Rising up majestically in the Narmada district of Gujarat stands the Statue of Unity. A monumental tribute to one of India’s greatest leaders – Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Unveiled in 2018, this colossal 182-metre sculpture has earned the distinction of being the world’s tallest statue and an engineering marvel.
Built across a river island called Sadhu Bet, near the Sardar Sarovar Dam, the Statue of Unity is a must-visit attraction for anyone exploring Gujarat. Beyond just its record-breaking height, this statue complex offers informative exhibits on Sardar Patel’s legacy, scenic surroundings, fun activities and plenty of sightseeing opportunities for a memorable family vacation.
This comprehensive tour guide shares everything you need to know – right from trip planning essentials to tips for making the most of your visit to this iconic site. Let’s get started!
Getting There: How to Reach Statue of Unity
The Statue of Unity is located near Kevadia in Gujarat’s Narmada district, about 200 km from Vadodara and 100 km from Surat. The nearest airport is Vadodara, just over an hour’s drive away from the statue site. Ahmedabad airport, connected to all major cities in India, is about 200 km away as well.
The Kevadia railway station, just 7 km from the statue site, is well connected to cities like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat and Mumbai. Luxury buses and trains like the Maharaja Express and Palace on Wheels also offer convenient options to reach Kevadia.
For ultimate convenience, the Statue of Unity is just an hour’s drive from Vadodara along the national highway 8 connecting Mumbai and Delhi. Taxis and private vehicles make for the quickest transfer from Vadodara airport to the statue site.
Planning Your Visit: Tour Guide and Tickets
Advanced online booking via www.statueofunity.in is highly recommended for guaranteed entry. Tickets cost just Rs 120 for adults and Rs 60 for kids aged 3-15 years, making it quite economical. Options like special bus tour packages, boat rides and helicopter tours can also be pre-booked online for a seamless experience.
For enriching your visit, consider booking an audio guide or guided tour. The audio guide offers insightful commentary in multiple languages for just Rs 50. Guided tours in AC buses led by experienced guides are also available at just Rs 250 per person.
These 2-3 hour packages include return transportation from the ticketing area, leisurely sightseeing drive around the statue complex along with a 15 minute stop for photographs. For an immersive 3600 view, add on the 4D augmented reality guided tour priced at Rs 350 per person.
Best Time to Visit and Things to Do
October to March are the most pleasant months to visit when daytime temperatures are cooler and perfect for outdoor sightseeing. Early mornings and evenings are recommended in summers.
Must-see attractions here beyond the Statue of Unity include the extensive museum, audio-visual show, valley of flowers, river rafting, jungle safari, hiking and boating within the sprawling complex.
The museum offers enriching insights into Sardar Patel’s life through interactive exhibits. The laser and sound show bringing alive India’s unity movement is spectacular after sunset. The Sardar Patel Zoological Park and geopark site with dinosaur fossils add fun educational value.
Thrill seekers can opt for kayaking and river rafting on the Narmada river. The ropeway, hot air balloon and helicopter rides offer bird’s eye views of the magnificent statue amidst the Satpura ranges. With so much to do, at least half a day is recommended to experience the Statue of Unity attractions thoroughly.
Sightseeing and Attractions Near Kevadia Colony
While in Kevadia, don’t miss visiting some incredible attractions close by:
Sardar Sarovar Dam – One of the world’s largest dams, this engineering marvel is just 3 km away from the Statue of Unity. Stop by to admire its 12 km long and 163 metre high concrete gravity wall and learn about its irrigation capabilities.
Garudeshwar Temple – Just across the Narmada river lies this ornately carved temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva in beautiful setting amidst hills.
Zarvani Eco Tourism Site – For nature lovers, Zarvani offers scenic walking trails through lush forests along the Narmada river to spot birds and wildlife in their natural habitat.
Ekta Narmada Dam – This mesmerizing 1.2 km long dam flanked by an 11 km long reservoir lake offers breathtaking scenery. One can stop by on the drive to Kevadia from Vadodara.
Rajpipla – The scenic town of Rajpipla, located about an hour’s drive from Kevadia makes for an offbeat getaway to explore its quaint Raj-era mansions by the Narmada river.
Accommodation Options: Hotels Near Statue of Unity
Kevadia offers a range of stay options suiting all budgets, all easily accessible from Statue of Unity:
Budget: Tent City Narmada offers air-conditioned tent accommodation starting Rs 1500 a night with nice gardens and a restaurant. Shreshta Bharat Bhavan affordable lodging has dorms from Rs 400 per night.
Mid-range: The Fern Residency, The Gateway Hotel Vadodara Taj Gateway offer comfortable rooms from Rs 3000-5000 including breakfast.
Luxury: The Taj VIEWS Hotel is a scenic lakeside 5 star property near Statue of Unity with rooms starting Rs 8000 with top class amenities.
Family-friendly retreats like Club Paradisio offer spacious villas with lawns, pool and activity area for kids priced at Rs 5000 onwards. Advance booking online is recommended as properties get full during peak seasons.
Budget Tour Packages and One-Day Trip
Many operators like Veena World offer economical one day bus tours to Statue of Unity from Vadodara covering transportation and entry ticket for around Rs 1000-1200 per person.
For budget travelers, backpacker hostels in Vadodara like Moustache hostel arrange daily group trips to Kevadia covering transport, meals and sightseeing for Rs 1500-1800 per head. Their 1 night package with accommodation just outside Kevadia costs approx Rs 2500 per person.
Here’s a suggested one day itinerary covering top attractions:
7 AM: Start from Vadodara hotel
9:30 AM: Arrive at Statue of Unity complex
10 AM – 11:30 AM: Guided tour of Statue, Valley of Flowers, Museum
12 PM: Boat ride and Narmada riverfront visit
1:30 PM: Sardar Sarovar Dam visit
3 PM – 4:30 PM: Virtual Reality Tour, Light and Sound show
5:30 PM: Depart for Vadodara
10 PM: Arrive Vadodara
Unique Experiences: Helicopter Ride and Jungle Safari
Make your visit truly memorable by opting for these unforgettable experiences:
Helicopter Ride – 8 minute helicopter tour for Rs 2500-3500 per person offers stunning aerial views of the Statue, Sardar Sarovar dam and Satpura mountain ranges.
Jungle Safari – The safari through Sardar Patel Zoological Park costing Rs 200 for adults and Rs 125 for children, provides an immersive experience spotting lions, leopards, sloth bears, hyenas and varied bird species amidst lush forests.
Statue of Unity Museum and Light Show Timings
The state-of-the-art audiovisual museum open from 9 AM – 6 PM provides enriching insights into Sardar Patel’s life through interactive displays including short films, augmented reality zone, interactive screens and expansive galleries.
Don’t miss the dynamic 27-minute light and sound show held between 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM daily in English and Hindi. Showcasing the role of Sardar Patel in India’s freedom movement, it uses advanced projection mapping technology for compelling visual impact!
Travel Cost Breakdown and Tips for Families
Here’s a broad cost breakdown for a 2 day Statue of Unity visit to help plan budgets:
- Transport: Rs 2500
- Hotel Stay: Rs 2000
- Meals: Rs 800
- Entry tickets: Rs 500
- Guided Tour: Rs 300
- Activities like boat ride, VR show: Rs 1500
Total for 1 person: Around Rs 7600
For families travelling with kids, opt for packages like EMI Holidays offering stays in family rooms at discounted rates, complimentary meals for kids, convenient sightseeing by AC bus and priority entry darshan.
Kids enjoy activities like the jungle safari and riverfront visit. Guides at the science museum and zoological park keep children productively engaged with quiz contests and fun facts on wildlife. The illuminating light show is ideal for family entertainment after sunset.
Conclusion
I hope this detailed guide provided you all the essential information required to plan an enjoyable and meaningful visit to the Statue of Unity and surrounding attractions near Kevadia. Beyond just being an engineering feat, a trip here offers the perfect opportunity to reflect upon Sardar Patel’s immense contribution towards India’s unity.
The state-of-the-art complex built around the towering sculpture along with the surrounding natural beauty and adventurous activities make this historic site the perfect destination for an enriching family vacation. Don’t miss this iconic new addition along any Gujarat itinerary!
With convenient connectivity, accommodation options for all budgets and abundant sightseeing opportunities, Statue of Unity makes for an incredible proud moment to witness India’s progress first-hand. Follow this handy tour guide and come experience the tallest unity monument in the world soon! You are sure to return with wonderful memories and a renewed sense of national pride.