The landscape is dominated by a gigantic statue that overlooks all of its surroundings, with a view that stretches out across the large valleys formed by rivers and streams, with the Sardar Sarovar Dam standing in the distance. To put it simply, this statue is a magnificent representation of India's "Iron Man," Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who, after India's Independence, united 562 princely states to form one nation. You may be wondering why the Statue of Unity, located in Gujarat, is a must-see destination. In the following paragraphs, we will discuss the elements of this incredible statue that are intertwined with the history, technological advances, and large amounts of breathtaking beauty.
A Brief Summary of Patel's Life and Achievements
A part of the larger freedom movement of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was not the only person who fought for India's freedom. He was also the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India, playing a significant part in creating India out of many different states. In 2010, Narendra Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, and he suggested that such a statue be built as a national monument to honour Patel. The project began in 2013, and the statue was made using more than 109 tons of iron from the old agricultural equipment of farmers across India to symbolize the coming together of people from all over the country. This statue was unveiled by Prime Minister Modi on Patel's 143rd birthday in 2018. Created by world-renowned sculptor Ram V. Sutar, the height of the statue is twice that of the Statue of Liberty.
The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel statue is a monumental testament to the will and resilience of one man. Built between 2013 and 2022 by Larsen & Toubro during a period of political controversy over its cost and environmental impact, the statue is located on the banks of the Narmada River in Kevadia, India where the dam that Patel was instrumental in creating is also located. The statues bronze-clad exterior will develop a green patina over time from oxidization due to the interaction of the bronze with air, water and pollution similar to how Lady Liberty has developed her own green patina since she was built.
Spectacular Architectural and Engineering Achievements
This statue is not just another average monument; it is different than anything else out there! The statue has a height of 182 metres and is currently the tallest statue in the world at 182m/597 ft. taller than the Chinese Spring Temple Buddha by 177 feet! The 360-degree panoramic view viewing gallery located inside the statue at a height of 153 metres, gives visitors an experience of a lifetime as they ride an extremely fast elevator ride straight to the very top. Around the statue sits a 12 sq. km man-made lake, "The Valley of Flowers" which is full of over 250,000 plant species, plus the "Wall of Unity" which has soil from 1,690,000 villages throughout India.
The statue was also engineered to withstand winds of 180 km/h and earthquakes up to 6.5 on the Richter scale. To get a Up-Close view of the statue you can either climb the "Nauka Vihar" or take a Boat Ride on the Man-made Lake. Either way, you'll never forget your visit to this monument! You won't be able to get over how large this thing is until you see it close-up.
Attractions That Wow – Beyond the Monument
When visiting The Statue of Unity, it is a must to explore the surrounding area, which includes a wide-ranging ecosystem with the Cactus Garden, Children's Nutrition Park, or Sardar Sarovar Dam.
For adventure seekers, there are plenty of options available, including India's longest zip-line (440m) and laser shows at Ekta Mall, where you can buy souvenirs. After sunset, you can experience sound and light shows that tell you the story of Sardar Patel's life.
Nature lovers can glamp at the Tent City or take a Jungle Safari to look for leopards and birds. Families have a chance to enjoy the playgrounds and take an electric bus around a 20,000 square meter area.
Getting to The Statue of Unity from Vadodara (about 100 km) is easy via flying or taking the train to the new airport/railway station in Kevadia. Plan your trip between October and March for the best weather and book your tickets online (they range from ₹30-₹350). If you're planning on going for a day trip or a long weekend, look for a Combo Package that includes bus tours and meals.
Final Thoughts
In the fast-paced, ever-changing world in which we live, The Statue of Unity remains timeless; it reminds us of the importance of unity, while providing us with opportunities for incredible experiences, breathtaking views, and inspiration. Whether you love history, are an adrenaline junkie, or just want to experience something special, The Statue of Unity is a must-see!
