Whether you agree with it or not, any discussion about our independence and freedom warriors instantly melts our hearts. This massive memorial honors not only a great leader but also all of his sacrifices. The Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest, is a fitting monument to India’s Iron Man, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The huge monument stands atop Sadhu Bet Island on the Narmada River, overlooking the Sardar Sarovar Dam. With a height of 182 meters, the monument towers over China’s Spring Buddha Temple (153 meters). On his 143rd birthday, the huge monument was presented to the man who unified India.
However, as Indian citizens, we must first look about our neighborhoods, study, learn, and understand what our nation has gone through to reach this stage of civilization.
When it comes to countries with impressive ancient infrastructure, India is no exception. To back up this claim, India possesses the world’s tallest statue, standing at 182 meters. It is known as the Statue Of Unity.
Who is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel?
Statue of Unity is a statue in Gujarat, India, which depicts Vallabhbhai Patel who was the first deputy prime minister and home minister of independent India. He was well-liked and recognized for unifying 562 princely kingdoms.
- Known as the ‘Ironman’ of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played an important role in India’s freedom struggle, and then for the unification of more than 500 princely states in the Union of India.
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel served as India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. The “Iron Man of India” was his moniker.
About Construction
Three models of the design were built at the beginning of 3 feet, 18 feet and 30 feet. Once the design of the largest model was approved, a detailed 3D scan was designed that was the basis for the bronze cast at a workshop in China.
India’s major infrastructure company L&T won the contract for design, construction, and maintenance on 27 October 2014 for its lowest bid of Rs 2,989 crore, equivalent to Rs 36 billion in 2018. They started construction on 31 October 2014. In Phase-1 of the project, Rs 1,347 crore was spent for the main statue, Rs 235 crore was spent for the exhibition hall and convention center, and Rs 83 crore was spent for the bridge connecting the memorial. After its completion, the mainland and Rs 657 crore was spent for the maintenance of the structure for 15 years.
- According to an L&T official, he has hired more than 3000 workers and 250 engineers to build the statue.
- The foundation of the statue used 210,000 cubic meters of cement concrete, 6500 tons of structural steel, and 18500 tons of thick steel.
- The exterior has 1700 tons of bronze plates and 1850 tons of bronze, which in turn consists of 565 macro and 6000 micro panels.
- The statue is designed to withstand winds of 180 km/h and a 6.5 Richter earthquake with a depth of 10 km and a radius of 12 km.
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Why Was Gujarat Chosen to Be the Place for This Statue?
Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Rashtriya Ekta Trust (SVPRET) was a society which was formed under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister of Gujarat, to execute this project.
Top 5 Places near the Statue of Unity
1. Bharuch – The Oldest City of Gujarat
Bharuch is the oldest city of Gujarat. It is the second oldest city in India with frequent settlements, the first being Kashi (Varanasi). Bharuch has an estimated 8000-year history.
Bharuch is one of the oldest cities in Gujarat, situated at the mouth of the Narmada River. If you plan to visit the Statue of Unity, keep Bharuch on your itinerary and experience the archaeological charm of the place.
- Attractions: Golden Bridge, Narmada Park, Zarwani Waterfall, Bhrigu Hrishi Temple, and Shri Swaminarayan Temple are all popular tourist destinations.
- Distance From Statue Of Unity: 91 km
2. Zarwani Waterfall
Waterfalls are some of the most magical natural wonders one can ever see. Zarwani waterfalls are also no less. These milky white water springs are sitting in the middle of Sawaleshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. The scenic views and panoramic landscapes that the waterfalls offer are magical. Species of plants and birds live here in abundance. Therefore, it provides a great opportunity not only for nature lovers but also for bird watchers to escape the bustle of the city.
- Attractions: Various species of plants and birds
- Location: Dhirkhadi, Gujarat 393155
- Distance From Statue Of Unity: 15 km
3. Kabirism – A Historically Significant Place
Kabirism is a banyan tree located on a small river island in the Narmada River. It is in Bharuch district, Gujarat, India. The tree and location are associated with the 15th-century mystic poet Kabir. There is a temple dedicated to Kabir. It is believed that the banyan tree grew from Datun.
There is a scenic river island, known for its banyan tree over 3 km of the area. The place is named after the great saint Kabir, who lived here for many years. Kabirism can be reached via ferry from Shuklathirtha Shiva temple.
- Attractions: Kavir Temple
- Location: Bharuch district, Gujarat, Kabirvad river island, Narmada River
- Distance From Statue Of Unity: 60 km
4. Jungle Safari and Sardar Patel Zoological Park
The Sardar Patel Zoological Park and Safari, which spans 375 acres, is home to spectacular big cats such as an Asiatic Lion, a Royal Bengal Tiger, a Black Panther, and Leopards.
There are also twelve species of deer, antelopes, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, bison, wildebeest, and onyx, as well as alpacas, llamas, a wallaby, and a newborn hippo!
- Attractions: Asiatic Lion, Royal Bengal Tiger
- Location: RPPP+84H, Gujarat 393155
- Distance From Statue Of Unity: 2.5 km from Statue of Unity
5. Unity Glow Garden
The Statue of Unity Glow Garden comes to life when the sun goes down!
Prepare to be transported to a realm of wonderful lights and light-based artworks at the Statue of Unity Glow Garden, which is ideal to visit after the 7 pm, Projection Mapping Show.
- Attractions: The Unity Glow Garden is a lovely place to come after seeing the Statue of Unity.
- Location: Unity Glow Garden, near Valley of Flowers Statue of Unity, Kevadia, Gujarat 393151
- Distance From Statue Of Unity: 4 km from the Statue of Unity
How to Reach the Statue of Unity
- The Vadodara Airport is the closest airport.
- Vadodara Railway Station is a nearby station.
- Kevadia Bus Stop is the nearest bus station.
The Statue of Unity: 5 Interesting Facts
- Work on the 182-meter / 597-foot tall Statue of Unity, which cost roughly 3,000 crore rupees / USD $400-450 million / Euro €305-400 million, began in 2014 and was finished in 2018.
- The Statue of Unity is twice the size of the United States’ Statue of Liberty and 40% taller than China’s Spring Temple Buddha.
- The Statue of Unity is made up of three layers and can endure earthquakes and high winds.
- A natural aging process will cause the Statue of Unity to change color from bronze to green after 100 years.
- With the picturesque Vindhya and Satpura mountain ranges on both sides, the monument is situated near the great Narmada and the Sardar Sarovar Dam.
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FAQs :
1. Which Time Is Best to Visit the Statue of Unity?
October to February, because these are the cooler months as compared to others.
2. What Is the Opening and Closing Time of the Statue Visiting?
It opens at 8:00 am and closes at 6 pm from Tuesday to Sunday.
3. Are There Any Restrictions When We Enter the Place?
Yes, drone cameras are strictly prohibited.
4. What Is the Entry Fee of the Statue of Unity?
120 for adults and 60 for kids.
5. What Is the Statue of Unity Famous For?
It is the world’s tallest statue which is built in honor of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.