Call it a political gimmick with an eye on the 2019 general elections, but you just can’t stop admiring Narendra Modi’s latest gift to the nation – the world’s tallest statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, which has been named the Statue of Unity. The 182 meters tall statue is not just an engineering marvel but is also expected to boost tourism in the state. Inaugurated on October 31, 2018, in Gujarat, the statue is an exceptional honor to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the tallest figure of India’s freedom struggle and India’s first deputy Prime Minister. He was aptly named the Iron Man of India as he integrated the princely states into India through tactics of cajoling and coercion, thereby setting the foundation of a robust independent India. The statue, which has been designed by Noida-based sculptor Ram V. Sutar, took 33 months to complete and is just double the size of the Statue of Liberty.
Where is the Statue of Unity Located?
The Statue of Unity is located in the state of Gujarat near the Narmada Dam. To be more precise, the statue stands on Sadhu Bet, a river Island near the city of Rajpipla in the Narmada district.
Click here to go to the location map.
How can one reach?
Visitors can reach the Statue of Unity by road, air, or the sea. Two state highways connect the statue to all the prominent cities of Gujarat and the rest of India. The airport and railhead in Vadodara are located at a distance of 90 km from the statue. There are also plans to open a new railway line in 2019 – Pratapnagar-Dabhoi-Chandod-Kevadia Colony. Apart from this, access to the statue will become much easier with the launch of a seaplane service that is being planned between Sabarmati riverfront and Panchmuli lake on the Narmada canal. The distance of the statue from Sardar Sarovar Dam is 4 km, Surat 154 km, Mumbai 418 km, and Ahmedabad 198 km.
Which is the Nearest Airport?
Vadodara is a prominent city in Gujarat and is hence, well-connected to other major cities of the country. The Vadodara Aiport, which is 90 km away, provides easy access to the statue. Cabs and public transport is available at the airport and will take you directly to the statue.
Which is the Nearest Railway Station?
The nearest railway station is the Vadodara railway station. After de-boarding, hop on to the public transport or hire a cab, which are easily available at the station, to reach the statue.
How to Reach by Road?
A 320-meter-long bridge connects Sadhu Bet, the island where the statue is located, to the mainland. A 3.5 km long highway is also under construction and will connect the statue to Kevadia town.
Attractions at the Statue
The Statue of Unity is expected to draw in domestic and international tourists, thereby boosting the tourism sector of the state. The Statue of Unity comprises two high-speed elevators which will take tourists to a viewing gallery located in the chest of the statue. Once there, you would get a fabulous view of the surroundings which include the Narmada river and its dams and the majestic Satpura and Vindhyachal hills. Apart from this, the vicinity also comprises a museum, three-star hotel, audio visual gallery. There is also a separate selfie point where people can take pictures of themselves amid the fabulous surroundings.
Bookings and Tickets
The Statue of Unity will be open to the public from November 1, 2018. Tickets can be booked online or on the spot. The statue is open all days of the week from 9 am to 6 pm. Entry for children below 3 is free. For all adults and children above 3, the ticket prices stand at Rs 350 per person. This is a premium ticket which includes entry to the Sardar Patel memorial, museum and audio-visual gallery, observation deck, Valley of Flowers, Statue of Unity site and Sardar Sarovar dam.
But, if you are looking for a cheaper option, then you can opt for the basic entry ticket, which is priced at Rs 120 for adults and Rs 60 for children below 15. This includes a visit to the valley of flowers, the Statue of Unity site, the Sardar Patel memorial, museum and audio-visual gallery, and Sardar Sarovar dam.
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