Introduction
The statue of unity is in memory of the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Standing at 182 meters, it’s the tallest statue in the world. This statue is considered the crown in India’s jewel, and besides the Taj Mahal, it’s now the must-visit place for many tourists.
The Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel statue was inaugurated on October 31st 2018, commemorating the birthday of Sardar Patel. Within a few months, it assumed record popularity, and thousands of visitors visit this iconic structure every day.
This prominent landmark is located on the isle of Sadhu-Bet and sandwiched between the Vindyachal and Satpuda mountain ranges. There are many attractions nearby like the Valley of Flowers, Shoolpaneshwar Sanctuary, and of course, the Sardar Sarovar Dam. You will be enamoured once you stand at the feet of this great man, and the scenic beauty of this place draws repeat visitors every month.
In 2019 almost 1.9 million footfalls were recorded, and the statue expected to generate over 15,000 direct and indirect employment. A visit to this formidable structure is a must for every Indian and foreigners alike. It’s not just a statue, but a tribute to a great man who rebuilt the nation post-independence.
Contents
About Vallabh Patel and his importance to Indian History
It is essential to educate yourself on the Indian freedom movement and the contribution of Sardar Patel in the struggle.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was born on October 31st, 1875, in modern Nadiad town in Gujarat. His birth anniversary is now celebrated as National Unity Day by the government of India, and this name used to coin the iconic structure.
Sardar Patel was a skilled lawyer, and this helped him in securing tough legislations in later years. He was foremost a freedom fighter and was renowned for achieving three significant feats.
Firstly, he merged the 562 erstwhile princely states of India in a record time of three years through intense negotiation. That merited the title of Iron Man.
Secondly, being an ardent devotee of Mahatma Gandhi, he accomplished Satyagraha movement, the most important being the one at Bardoli that earned him the title of Sardar.
Thirdly, his contribution to drafting the Constitution of India alongside B.R. Ambedkar. These three dimensions of his life have contributed immensely to nation-building.
He died on 15th December 1950, and the entire nation plunged into grief. In 1991 the government conferred him a posthumous Bharat Ratna for his contribution. So, the statue of unity is a befitting tribute towards the life and work of this great son of India. The statue of unity inauguration date is symbolic about the life of this great man.
Architecture & Design of Sardar Patel statue of unity
The statue of unity designer is the renowned Padma Bhushan sculptor Ram Suthar.
The statue is beautifully sculpted and reflects the soft and stern features of the great leader. Standing at 182 feet, it’s the tallest statue in the world. The base of the statue stands over 237.35 above sea level and can withstand the toughest floods.
Larsen & Tubro has manufactured the Statue of Unity and will handle the operations for the next 25 years. The statue got completed in 33 months, and tons of cement, steel, and bronze were used to make this landmark. By “Loha Campaign” scheme they collected metal scraps from 6 lakh villages.
Inside the Statue of Unity
The statue built on two vertical core and each fitted with a high-speed elevator that can carry 26 passengers. The highest point of the statue known as the viewing gallery is accessible to the general public.
This iconic Sardar Patel statue of unity divided into three parts.
Base – The base or the ground floor houses an iconic modern museum fitted with 3D and audiovisual displays. This museum is dedicated to the life and works of Sardar Patel. Visitors can also educate themselves on a 15-minute film about his contributions.
Feet of the Statue – The feet of the statue are the second level, and from there on, you have to crane your neck to get a full view of the statue, and it looks fascinating against the azure horizon.
Viewing Gallery – 153 meters high gallery with 200 seats display the grand view of Sardar Sarovar Dam and the waters of Narmada.
Attractions near the Statue of Unity
The statue of unity made by a great designer and has become a star attraction for people visiting Gujarat. However, there are some other iconic structures nearby are also worth a visit. Let’s look at a few of them:
Valley of Flowers– This is a stunning landscaped garden located just 2 km from the statue. The Statue of Unity tickets includes the valley of flowers. The garden features some rare species of flora, shrubs, trees, grasses, and much more. There is also a selfie point for visitors to take photo ops and preserve as a memory.
Sardar Sarovar Dam – A visit to the Statue of Unity would be incomplete without a trip to the world’s second-largest dam. The dam took 56 years to complete and provides electricity, irrigation, and drinking water to four states Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
Panchmuli Lake – Instantly connect with nature and calm your senses with a visit to the Panchmuli Lake located 5 km from the statue. The lake houses 250 crocodiles, so be careful about venturing too near.
Zarwani Waterfall – If you want to feel the rustic beauty of nature, then Zarwani waterfalls are a must on your itinerary. The place is located inside Sulpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, and there is an entry fee of Rs 400 for cars and Rs 270 for bikes. It is a calm and serene place and a far cry from the maddening crowds.
Best time to visit
The statue of unity located in the state of Gujarat. It has a hot and dry climate with no distinct rainy season. Let’s look at each season to visit this statue:
Summer – Summers are hot and dry, and temperatures notch up to 50 degrees. So, it’s not an ideal time to visit and know about the statue of unity.
Monsoon – There is not much rain in Gujarat. You can visit this time, but if it rains the entire place will become puddled with water.
Winter – Winters remain comfortable in Gujrat, and the period between November-February considered as the ideal time to visit this iconic structure.
How to Reach statue of unity Gujarat
The place is closest to three cities Vadodara, Surat, and Bharuch. However, Vadodara considered the closest out of these three. There are multiple airways, rail, and roads to these three cities. Let’s look at this table to get an idea about the distance of this statue from these three major cities:
STATUE OF UNITY (DISTANCE IN KM)
Ahmedabad – 198 Kms
Surat – 155 Kms
Vadodara – 90 Kms
You can take buses or cabs from these destinations to reach the island.
The statue of unity information including timings & tickets
The Statue of Unity is open from 8 am to 6 pm Tuesday to Sunday. You can purchase tickets from 7:30 am to 5 pm on these days. The laser light show starts at 7:30 pm daily. The statue of unity tickets price is 120 for, and children tickets cost Rs 60.
Interesting Facts About most giant statue in India
Let’s look at some interesting facts about the statue of unity.
- The statue built in 3.5 years with the efforts of 3000 workers and 300 engineers.
- Iron scraps collected from 6 lakh villages across the state.
- China’s Jiangxi Toqine Company did the bronze cladding.
- The statue would be able to withstand earthquakes of 6.5 RC and windspeeds of 100 km.
- Statue houses a museum with 3-star lodging tents, food court, and memorial garden.
- It’s considered the biggest statue in India and in the world.
Some Important Travel Tips
These are some of the “do’s and don’ts” for visiting the statue of unity Gujarat:
Do’s
- Take assistance from the guide for visiting this place.
- Be careful of your belongings.
- Respect local culture and tradition
Don’ts
- Arms, tobacco, gutka, liquor, umbrellas, flammable objects and eatables prohibited from outside.
- Big bags and luggage not permitted.
- Drone cameras prohibited.
Why Should You Visit this place?
The Statue of Unity is an important architecture for India. It honors the national hero and Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Whenever you look at the statue, it fills your heart with pride and national valor.
The statue is a brilliant piece of architecture and acknowledges India’s technological prowess the country has achieved in 70 years post-Independence.
Moreover, the place is an outstanding tourist attraction and an important addition to any tour plan. Visit this classic structure and fall in love with the amazing beauty of this place.
FAQ
1. Where can you stay during your visit?
There are amazing luxury hotels located close to this iconic landmark. You search Google maps and easily locate the name of the hotels.
2. When is the Statue of Unity closed?
The Statue of Unity is open to visitors six days a week and closed on Monday due to maintenance work. You can also get tickets through statue of unity online booking from the official website.
3. What is inside the Statue of Unity?
The government has built 3-star hotels, shopping complexes, and a research center. There exist high-speed elevators that take visitors up to 153 feet.
4. Where is statue of unity located?
The Statue of Unity located in the state of Gujarat.
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