The Sardar Patel Statue of Unity is dedicated to the Bismarck of Modern India, the venerated independence activist Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. It stands tall in the state of Gujarat, in India, and holds the first position of the world’s tallest statues. Built within five years by the efforts of our Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi ji, the Statue finally saw its completion despite the various challenges and adversities.
It is not only a massive and popular tourist site in India where visitors flock from all over the world but also serves as an emblem of Independent India, as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is honored for his efforts to tie the 562 scattered princely states into one nation – India.
As it stands on the coast of Sardar Sarovar Dam, built on the Narmada, the Sardar Patel statue has an ethereal view of nature and is regarded as a hotspot of tourism. In this article, we go over all the various things all tourists looking to visit this marvel must know.
History of the Statue of Unity
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is awarded the title of the “Iron Man of India.” His full name is Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel, which later transfused into ‘Leader Patel’ as named by his followers.
He served as the deputy Prime Minister of states, home affairs, and information minister. Being a member of the INC, Indian National Congress, he was one of the leading figures in the freedom struggle of British-occupied India. He was exceptionally educated and held expertise in criminal law.
Patel’s philosophy in Politics was very modern. He wished for Indian citizens to be accepted as an equal to the netizens serving the British Commonwealth. As opposed to Netaji and Nehru, he saw an advantage in the future participation of a liberated Indian generation in the British sphere. He emphasized the importance of self-confidence and self-esteem and made significant efforts to bring about economic coercion.
He is a worshipped figure for those associated with the Bardoli campaign, and owing to his charismatic leadership, practical and ruthless tactics, and rationalist ideals, he was well accepted as a nationalist leader of India.
Shri Narendra Modi ji built the Sardar Patel Statue of Unity as a mark of respect and tribute to this virtuous persona who will forever be a bright jewel in the history of Indian Independence.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Statue Height
The Sardar Patel Statue height is twice the height of the world’s tallest tree, Coast Redwood which stands at 91 meters. The Sardar Patel Statue height comparison reveals the fact that it surpasses the height of the Chinese Spring Temple Buddha that, which is 128 meters and was considered the tallest Statue before this Statue was built. So, being number one, this Statue is originally 182 meters in height, and the cost of Sardar Patel Statue is approximated around 3000 Crores.
Location of the Statue of Unity
The location of the Statue of Unity is another reason for the polarization of tourists to this small village of Gujarat. Kevadia has rightly been familiarized with the native citizens and foreigners alike. With the inauguration of the Sardar Patel statue, Kevadia has grown to become one of the most-visited tourist destinations in India. The Statue is nestled in the heart of nature, among the lofty mountain peaks of the mighty Satpuras and Vindyachal. The Narmada flowing at the base of this picturesque chain of mountains adds to the gravity of the serene landscape. The place is straight out of a postcard and stands strong as a must-visit spot on a plethora of tourists’ bucket lists.
How to Reach the Statue of Unity
The Vallabhbhai Patel Statue has garnered steady attention from all over the world. Here are the different ways to reach this place.
By Roadways:
If you’re on tour in the major cities and you have time to spare, you can opt for the roadway option. You need to research the departure details of the inter-city road busses that connect major cities to the Kevadia village and reach the site. If you have a license, you can hire a vehicle and drive to the location yourself, as well. The distance from the cities below to the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Statue is:
- 820 km from Jaipur
- 329 km from Ujjain
- 265 km from Banswara
By Railways:
If you don’t want to tire yourself out and have less time to spare, or you’re simply not a fan of traveling by road, you can take a train to Vadodara Junction from the major cities. This rail station is located approximately 90 km away from the Statue of Unity, and it has a very active connectivity. The major stations connecting directly to the Vadodara Junction are:
- MMCT NDLS Special from Surat
- Sabarmati Special from Ujjain
- Jaipur MMCT Special from Jaipur
By Airways:
The most selected route of travel is by air. The flight is short, and you have a lot of time to look around the site seeing areas near the Statue. There are frequent flights to the Vadodara Airport by renowned airlines from major cities with approximate costs as given below:
- From Jaipur Airport: starting at Rs. 4,000
- From Lucknow Airport: starting at Rs. 5,000
- From Bhopal Airport: starting at Rs. 5,000
Things to do in the Statue of Unity
There are numerous activities to try out within and near the Sardar Patel Statue of Unity. Some of these activities are located in the river, the forest or within the statue itself, and are a must-try!
1. Enjoy the Light and Sound Show
Every evening except Monday, a spectacular Light and Sound show is exhibited at the Statue of Unity. The multicolored laser lighting system is supplemented with the presentation of the history and biography of Sardar Patel and his role in the Independence Movement.
2. Tour Around the Beautiful Valley of Flowers
The Valley of Flowers, also termed as Bharat Van, is made up of beautiful flowering plants that line the Narmada River’s bank. There are various picture booths and selfie spots where visitors can make lasting memories of their trip.
3. Row at the Serene Nauka Vihar
As part of an eco-tourism initiative, the GSFDC has launched a boat trip on Dyke-3, also called the Panchmuli Lake near Kevadia. Tourists visiting Kevadia can also appreciate the pure landscape on this 45-minute boat cruise.
4. Take a Look at the Cactus Garden
The Cactus Garden is a one-of-a-kind nature reserve at the Sardar Patel Statue of Unity site that was designed to showcase a wide range of Cacti and succulents, which are true adaption miracles. There are 6 lakh seedlings of 450 species dispersed across 25 acres of rural space and inside the dome that covers an area of 836 sq m.
5. Know more about health in the Children’s Nutrition Park
As part of Kevadia Integrated Development, a Children’s Nutrition Theme Park conceptualized by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, has already been created. It gives youngsters high-quality entertainment as well as important health information.
6. Explore the Dino Trail
Recent excavations in the Narmada valley have proven that Rajasaurus Narmadensis, an endemic subspecies of dinosaurs, flourished throughout the Cretaceous era in the Narmada valley. The term “independent” refers to a person who does not work for the government.
7. Go Wild at the Jungle Safari
The zoological park, which has a unique variety of indigenous and exotic wildlife and birds from diverse biogeographic regions around the world, is nestled in the gorgeous hills near Kevadia’s Tallest Statue. The zoo shall send you on an exciting and fascinating tour to view wildlife, appreciate the beautiful splendor of the hills, and have an extraordinary experience.
There are various places to visit near Statue of Unity. Check out our blog to see more places while visit to Statue of Unity.
Note: You can refer to the Statue of Unity tourist map provided to all visitors at the entry gate to this world-famous site.
Statue of Unity Online Booking
The visiting hours of the Statue of Unity are from 9 am to 5 pm. The online booking option is open to all visitors.
Note: please go over the information provided on the COVID-19 restrictions and the list of Prohibited Items on the official website of SOU.
Statue of Unity Ticket Price
- Children below 3 years: Free of any cost.
- Children from 3-5 years: Rs. 60+30 as entry ticket and an additional of 200+30 for Observation Deck-view.
- Adults: Rs. 120+30 for entry ticket and an additional of 350+30 for Observation Deck-view.
Additional Information
- The bronze statue took 3.5 years to see its completion in 2018.
- The base of the Statue is made from scrap iron that was donated from over a hundred million farms across India and weighs approximately a hundred and thirty tonnes.
- The Statue of Unity inside view consists of a gallery for viewing and information about the construction and maintenance of the Statue that can accommodate a total strength of two-hundred tourists at once.
- There are 5 zones that this tourist site is divided into, and among thrm, three of these are open to the public for viewing.
The Statue stands as a humbling and diplomatic figure of leadership in the historical context of India’s Independence.
