The Incredible Story of the Statue of Unity

The Statue of Unity in India is the tallest statue in the world with its 182 meters height. Spread over 19,700 square meters, it is surrounded by an artificial lake. Where is the Statue of Unity? What does it represent? And what can you do near Statue of Unity? Here is some information to visit the Statue of Unity which is meant to enhance tourism in Gujarat.

The statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel will not hold the world record for a long time. The government of Maharashtra has already started construction of a statue of King Shivaji that will be 190 meters high. it is so large that it has already been demonstrated that it can be distinguished from space by means of satellite photos.

Few are the structures that made by the hand of man can be seen from space. Today the Statue of Unity, Pyramids of Giza and the Palm Islands of Dubai, are the 3 wonders that can be observed at this monumental earth - space distance. If we make comparisons, we can see that the statue of Patel will be five times larger than the famous Christ the Redeemer of Rio de Janeiro, and almost twice as tall as the Statue of Liberty.

In this way, the statue surpasses the rest of the tallest statues in the world. Previously the record was held by a statue (hardly photographed) in the province of Henan, China. It's the Spring Temple Buddha. The height of this giant Buddha is 128 meters (including the 20 meters of the throne in the shape of a lotus flower).

Who is the man present on the Statue of Unity?

The largest statue in the world represents Vallabhbhai Patel, a nationalist leader who was instrumental in the independence of India. If the man was known to be discreet enough, the statue will not match this character trait. Born in 1875 and died in 1950, Vallabhbai Patel led many actions for independence alongside Mahatma Gandhi, joining the civil disobedience movement.

He had regularly and peacefully imposed himself against the oppressive police forces of the British Regime, in several cities of Gujarat. Regarded as a social leader, his actions earned him the name of Sardar which means leader, as a sign of respect.

This lawyer later became Home Minister in the first government of independent India. He had a major role in establishing peace in the country. His leadership and diplomacy allowed for the complete independence of almost all semi-autonomous states. Often called the Iron Man of India, he has also improved some social rights for the inhabitants.

It is thus a few decades after his death, on the date of his birthday, that a statue of Vallabhbai Patel, the symbol of the unity of the country and its harmony, was erected in the region of his birth.

Where is the Statue of Unity in India?

It is in the State of Gujarat, in northwestern India overlooking the Sadhu Bet River, near the Sardar Sarovar dam on the Narmada River near Rajpipla! Until now, the surroundings were little visited by tourists, but it is likely that the area is revitalized over time.

What to see on the site of the Statue of Unity?

The site of the Statue of the Unity is composed of many structures allowing commemorations and a return on history. In particular, there is a research center devoted to the protection of the environment. The interior of the statue is divided into three levels, accessible by elevator.

There is a museum dedicated to the effigy of Vallabhbai Patel, sound and light shows, garden. Beautiful surprises await you during your visit. Good to know though for reasons of safety and because of strong gusts of wind, the visit stops at the chest of the statue. A final highlight overlooking it is a flower garden created especially for the occasion.

Near the Statue of Unity, a viewing point of 120 meters high offers a panoramic experience. View of the statue, the dam of Sardar Sarovar and the surrounding mountains. The platform promises a breathtaking view! Logistical side, the access is made by slice of 200 visitors.

In the vicinity of the monument, on a large square overlooking the river, shops and restaurants revitalize a large tourist area. As for accommodation, a 3-star hotel, the Shrestha Bharat Bhavan, welcomes you for a complete stay around the imposing monument. And it's not over as a ropeway project to access the site is also under discussion!

Tourists visiting the Statue of Unity in Kevadia can now enjoy a helicopter ride to get a better view of the 182-meter structure.

How to visit the largest statue in the world?

If you opt for a visit to the Statue of the Unit during your stay in India, several options are available to you. Go directly to the site or integrate the visit to one of your tours. Rajasthan, the most visited region of the country and bordering Gujarat offers tours from one region to another to discover the northwest of India.

The white city of Udaipur is located nearly 400 kilometers from the Statue of Unity. Do not hesitate to kill two birds with one stone!