Statue Of Unity — Attraction in Gujarat

The Statue of Unity, located near Kevadia in Gujarat, stands as a symbol of national pride and a tribute to India's 'Iron Man,' Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. At 182 meters, it is the tallest statue in the world, an architectural marvel that captivates visitors with its sheer grandeur, picturesque surroundings, and a wide array of attractions for tourists.

The statue itself is a breathtaking sight, towering over the Narmada River. Designed by sculptor Ram V. Sutar, it beautifully captures Sardar Patel’s dignified stance, symbolizing unity and strength. The size of the statue is awe-inspiring, with two viewing galleries — one at 153 meters — offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The intricacy in the design, combined with the scale, truly makes this a masterpiece of modern engineering.

The Statue of Unity is more than just a statue; it is a comprehensive tourist destination with several attractions that make it a full-day experience for visitors.

Sardar Sarovar Dam:The nearby Sardar Sarovar Dam, one of the largest dams in the world, is a sight to behold. The view from the dam, especially during the monsoon when the gates are open, is mesmerizing. The observation deck from the statue offers a scenic view of the dam and the lush surroundings.

Valley of Flowers:A beautiful garden, the Valley of Flowers, stretches along the banks of the river. It is home to a diverse variety of plants and flowers, providing a peaceful environment for visitors to walk through and enjoy nature’s beauty.

Jungle Safari: The Statue of Unity is also home to an exciting 'Jungle Safari', where tourists can spot exotic animals and birds in a natural habitat. The safari park is spread over a large area and houses animals like lions, tigers, and leopards, as well as a wide variety of herbivores. It’s a great place for wildlife enthusiasts and families with children.

Sardar Patel Memorial & Museum:The statue complex includes a museum dedicated to Sardar Patel’s life, showcasing his contribution to India’s independence and the unification of the country. It’s a rich educational experience for those who want to delve deeper into the history and legacy of this great leader.

Cactus Garden and Butterfly Garden:These themed gardens are located nearby and offer unique botanical experiences. The Butterfly Garden is especially popular for its variety of butterfly species that visitors can observe up close.

The location of the Statue of Unity, surrounded by the Vindhya and Satpura mountain ranges, adds to the overall beauty of the site. The Narmada River flows peacefully beside it, and the lush greenery around the site, especially after the rains, offers a rejuvenating experience for nature lovers. The statue's backdrop against the natural landscape is especially stunning at sunset, providing excellent opportunities for photography.

Amenities for Visitors: Accommodation:Several accommodation options, including luxury tents and hotels, are available nearby for tourists who want to stay overnight. The Tent City is a popular option, providing luxury tented accommodations with a view of the statue and the surrounding landscape.

Restaurants & Food:Multiple food courts and restaurants are available on-site, offering both local Gujarati cuisine and standard Indian meals. The facilities are clean, family-friendly, and cater to all dietary preferences.

Transportation & Connectivity:The Statue of Unity is well-connected by road from major cities in Gujarat. Visitors can take buses or hire private taxis from cities like Vadodara, Ahmedabad, or Surat. For those flying in, Vadodara is the closest airport, and the nearest railway station is Kevadia. A shuttle bus service is available to transport visitors between different attractions within the complex.

The Statue of Unity and surrounding attractions are open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. However, it’s advisable to check online or with local guides for specific times for attractions like the...

Visiting the Statue of Unity, located in Kevadiya, Gujarat, offers a blend of cultural enrichment and a chance to witness an engineering marvel. This guide will help you plan your visit efficiently, whether you are a budget traveler or prefer more comfort. Try reaching as early as possible in the morning.

How to Travel to the Statue of Unity from Various Locations From Mumbai: By Train:

Take a train from Mumbai to Vadodara (approximately 6-7 hours). From Vadodara, catch a train to Kevadiya (1.5 hours). By Bus:

Travel by bus from Mumbai to Vadodara (approximately 8-10 hours). From Vadodara bus station, take a bus to Kevadiya (2 hours). By Car:

Drive from Mumbai to Kevadiya, covering approximately 400 km (7-8 hours). From Ahmedabad: By Train:

Take a train from Ahmedabad to Vadodara (2 hours). From Vadodara, take a train to Kevadiya. By Bus:

Direct buses are available from Ahmedabad to Kevadiya (approximately 3-4 hours). By Car:

Drive from Ahmedabad to Kevadiya, covering approximately 200 km (3-4 hours). From Other Locations: Delhi: Take a train or flight to Vadodara, then proceed to Kevadiya as described above. Other major cities: Reach Vadodara by train or flight, then take a train or bus to Kevadiya. Facilities and Formalities SOU App:

Install the SOU (Statue of Unity) app before arriving in Kevadiya. Use the app to book entrance tickets, transport, and other activities. No cash transactions are needed; everything can be managed via the app. Entrance Ticket:

Book your entrance ticket via the SOU app. This ticket includes bus transport from Kevadiya railway station to the Statue of Unity. Accommodation:

Hotels in the vicinity charge a minimum of Rs 2500 per night. Budget travelers can use the facilities at the Sulabh Complex next to the SOU parking, where you can freshen up for Rs 20. Luggage Storage:

Free luggage storage is available at the Sulabh Complex. Itinerary and Activities Morning Arrival:

Arrive at Kevadiya railway station. Take the bus (included in the entrance ticket) to the Statue of Unity. Exploration:

Book the 4-6 PM slot for visiting the Statue of Unity. Before that, explore nearby attractions like River Rafting, Jungle Safari, Cactus Park, Butterfly Park, and Pets Zone. All bookings can be made via the SOU app, with bus transport provided. Visit the Statue of Unity:

Visit the museum on the ground floor. Take the lift to the viewing gallery on the 45th floor (150 meters high), which takes 30 seconds. Evening Light Show:

At 7 PM, enjoy the light show. For better sound effects, book a ticket via the SOU app. The show can also be viewed for free from the streets without sound effects. Return Journey:

Collect your luggage and take the bus back to Kevadiya railway station. Catch the train back to Vadodara (trains available at 8:20 PM or 9:30 PM). Food Options Budget travelers can enjoy snacks and meals from roadside stalls. Additional Travel Information From Vadodara:

Travel to the Vadodara Bus Stop (next to the railway station). Take any of the following Gujarat ST buses to Kevadiya: 7:00 AM: Vadodara-Navagamdev 8:15 AM: Ahmedabad-Zagadiya 8:30 AM: Ranip-Statue of Unity 9:30 AM: Kadikasva-Rajpipala 12:00 PM: Ahmedabad-Rajpipala 2:00 PM: Vadodara-Navagamdev Bus fare is around Rs 83, and the journey takes approximately 2 hours. At Kevadiya:

From the bus depot, take an autorickshaw to the Statue of Unity for Rs 50, or share a ride for Rs 10 per person. Packages and Accommodation Statue of Unity Packages:

Basic entry ticket: Rs 150 (feet level) Viewing gallery ticket: Rs 350 (150 meters above) Foreign tourists: Rs 1000 Advance booking is recommended (at least 30 days in advance). Accommodation:

Hotels range from budget to luxury, with a minimum charge of Rs 2500 per night. Budget travelers can use the Sulabh Complex facilities for freshening up and...

My Amazing Visit to the Statue of Unity!

What an incredible experience visiting the world's tallest statue! The Statue of Unity stands majestically at 182 meters and is a must-visit monument. The entire place is so well maintained and clean - you can feel the pride and effort put into this amazing tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Plan Ahead - Book Everything in Advance! Trust me on this - book your passes in advance for everything! The statue, museum, and especially the viewing gallery get crowded. I learned this the hard way when I had to wait in long queues.

The View from Top - Could Be Better Now, let's talk about the viewing point on top. Honestly, it wasn't as exciting as I expected. The windows are quite small, and you don't get that amazing panoramic feeling. I wish they had made it a complete 360-degree glass view - that would have been worth it and so much more fun! The height is impressive, but the viewing experience could be improved.

Food Situation - Mixed Bag Don't expect fancy dining inside. Most food options are ready-to-cook items from the Amul brand - decent but nothing special. The good news? There's a Starbucks inside for great coffee! But here's a funny tip - avoid tea anywhere in Ekta Nagar. Seriously, it's just sweet water everywhere! Whether inside or outside, no one seems to make proper tea here.

Don't Miss the Light Show! The light show is spectacular - don't miss it! Pro tip: arrive early and grab the last seats in the left corner at the back. Trust me, it's the perfect spot for the best view of this magical show projected on the statue.

Perfect for Families Please bring your children - this is such an important part of our history, and they should learn about Sardar Patel's contributions with pride. The museum inside tells his story beautifully.

Transportation is Fantastic The road facilities are excellent, and the free EV bus service is so convenient and eco-friendly. Getting around is easy and comfortable.

Shopping Tips Skip the Ekta Mall - it's overpriced and not worth it. Instead, head to the village market for authentic local stuff at reasonable prices. Much more fun, and you'll find unique items there!

Explore with E-Rickshaws Here's my favourite discovery: take the e-rickshaws! They're amazing and will take you to hidden spots that regular buses don't cover. The drivers know all the best places, and it's such a fun way to explore areas where the free bus service doesn't reach.

Where to Stay For accommodation, consider staying near the railway station or booking rooms at the station itself through IRCTC - they're quite good and convenient. We stayed at Ferns, it's super awesome and just opp to train station.

Food for Non-Vegetarians If you're looking for non-veg food, McDonald's is your only option in the area. Plan accordingly!

Final Thoughts Despite a few minor disappointments, the Statue of Unity is truly a remarkable experience that fills you with national pride. The engineering marvel, the beautiful surroundings, and the tribute to the Iron Man of India make it an unforgettable visit. Just plan well, manage expectations for the viewing deck, and you'll have an amazing time!

A must-visit destination that every Indian should experience...