Statue of Unity
Located about two hours from Vadodara, the Statue of Unity is dedicated to the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. It stands proud at the Sandhu Bet island, overlooking the Sardar Sarovar Dam. The statue was designed by renowned Indian sculptor Ram V. Sutar and was unveiled to the public on October 31, 2018, on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The statue represents the ideals of unity and integrity, reflecting the essence of the "Statue of Unity Movement" and symbolising the rich cultural diversity and heritage of India, fostering a sense of national pride among its people.
Importantly, Statue of Unity has three main areas for visitors: the campus, the museum & the viewing gallery. The Museum situated in the building below the feet of “Sardar” catalogues Patel's life and contributions. An adjoining audio-visual gallery provides a 15-minute long presentation on Patel and also describes the tribal culture of the state.
The concrete towers which form the statue's legs contain two elevators each. Each lift can carry 26 people at a time to the viewing gallery in just over 30 seconds. The gallery is located at a height of 153 metres (502 ft) and can hold up to 200 people. Two types of tickets are available for accessing viewing gallery, i.e., Regular entry tickets and Express entry tickets.
The remaining Campus area has security check, walk ways towards the Statue, facility for refreshments, water dispensers and toilets. One can enjoy the scenic view around the statue and relax for a while in this area.
Tips
- The Statue of Unity remains open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., on all days except Mondays. So, plan your trip accordingly.
- Advance ticket booking is advisable to avoid disappointment.
- Wheelchair without assistant are available for elderly and disabled person on subject to availability basis.
