
The Cactus Garden is a manmade spectacle that showcases myriad of Cacti under one roof. It spans across an area of 836 square feet and hosts over 500 Cactus species.
10. Butterfly Garden
Butterfly Garden would be developed opposite the Statue of Unity and cover an area of 6 acres. It would cover 35 species of plants and butterflies.
11. Vishwa Van
Vishwa Van is based on the theme ‘Unity of Diversity’ and houses several species of trees, herbs and shrubs from the 7 continents in the world. It will cover an area of 2 hectares and is located very close to the Statue of Unity.
12. Arogya Van
Arogya Van is another upcoming attraction that will spread over an area of 15 acres. It will contain a large variety of medicinal plants and will stress the importance of these plants in the wellbeing of human beings.
13. Bharat Van
Bharat Van would comprise of enchanting floras that would impress visitors with their spellbinding charm.
Adventure Activities
1. Cycling Tour
Take a cycling tour through the Kevadiya Colony and relish the aesthetic beauty of the region.
2. Zarvani Eco-Tourism
Zarvani is an eco-tourism spot that offers camping facilities on the bank of River Rewa. The accommodation includes a dormitory, twin huts and tents.
3. Khalvani Eco-Tourism
Khalvani Eco-Tourism is an upcoming attraction near the Sardar Sarovar Dam. It will offer unique experiences such as fish pedicure, bird watching, cycling tours, breakfast among butterflies and more.
4. River Rafting
River rafting opportunities along the Narmada River would be available for the intrepid travellers.
5. Kevadia Zoological Park
Kevadia Zoological Park would cover an area of 558,240 square metres. It would host over 170 wildlife species including Leopard, Royal Bengal Tiger and Asiatic Lion.
Safety and Security Tips
- A security screening is a must before entering the attraction.
- There are no lockers available at the screening site.
- Only handbags, cameras and personal items are allowed inside.
- Locker facilities for strollers and bags are available at Shreshtha Bharat Bhavan.
- First aid kit is available near the ticket counter.
- Pets are not allowed.
- Large suitcases and packages are not allowed in the site complex.
Note : Drugs and alcohol are strictly prohibited inside the complex. Any item that challenges public safety including pocket knives, sharp instruments, tools and scissors are not allowed in the security screening. Item once confiscated will not be returned.
Do's and Dont's in Statue of Unity
Do’s
- Guided tours are available for visitors.
- Be respectful of the local traditions and culture.
- Be careful of your personal belongings.
Dont’s
- Drone cameras are not allowed in the premises.
- Outside food, pan, gutkha, tobacco, alcohol, tripods, cigarettes and umbrellas are strictly prohibited at the site.
- Luggage, big bags and packages are not allowed inside the Statue of Unity.
Entry Fee of Statue of Unity
Adults: INR 120 per person and Kids: INR 60 per person
*Kindly note, entry ticket includes Valley of Flowers, Statue of Unity, memorial garden, museum, audio-visual gallery and Sardar Sarovar Dam.
Visiting Time Statue of Unity
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, closed on Monday
Laser Show: Starts at 7:30 PM daily, except on Mondays
*Kindly note, maintenance work takes place every Monday. Hence, it is closed for visitors.
How to Reach Statue of Unity
By Air: The closest airports are in Ahmedabad Vadodara and Surat. These airports connect all major destinations across the globe. Buses and taxis are available for the onward journey.
By Rail: The nearest railway stations are in Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Surat. Public transports and cabs are available that take tourists directly to the site.
Best Time to Visit Statue of Unity
November to March is considered the perfect time to visit the Statue of Unity when the temperature is mild and soothing.
Where to Stay near Statue of Unity
1. Shreshtha Bhavan (Ramada Encore)
Shrestha Bhavan is a three-star luxury hotel located very close to the landmark. The state of the art architecture with 52 lavish rooms offers a spellbinding view of the Statue of Unity as well as the surrounding. The grand hotel also boasts of modern amenities and conference facilities.
2. Tent City, Narmada
Tent City Narmada is a luxurious retreat away from the city’s hustle. It offers an exemplary backdrop of the Sardar Sarovar Dam amidst the natural surroundings. Three different accommodation options are available for the guests.
3. Sardar Sarovar Resort
The newly opened Sardar Sarovar Resort is one of the most luxurious options to stay near the Statue of Unity. It flaunts themed restaurants, banquets, spa and swimming pool that suit every requirement of the guests.