The Statue of Unity is a colossal statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, located in Kevadia, Gujarat, India. It is the world’s tallest statue, standing at 182 meters (597 feet) and was inaugurated on October 31, 2018, to commemorate Patel’s contributions to India’s unity.
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Where do you stay when you visit the Statue of Unity?
Key Details:
- Location: On the banks of the Narmada River, near the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Kevadia, Narmada district, Gujarat.
- Height: 182 meters (excluding the base), chosen to symbolize the 182 seats in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly.
- Construction: Built by Larsen & Toubro, designed by Indian sculptor Ram V. Sutar, and completed in 33 months at a cost of approximately ₹2,989 crore (around $400 million USD).
- Materials: Made with a concrete core, steel framework, and bronze cladding.
- Features:
- Viewing Gallery: At 135 meters, offering panoramic views of the Narmada River and Sardar Sarovar Dam.
- Museum and Exhibition: A museum at the base showcases Sardar Patel’s life and India’s freedom struggle.
- Tourist Attractions: Includes a sound-and-light show, a 3D projection mapping, and nearby attractions like the Valley of Flowers, Jungle Safari, and Ekta Nagar.
- Significance: Honors Sardar Patel’s role in unifying 562 princely states into modern India, earning him the title “Iron Man of India.”
- Accessibility: Reachable via road (90 km from Vadodara, 200 km from Ahmedabad), rail (Ekta Nagar station), or nearby airports (Vadodara or Ahmedabad).
Recent Updates (as of September 2025):
- The Statue of Unity has become a major tourist destination, attracting over 10 million visitors since its opening, with daily footfalls often exceeding 15,000.
- Recent posts on X highlight its growing popularity, with visitors praising the infrastructure, serene environment, and facilities like the Riverfront Promenade and Cactus Garden.
- The site continues to expand with new attractions, such as eco-tourism initiatives and adventure activities, boosting Gujarat’s tourism economy.
If you need specific details (e.g., ticket prices, visiting hours, or nearby attractions), let me know, and I can search for real-time information or analyze relevant content!
Ticket Prices
Ticket prices for the Statue of Unity (as of 2025) vary based on the type of access, age, and nationality. All tickets include basic entry to the monument, museum, exhibition areas, Valley of Flowers, Sardar Sarovar Dam viewpoints, and bus service. Online booking is recommended via the official website (soutickets.in) to avoid queues, especially on weekends. Prices are in INR and apply to Indian citizens unless specified otherwise. Children under 3 years enter free.
Here’s a breakdown of key ticket types:
Directions to Statue of Unity, Gujarat
The Statue of Unity is located in Kevadia (also known as Ekta Nagar), Narmada district, Gujarat, about 3.5 km from the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River. It’s well-connected by road, rail, and air. No private vehicles are allowed inside the complex—use official shuttle buses, e-rickshaws (₹50-100), or walking paths from parking areas. As of 2025, the site has improved infrastructure with dedicated entry gates. Here’s how to reach from major cities (distances and times are approximate, based on standard routes; check Google Maps or Gujarat Tourism for real-time traffic).
By Air
- Nearest Airports: Vadodara (BDQ, 90 km/2 hours) or Ahmedabad (AMD, 200 km/3.5-4 hours). Surat (STV, 150 km/3 hours) is another option.
- From Vadodara Airport:
- Take a taxi/prepaid cab (₹2,000-3,000) or bus to Vadodara Railway Station (20-30 min).
- From there, board a train to Ekta Nagar (see rail below) or drive via NH48.
- From Ahmedabad Airport:
- Hire a cab (₹4,000-5,000) or use Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) bus to Vadodara (2-3 hours, ₹200-300).
- Continue by train or road to Kevadia.
- Tip: Flights to Vadodara are more convenient for shorter travel. Book cabs via Ola/Uber or airport shuttles.
By Rail
- Nearest Station: Ekta Nagar (EKNR), a dedicated station just 1 km from the statue (free shuttle to site).
- From Major Cities:
- Ahmedabad: Trains like the Statue of Unity Express (weekly) or Vande Bharat (daily, ~3.5 hours, ₹500-1,000). Departs from Ahmedabad Junction.
- Vadodara: Frequent trains (1-1.5 hours, ₹100-300). Catch from Vadodara Junction.
- Mumbai: Trains like the Navjeevan Express (8-10 hours, ₹800-1,500) to Ekta Nagar or Vadodara (then switch).
- Booking: Use IRCTC app/website. From Ekta Nagar station, take the free bus (every 15-30 min) to the visitor center.
- Tip: Trains run Tuesday-Sunday; book in advance during peak season (Oct-Feb).
By Road
- From Ahmedabad (200 km, 3.5-4 hours):
- Take NH47 towards Vadodara.
- At Vadodara, switch to NH48 towards Dabhoi.
- Follow signs to Rajpipla, then NH56 to Kevadia (toll ~₹500 for car).
- From Vadodara (90 km, 2 hours):
- Head south on NH48 to Dabhoi.
- Turn onto SH160 towards Rajpipla and Kevadia.
- From Mumbai (450 km, 7-8 hours):
- Drive via Mumbai-Pune Expressway (NH48) to Vadodara.
- Follow the Vadodara route above.
- Bus Options: GSRTC buses from Ahmedabad/Vadodara (₹200-400, 3-4 hours) to Kevadia bus stand. AC Volvo buses available on select routes.
- Self-Drive: Well-marked highways; parking at site (₹50-100). Fuel cost ~₹1,500-2,000 one-way from Ahmedabad.
- Tip: Use GPS apps; avoid peak hours (evenings/weekends). Eco-friendly electric buses are promoted.
For live directions, use Google Maps (search “Statue of Unity”) or the official app. Wheelchair-accessible transport available on request.
Package Deals
Package deals for the Statue of Unity often bundle entry, transport, stays, and attractions, making it cost-effective for families or groups. As of 2025, options are available through Gujarat Tourism, private operators, and online platforms. Prices vary by duration, inclusions, and season (higher in Oct-Feb). Book via official sites to avoid scams; expect 10-20% discounts for early/online bookings. Here’s a summary of popular deals (INR, per person, twin-sharing; excludes GST):
Official & Government Packages (via Gujarat Tourism or soutickets.in)
- Day Trip Package (from Vadodara/Ahmedabad):
- Cost: ₹1,500-2,500 (adults), ₹1,000-1,500 (kids).
- Inclusions: AC bus round-trip, basic entry + viewing gallery, guided tour, lunch, Valley of Flowers access.
- Duration: 8-10 hours. Departs 7-8 AM, returns by evening.
- Booking: gujarattourism.com or IRCTC Tourism.
- 2-Day Ekta Nagar Stay Package:
- Cost: ₹4,000-6,000 (adults, including stay).
- Inclusions: Hotel (tent city or resort), all meals, full-site access (statue, safari, laser show), boat ride, shuttle transport.
- Highlights: Day 1: Attractions; Day 2: Adventure (rafting/helicopter optional +₹1,000-3,000).
- Availability: 500+ rooms in Ekta Nagar (from budget tents ₹2,000/night to luxury ₹10,000+).
Private Tour Operator Deals (e.g., MakeMyTrip, Thomas Cook, Yatra)
- Ahmedabad 2N/3D Package:
- Cost: ₹8,000-12,000 (adults), ₹5,000-8,000 (kids).
- Inclusions: AC transport from Ahmedabad, 2 nights stay (3-4 star hotel), all meals, entry to statue/safari/gardens, laser show, local sightseeing (dam, Shoolpaneshwar Sanctuary).
- Extras: Helicopter ride add-on (₹3,000). Group discounts for 4+ people.
- Mumbai-Gujarat Highlights 4D/3N (includes Statue of Unity + other sites like Somnath):
- Cost: ₹15,000-20,000 (adults).
- Inclusions: Flight/train from Mumbai, stays, meals, guided tours, entries for multiple attractions.
- Booking: Platforms like makemytrip.com; customizable for 2025 festivals (e.g., Unity Day on Oct 31).
- Adventure Combo Package (1-2 days):
- Cost: ₹3,000-5,000.
- Inclusions: Basic entry + jungle safari + boating/rafting, e-rickshaw rides.
- Ideal for thrill-seekers; available on-site or via apps.
Tips for Packages
- Best Deals: Look for monsoon (Jun-Sep) discounts (20-30% off) or group rates. IRCTC offers rail-inclusive packages (~₹2,000-4,000).
- Booking Process: Online via soutickets.in (for entries) or tourism sites. Offline counters at Vadodara/Ahmedabad stations. Confirm inclusions—some exclude helicopter/safari.
- Custom Options: For families, add-ons like petting zoo (₹100) or eco-tours. Foreign tourists get similar packages but at 1.5-2x cost.
- 2025 Updates: With rising tourism (15M+ visitors expected), new packages include sustainable stays (solar-powered tents). Check for Diwali specials.
If you specify your starting city, group size, or budget (e.g., “from Mumbai for 2 days”), I can refine this further or search for exact quotes!
2-Day Trip to Statue of Unity from Mumbai
Planning a 2-day trip (e.g., 1 night stay) from Mumbai to the Statue of Unity is feasible and popular, with the journey taking 7-9 hours one way by road or rail. This allows for a full day at the site on Day 1, an overnight stay in Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), and more exploration or return on Day 2. As of September 2025, expect pleasant weather (25-30°C), but book ahead for weekends or festivals like Unity Day (Oct 31). Total estimated cost for 2 adults: ₹8,000-15,000 (excluding personal expenses), depending on transport and package type. Below, I’ll cover directions, a sample itinerary, and package deals.
Directions from Mumbai
- Distance: ~450 km (7-8 hours by road; 8-10 hours by train).
- By Road (Recommended for Flexibility):
- Start from Mumbai (e.g., Bandra or airport area) and take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway (NH48) towards Pune (toll ~₹500).
- Continue on NH48 to Vadodara (via Nashik and Dhule; stop for breaks at highway dhabas).
- From Vadodara, switch to NH56/SH160 towards Dabhoi, Rajpipla, and Kevadia (follow signboards for Statue of Unity).
- Arrive at the main parking/visitor center (free shuttle to site). Total tolls: ₹800-1,000; fuel: ₹2,500-3,500 for a sedan (round-trip).
- Tips: Use Google Maps or MapMyIndia app for real-time traffic. Best to leave early (5-6 AM) to reach by afternoon. Private vehicles park at designated lots (₹50-100); no entry inside complex.
- Bus Option: Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) or private AC Volvos from Mumbai Central to Vadodara (₹800-1,500, 8 hours), then local bus/taxi to Kevadia (₹300-500, 2 hours). Total: ₹1,100-2,000/person.
- By Rail (Budget-Friendly):
- Board trains from Mumbai Central or Dadar to Vadodara (e.g., Gujarat Mail or Golden Temple Mail; 5-6 hours, ₹400-800 AC).
- From Vadodara, take a connecting train to Ekta Nagar (1-1.5 hours, ₹100-300) or taxi (₹2,000-3,000).
- Direct Option: Limited trains like the weekly Statue of Unity Special (8-9 hours, ₹600-1,200).
- Tips: Book via IRCTC app. From Ekta Nagar station (1 km from site), free shuttles run every 15-30 min.
- By Air (Fastest but Costlier):
- Fly Mumbai to Vadodara (1 hour, ₹2,500-5,000/person on IndiGo/SpiceJet).
- Taxi from airport to Kevadia (2 hours, ₹3,000-4,000).
- Tip: Ideal if time-constrained; total travel time ~4 hours.
- Return: Same routes; plan to leave by 3-4 PM on Day 2 to avoid night driving.
Sample 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Travel & Main Attractions (Mumbai to Kevadia)
- 5-6 AM: Depart Mumbai (road/rail).
- 1-2 PM: Arrive, check into accommodation (e.g., tent city or hotel in Ekta Nagar). Grab lunch (₹200-400 at on-site cafes).
- 2-6 PM: Basic entry (₹150/adult) to Statue of Unity—explore museum, viewing gallery (add ₹30), Valley of Flowers, and Sardar Sarovar Dam viewpoints (included).
- 7 PM: Laser Light & Sound Show (₹250). Dinner at site.
- Overnight: Stay in Ekta Nagar (₹2,000-5,000/room).
Day 2: Adventure & Return (Kevadia to Mumbai)
- 8 AM: Jungle Safari (₹600-800, 2 hours) or Cactus/Butterfly Garden (₹60). Optional: Boating (₹100-300) or helicopter ride (₹2,900).
- 12 PM: Lunch, then free time for Arogya Van or Dino Trail.
- 1-2 PM: Depart for Mumbai (arrive by 9-11 PM).
- Total Walking: 5-10 km; wear comfy shoes. Hydrate—ATMs and Wi-Fi available.
This covers essentials; adjust for kids (add petting zoo) or adventure (rafting, ₹1,000+).
Package Deals from Mumbai (2 Days/1 Night, as of 2025)
Packages simplify logistics, often including AC transport, stays, meals, and entries. Prices are per person (twin-sharing, adults; kids 20-30% less). Book via official sites for reliability; expect 10-15% monsoon discounts (Sep is shoulder season). Foreigners pay 1.5-2x.
- Tent City Narmada: A luxurious option with modern amenities in tents.
- Shrestha Bharat Bhavan (Ramada Encore): A 3-star hotel near the Statue of Unity.
- BRG Budget Stay: A budget-friendly stay option.
- Hotels near Ekta Mall: Private hotels and resorts available in various budgets.
- Valley of Flowers: A garden with over 100 varieties of flowers.
- Jungle Safari: Opportunity to see various wildlife.
- Cactus Garden: A garden with various cactus species.
- Vishwa Van (Global Forest): Showcases plants from 7 continents.
- Glow Garden: Evening LED light display.
- Children’s Nutrition Park: Interactive games for kids.
- Ekta Cruise: Boat ride on the Narmada River.
- Sardar Sarovar Dam: A major dam.
- 1 day might be enough if you want to just see the statue.
- 2-3 days are suitable if you want to explore nearby attractions.
- Rajpipla: About 25 km away.
- Other nearby cities: Vadodara (~90 km), Surat (~150 km), Ahmedabad (~200 km).