India is a land of heritage, culture, and incredible monuments. Among them, one of the most inspiring and modern marvels is the Statue of Unity in Gujarat. Located in Kevadia (Ekta Nagar), Narmada district, this monument is a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the “Iron Man of India” who played a crucial role in uniting the nation after independence.
Standing tall at 182 meters (597 feet), the Statue of Unity is officially the tallest statue in the world, even taller than the Statue of Liberty in the USA and the Spring Temple Buddha in China. Inaugurated on 31st October 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it has quickly become one of the most visited tourist destinations in India, attracting millions of visitors every year.
This travel blog will guide you through everything you need to know about the Statue of Unity – history, architecture, ticket prices, timings, nearby attractions, and travel tips.
History and Significance
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, was instrumental in uniting more than 560 princely states to form the Republic of India. To honor his contribution, the Government of India decided to build a grand statue in his memory.
The project was announced in 2010, and construction began in 2013. It took around 34 months to complete, with more than 3,000 workers and 300 engineers involved. The statue was designed by renowned sculptor Ram V. Sutar and built by Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
The statue symbolizes unity, strength, and integrity, and today it stands as a proud reminder of Patel’s vision of a united India.
Architectural Marvel
- The Statue of Unity is not just about its height but also about the incredible engineering behind it.
- Height: 182 meters (597 feet)
- Base Height: 58 meters
- Total Height: 240 meters (including base)
- Material Used: Bronze cladding, steel framework, reinforced concrete
- Design: The statue shows Sardar Patel in traditional Indian attire, walking with determination.
The statue is designed to withstand wind speed up to 180 km/h and earthquakes up to 6.5 magnitude. Inside the statue, visitors can go up to the viewing gallery at 153 meters, which offers breathtaking views of the Narmada River and the Sardar Sarovar Dam.
Located at 153 meters, the viewing gallery can accommodate up to 200 people at once. It provides a panoramic view of the Narmada River, the dam, and the surrounding hills.
2. Exhibition Hall and Museum
The base of the statue houses a museum dedicated to Sardar Patel’s life. It has interactive exhibits, photographs, and audio-visual presentations showcasing India’s freedom struggle and Patel’s leadership.
3. Laser Light and Sound Show
Every evening, a spectacular light and sound show is held at the Statue of Unity. It narrates the story of Sardar Patel and India’s unification journey using 3D projection mapping on the statue.
4. Valley of Flowers
Spread over 600 acres, the Valley of Flowers features more than 100 species of flowers, medicinal plants, and colorful gardens. It enhances the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
5. Sardar Sarovar Dam
One of the largest dams in the world, located close to the statue, offers scenic views and is an attraction in itself.
6. Jungle Safari Park
Covering 375 acres, the Jungle Safari houses more than 170 species of animals and birds from across the world, including giraffes, zebras, and tigers.
7. Children Nutrition Park
A unique theme park designed for children, it uses interactive technology and games to promote healthy eating habits.
8. Ekta Cruise
A ferry service on the Narmada River offers a memorable experience of viewing the statue from the water.
Tips :-
- Ticket Prices (as of 2025)
- Entry Ticket (Adults): ₹150
- Entry Ticket (Children): ₹90 (age 3–15)
- Viewing Gallery Ticket: ₹380 (adults), ₹230 (children)
- Jungle Safari: ₹200
- Children Nutrition Park: ₹200
- Ekta Cruise: ₹413 onwards
- (Prices may change, so it’s best to check the official website before planning your trip.)
Timings
- Statue of Unity Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)
- Closed on: Mondays for maintenance
- Laser Show Timing: Around 7:00 PM (subject to sunset timing)
Best Time to Visit
- Winter (October to February): Pleasant weather and best for sightseeing.
- Monsoon (July to September): Lush greenery around the Narmada, but occasional heavy rains.
- Summer (March to June): Hot climate, less recommended.
How to Reach Statue of Unity
By Air
Nearest Airport: Vadodara Airport (90 km)
Other options: Ahmedabad (200 km), Surat (150 km)By
Train
Nearest Railway Station: Kevadiya Railway Station (Ekta Nagar) – directly connected with major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad.By
Road
Well connected by road from Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Surat, and Rajpipla. Regular buses and taxis are available.
Nearby Attractions
1. Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary – famous for waterfalls and trekking.
2. Garudeshwar Mahadev Temple – a spiritual spot near the Narmada River.
3. Poicha Nilkanth Dham Swaminarayan Temple – a beautiful temple with spiritual vibes.
4. Zarvani Waterfalls – a scenic spot for nature lovers.
Travel Tips
- Book tickets online in advance to avoid long queues.
- Reach early in the morning to explore all attractions peacefully.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the area is vast.
- Don’t miss the laser show and Valley of Flowers.
- If traveling with kids, the Children Nutrition Park is a must-visit.
- Try staying overnight at nearby resorts or tent city for a complete experience.
Conclusion
The Statue of Unity is more than just a monument – it’s a tribute to the vision of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the unifier of India. It combines history, culture, architecture, and natural beauty, making it a perfect travel destination for families, history enthusiasts, and international tourists alike.
Whether you admire the grand architecture, enjoy the surrounding attractions, or simply want to witness the world’s tallest statue, a visit to the Statue of Unity is truly unforgettable.
So, if you’re planning your next trip to Gujarat, make sure the Statue of Unity is at the top of your travel list!
