The Statue of Unity, standing tall at 182 meters, is more than just the world’s tallest statue — it’s a towering tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India. Situated in the state of Gujarat, this monumental structure attracts millions each year, making it a globally recognized tourist destination and a symbol of national pride.
This article is your complete guide to the Statue of Unity, covering its history, design, budget, ticket information, timings, how to reach, nearby attractions, and more. Whether you’re planning a visit or just curious, you’ll find everything here.
Who Was Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel?
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (1875–1950) was India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, and he played a critical role in the country’s independence movement. He is best remembered for unifying over 562 princely states into one nation post-1947, preventing India from fragmenting after British rule.
He was called the “Iron Man of India” for his strength of will, diplomacy, and uncompromising nationalism. His ideals of unity, good governance, and national integration live on through the Statue of Unity.
Statue of Unity: Conception to Inauguration
- Announced: October 31, 2010, by then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi
- Construction began: October 31, 2014
- Inaugurated: October 31, 2018 (Sardar Patel’s 143rd birth anniversary)
- Time to build: 4 years
- Inaugurated by: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Project Budget and Cost
- Estimated Budget: ₹2,989 crore (Approx. $420 million)
- Funded by: Government of Gujarat, Public Sector Units (PSUs), and public donations under “Statue of Unity Movement”
The statue is a massive engineering and financial feat, rivaling any international monument in both ambition and execution.
Who Designed the Statue of Unity?
- Chief Sculptor: Ram V. Sutar, a Padma Bhushan awardee and renowned Indian sculptor
- Executed by: Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
- Total weight: Over 67,000 tonnes
- Exterior bronze cladding: 1,850 tonnes
Components and Materials
- Steel framework & reinforced concrete: India
- Bronze panels: Fabricated by Jiangxi Toqine Company (China) and shipped to India
- Location: Sadhu Bet Island, on the Narmada River, near Kevadia in Narmada district, Gujarat.
Ticket Information & Entry Timings
Types of Tickets:
|
Ticket Type |
Price (INR) |
Inclusions |
|
Basic Entry |
₹150 (Adults) / ₹90 (Children) |
Access to the museum, exhibition hall, valley of flowers |
|
Viewing Gallery |
₹380 (Adults) / ₹230 (Children) |
Includes everything in basic + gallery at 153m height |
|
Express Entry |
₹1030 |
Skip-the-line + all areas |
|
Laser Show (Evening) |
Included in entry pass |
Runs post 7 PM |
Timings:
- Open Days: Tuesday to Sunday (Closed on Mondays)
- Visiting Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Laser Light & Sound Show: Starts at 7:00 PM daily
Tip: Book tickets in advance via https://statueofunity.in
How to Reach Statue of Unity from Ahmedabad or Gandhinagar
By Road:
- From Ahmedabad: ~200 km via NE1 & State Highway 63 (~3.5–4 hours)
- From Gandhinagar: ~180 km (~3–3.5 hours)
- Best option: Hire a taxi or self-drive
By Train:
- Ekta Nagar Railway Station (formerly Kevadiya) is connected to major cities:
- Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Varanasi, Rewa, and more
By Air:
- Nearest Airport: Vadodara (~90 km)
- Regular flights from Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai
- From Vadodara, take a taxi/bus to Statue of Unity
Shortest Travel Tip:
From Ahmedabad:
Take the NE1 Expressway → Exit at Vadodara → Continue to Rajpipla → Reach Kevadiya.
What to See at Statue of Unity Complex
The area isn’t just a statue — it’s a full-fledged tourist ecosystem with more than 35 attractions! Some highlights:
Must-Visit Attractions:
- Viewing Gallery
- Located at 153 meters inside the statue’s chest
- Offers panoramic views of Sardar Sarovar Dam and the Narmada Valley
- Museum and Exhibition Hall
- Documents Patel’s life, India’s freedom struggle
- 15,000 sq. ft of rich historical displays
- Laser Light & Sound Show
- Stunning projection mapping on the statue
- Narrates India’s freedom journey
- Valley of Flowers
- 24-hectare floral garden with over 100 varieties
- Scenic walking paths and selfie spots
- Sardar Sarovar Dam
- Massive hydropower and irrigation dam
- Great viewpoints like Selfie Point and Glow Garden
- Ekta Mall
- One-stop shop for handicrafts from all Indian states
- Great for souvenirs
- Children’s Nutrition Park
- Interactive, train-themed edutainment for kids
- Jungle Safari & Pet Zone
- Wildlife sanctuary with lions, leopards, deer
- Eco-tourism initiative
Nearby Stay Options
- Tent City 1 and 2 – Luxurious glamping tents with river views
- Budget Hotels – Available in Kevadia and Rajpipla
- Government Guest Houses – For affordable, clean stays
Nearby Places to Visit
|
Place |
Distance |
Highlights |
|
Zarwani Waterfalls |
12 km |
Pristine natural waterfalls |
|
Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary |
15 km |
Rich flora & fauna |
|
Vinchhiya Bhavani Temple |
10 km |
Spiritual site with history |
|
Garudeshwar Dutt Temple |
8 km |
Holy place near Narmada |
|
Ninai Waterfalls |
55 km |
Mesmerizing views in monsoon |
What Does the Statue of Unity Symbolize?
National Unity
Sardar Patel’s biggest contribution was merging hundreds of divided princely states. This statue symbolizes the unification of India, a message etched in steel and stone. Strength and Integrity
The towering height and strong posture signify resilience, leadership, and integrity — traits Patel stood for.
Global Recognition
From zero tourist footfall to hosting over 10 million visitors in 5 years, it showcases India’s engineering and cultural grandeur.
Statue of Unity as a Tourism & Economic Hub
Since its launch, the area has witnessed massive development:
- Kevadia transformed into Ekta Nagar
- Over 3,000+ jobs generated locally
- Green energy buses, solar projects, and eco-tourism booming
- New ropeways, cycling tracks, and river rafting being planned
Summary (For Quick Snippets)
- Tallest statue in the world: 182 meters
- Located at: Kevadia, Narmada District, Gujarat
- Designed by: Ram V. Sutar
- Time taken: 4 years (2014–2018)
- Ticket prices: ₹150–₹1030
- Nearby attractions: Valley of Flowers, Jungle Safari, Sardar Dam
- From Ahmedabad: ~3.5 hrs by road
- Symbolizes: Unity, strength, and nationalism of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Final Thoughts
The Statue of Unity isn’t just an architectural wonder — it’s a living legacy of Sardar Patel, the man who unified India. Whether you’re a history buff, a patriot, or just someone who loves grand monuments, this place deserves a spot on your travel list.
Plan your visit today, and witness the Iron Man of India — cast in bronze and spirit — stand tall for generations to come.