The Statue of Unity is the tallest statue in the world and a beaming tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the “Iron Man of India.” The statue commemorates his achievement of unifying the princely states into a single India. It is 182 meters high and situated on Sadhu Bet Island, with the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat facing it.
The project was originally announced by Narendra Modi, the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, in 2010. The statue was inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi on October 31, 2018, Sardar Patel’s 143rd birthday anniversary.
The Statue of Unity is not just a monument; it is also a major tourist attraction with museums, gardens, and cultural experiences that draw lakhs of visitors every year. For a hassle-free trip, many travelers now prefer online Statue of Unity stay booking in advance to avoid the last-minute rush.
How to Reach Statue of Unity?
The Statue of Unity is located in Kevadiya, now known as Ekta Nagar, in the Narmada district of Gujarat. It sits proudly on the banks of the Narmada River, facing the grand Sardar Sarovar Dam. The nearest city is Rajpipla, about 25 km away, and the statue is well connected to major towns and cities in Gujarat.
- By Road: Traveling by road is one of the easiest ways to reach the Statue of Unity. You can drive through State Highway 11 and 63, which take you directly to Ekta Nagar. From Kevadiya town, the statue is only 3.5 km away.
- By Train: The Kevadiya Railway Station is the nearest and most convenient rail stop for visitors. It connects to big cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara with daily trains. From the station, you can easily take a taxi, auto, or a bus to reach the statue. If you arrive at Vadodara Junction or Ahmedabad Junction, both of which are major railway stations, you can continue your journey to Ekta Nagar by road.
- By Air: The closest airport is Vadodara Airport, around 90 km away. It has regular flights from cities like Mumbai and Delhi. Another option is the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, which is about 200 km away. Both airports offer plenty of cabs and buses for onward travel.
Design and Structure
The statue was designed by Padma Bhushan awardee Ram V. Suthar, a famous Indian sculptor. His design shows Sardar Patel walking forward with confidence, wearing a shawl across his shoulders. This pose reflects his strength and determination.
The statue itself is 182 meters tall, while the base is 58 meters, making the total height 240 meters. It can resist winds up to 130 km per hour and earthquakes up to 6.5 on the Richter scale. More than 5,700 metric tons of structural steel and 18,500 metric tons of reinforcement bars were used in the construction.
Inside the statue, elevators carry visitors to the Viewing Gallery, which is located at 153 meters. From here, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Sardar Sarovar Dam, the Narmada River, and the Vindhyachal and Satpura hills.
For a comfortable trip, travelers also choose Statue of Unity tent city booking, which gives them a chance to stay close to nature while enjoying modern facilities.
Things to See at the Statue of Unity
- Museum and Exhibition Hall – At the base, you will find a museum that showcases Sardar Patel’s life and work through audiovisuals, photos, and artifacts.
- Memorial Garden – A peaceful green space created to honor Patel’s memory.
- Viewing Gallery – Located at 153 meters, it can hold up to 200 people at a time.
- Valley of Flowers – Spread over 600 acres, this colorful garden has over 100 species of flowers.
- Selfie Zone – A special area for visitors who want to click memorable pictures.
Many visitors also look for hotels near Statue of Unity so they can explore all these attractions at their own pace.
Timings and Ticket Prices
- Opening Days: Tuesday to Sunday (Closed on Monday)
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Ticket Prices
- Entry Ticket (Valley of Flowers, Museum, Dam View):
- Adults: ₹120 + ₹30 (bus charges)
- Children (3–15 years): ₹60 + ₹30 (bus charges)
- Observation Deck Ticket (includes gallery at 153 meters):
- Adults: ₹350 + ₹30 (bus charges)
- Children (3–15 years): ₹200 + ₹30 (bus charges)
- Children below 3 years: Free
Tickets can be booked online from the official Statue of Unity website or purchased at the site.
If you do not wish to depend on public transport, you can also book a Car Rental for Statue of Unity, which makes your trip smooth and flexible.
Accommodation Options Near Statue of Unity
To enjoy your trip fully, you need a good place to stay. Options include:
- Statue of Unity Tent City – Luxurious tents with modern amenities, great for families and groups.
- Shrestha Bharat Bhavan – A 3-star hotel near the site with all facilities.
- Nearby Resorts and Hotels – Many private hotels and resorts are also available for different budgets.
Whether you pick a luxury stay or a budget-friendly option, advance booking ensures peace of mind.
Pro Travel Tip: Best Time to Visit the Statue of Unity
The Statue of Unity welcomes visitors throughout the year, but the best time to visit is from October to February. During these months, the weather stays cool and pleasant, making sightseeing more enjoyable.
If you come in the morning, you can enjoy calm surroundings and fewer crowds, perfect for families and photographers. If you prefer the evening, don’t miss the Laser Light and Sound Show, which tells Sardar Patel’s inspiring story on the statue itself. This extra touch makes your trip unforgettable.
Interesting Facts About the Statue of Unity
- The height of 182 meters represents the 182 seats in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly.
- The outer layer has 1,700 tonnes of bronze plates and 1,850 tonnes of bronze cladding.
- The elevators inside can take 26 people to the gallery in just 30 seconds.
- The project created 15,000 direct jobs for local tribal communities.
- Larsen & Toubro will handle operations for 25 years.
Final Word
The Statue of Unity is not only the tallest statue in the world. It is also a symbol of pride, unity, and the strength of India. From the museum and Valley of Flowers to the viewing gallery and tent city, this entire site has something special to it.
Plan your visit wisely, book your tickets and stay in advance, and make memories with family and friends. A visit to the Statue of Unity is an experience of a lifetime.
