Introduction:
The Statue of Unity is a monument
dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who was one of India's most important
leaders in the struggle for independence from British colonial rule. The statue
is in Gujarat, India, and is the tallest statue in the world, standing at 182
meters (597 feet) tall. The statue was inaugurated on October 31, 2018, by
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and has since become a major tourist
attraction in Gujarat.
History:
The idea for the Statue of Unity
was first proposed in 2010, when the then-chief minister of Gujarat, Narendra
Modi, announced the plan to build a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The
statue was intended to be a symbol of unity and a tribute to Patel's
contribution to India's independence movement. Patel was known as the
"Iron Man of India" for his role in uniting the various princely
states of India after independence.
The project was met with some
controversy, as many people questioned the need for such a large statue,
especially in a country where millions of people live in poverty. Some critics
also argued that the money could be better spent on other projects, such as
education and healthcare. However, the project was ultimately approved, and
construction began in 2014.
Design and Construction:
The Statue of Unity was designed
by Indian sculptor Ram V. Sutar, who is known for his work on other prominent
Indian monuments, including the Mahatma Gandhi statue at the Indian Parliament.
The statue was constructed by Larsen & Toubro, a multinational construction
company based in India.
The statue is made of bronze and
stands on a concrete base that houses a museum and an exhibition centre. The
base is surrounded by a 12-kilometer (7.5-mile) long artificial lake, which was
created to provide a picturesque backdrop for the monument. The statue is also
equipped with a high-speed elevator that can take visitors to a viewing gallery
at a height of 153 meters (502 feet) above ground level.
The construction of the Statue of
Unity was a major engineering feat, as it required the use of cutting-edge
technology and materials. The statue was constructed using the latest 3D modelling
techniques, which allowed the designers to create a highly detailed digital
model of the monument. The statue was then cast in bronze using a specialized
casting process that involved the use of more than 2,000 metric tons of bronze.
The Idea behind the Statue of Unity:
The idea of building the Statue
of Unity was first proposed by Narendra Modi in 2010 when he was the Chief
Minister of Gujarat. He wanted to build a statue of Sardar Patel, who is also
known as the Iron Man of India, as a tribute to his contribution to the
country's unity and integration. Patel played a crucial role in the integration
of over 500 princely states into the Indian Union after India's independence in
1947.
The construction of the statue
began in December 2013, and it took almost five years to complete. The statue
was built by the Indian construction company Larsen & Toubro, at a cost of
around 2,989 crore rupees (approximately $400 million). The project was funded
by the government of Gujarat, as well as by donations from various public and
private organizations.
Impact on Tourism:
The Statue of Unity has had a
significant impact on tourism in Gujarat since its inauguration. The site has
become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over India
and abroad. According to the Gujarat Tourism Department, the statue has already
attracted more than 50 lakh (5 million) visitors since its inauguration,
generating a revenue of around 82 crore rupees (approximately $11 million).
The government of Gujarat has
also developed several other tourist attractions in the vicinity of the statue,
such as a jungle safari park, a river rafting center, and a tent city for
tourists. These developments have helped to create employment opportunities for
the local population and have boosted the economy of the region.
The statue has also helped to put
Gujarat on the world tourism map, with several international travel
publications featuring the statue as a must-visit destination. The statue has
been included in several lists of the world's most iconic landmarks, such as
Time Magazine's 2019 list of the 100 greatest places to visit.
How to Reach :-
The Statue of Unity is in the
state of Gujarat, in western India. It is situated on a small river island
called Sadhu Bet, which is near the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River.
Here are some ways to reach the Statue of Unity:
By Air : ✈The nearest airport to the Statue of Unity is the Sardar
Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, which is approximately
200 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the
statue.
By Train : 🚆 The nearest railway station to the Statue of Unity is the
Vadodara Junction, which is approximately 90 km away. From the railway station,
you can take a taxi or a bus to reach the statue.
By Road : 🚗The Statue of Unity is well-connected by road. You can take a bus
or a taxi from major cities in Gujarat, such as Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, and
Rajkot, to reach the statue. The Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation
(GSRTC) also operates regular bus services from major cities in Gujarat to the
statue.
There are also several private
tour operators that offer guided tours to the Statue of Unity, which include
transportation and other facilities such as accommodation and meals. These tour
packages can be booked online or through travel agencies.
Once you reach the statue, you
can take a shuttle bus or a golf cart from the parking lot to the base of the
statue. From there, you can take the lifts to reach the viewing gallery at a
height of 153 meters, from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the
surrounding landscape.
Where to Stay 🏩
The Statue of Unity in Gujarat,
India, is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over
the world. There are several accommodation options available in and around the
statue for travellers. Here are some options for where to stay when visiting
the Statue of Unity:
Tent City: Tent City is a
temporary accommodation facility located near the Statue of Unity. It is a
popular option for tourists who want to experience camping in a luxurious way.
The tent city provides comfortable tents with air conditioning, attached
bathrooms, and other modern amenities. The tent city also offers a range of
activities and entertainment options for guests.
Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary: The Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is located near the Statue of Unity and offers a range of accommodation options, including cottages and tents. The sanctuary is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a tranquil environment for visitors.
Rajpipla: Rajpipla is a
small town located near the Statue of Unity and offers several budget-friendly
accommodation options such as guesthouses and budget hotels. The town is
surrounded by natural beauty and offers a peaceful environment for travellers.
Vadodara: Vadodara is a
major city located approximately 90 km from the Statue of Unity and offers a
range of accommodation options such as budget hotels, guesthouses, and luxury
hotels. The city is well-connected by road and rail to the statue.
Ahmedabad: Ahmedabad is a
major city located approximately 200 km from the Statue of Unity and offers a
range of accommodation options such as budget hotels, guesthouses, and luxury
hotels. The city is well-connected by road, rail, and air to the statue.
In addition to the above options,
there are several other accommodation options available in nearby towns and
cities, which can be easily accessed from the Statue of Unity.
Best Time to Visit:
The Statue of Unity in Gujarat,
India, is a popular tourist destination that can be visited throughout the
year. However, the best time to visit the statue depends on your preferences
and the weather conditions. Here is a breakdown of the seasons in Gujarat and
the best time to visit the Statue of Unity:
Winter (November to February):
Winter is the best time to visit the Statue of Unity as the weather is pleasant
and cool. The temperature ranges from 12°C to 28°C, making it perfect for
outdoor activities and sightseeing. This is also the peak tourist season, so
you can expect more crowds and higher prices for accommodation and travel.
Summer (March to June): Summer in
Gujarat is extremely hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to
45°C. It is not an ideal time to visit the statue, but if you do, make sure to
carry plenty of water, sunscreen, and wear light cotton clothes to beat the
heat.
Monsoon (July to October):
Monsoon in Gujarat is characterized by heavy rainfall, which can make it
difficult to travel and explore the statue. However, the landscape around the
statue turns lush green, and the Narmada River is in full flow during this
time, making it a beautiful sight to behold.
Overall, the best time to visit the Statue of Unity is during the
winter season.
The Statue of Unity is a magnificent monument located in Gujarat, India.
Besides the statue itself, there are several other attractions and places to visit around the statue.
Here
are some of the best places to visit in the Statue of Unity complex:
Statue of Unity: The Statue of
Unity is the main attraction and the tallest statue in the world. Visitors can
take the elevator to the viewing gallery located at a height of 153 meters and
enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
Sardar Sarovar Dam: The Sardar
Sarovar Dam is a marvel of engineering located near the Statue of Unity. The
dam is built on the Narmada River and is one of the largest dams in the world.
Visitors can take a tour of the dam and learn about its construction and
significance.
Sardar Sarovar Dam is one of the
world's largest concrete gravity dam which is 1.2 kms long and 163 mts height
from its deepest foundation level. It has 30 radial gates weighing about 450
tonnes each.
Valley of Flowers: The Valley of Flowers is a beautiful garden located near the statue. It is a colorful and vibrant garden with a variety of flowers and plants.
Cactus Garden: The Cactus Garden is a unique garden located near the statue. It features a collection of cacti from around the world, including rare and exotic varieties.
Jungle Safari: The Jungle Safari
is a wildlife park located near the statue. Visitors can take a jeep safari and
spot a variety of animals such as lions, tigers, leopards, deer, and more.
Experience to observe the wonderful Indianwild Carnivores and Herbivores in their full charisma. There are two walk though aviaries housing large number of birds. These aviaries, constructed as geodesic domes are among the largest geodesic domes in India Vision:To complement ex-situ conservation of endangered wild animals and to contribute to raise awareness in masses to strengthen conservation of wild life in particular and bio diversity as well environment in general.
SPZP also works on rescue of wild animals in coordination with wildlife conservation authorities of Gujarat State for treatment and special care and releasing back them to wild/their original habitats. Wild Feast and Jungle café – Dine and enjoy and treat yourself with variety of delicious food and beverages.
Ekta Cruise: The Ekta Cruise is a
luxury cruise that takes visitors on a scenic tour of the Narmada River. It is
a great way to experience the natural beauty of the region.
Children's Nutrition Park: The
Children's Nutrition Park is an educational and interactive park that teaches
children about nutrition and healthy eating habits.
Museum and Audio-Visual Gallery:
The Museum and Audio-Visual Gallery showcase the life and achievements of
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the visionary leader of India's independence
movement.
Online Tickets :
Book your tickets in advance from www.soutickets.in
1) Entry Ticket : 150 Rs / Person
2) Viewing Gallery Ticket : 380 Rs / Person
Time: 9:00 am - 6:00 PM ( Monday Closed)
Overall, the Statue of Unity complex offers a range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests
0 Comments: