Big, Bigger, Biggest. It seems there will always be a bigger one and India has recently built the largest statue in the world. The Statue of Unity is a colossal statue of the Indian statesman and independence activist Vallabhabhai Patel. It was only completed in 2018 and is already one of India's most popular domestic attractions.
Another massive (and more famous) statue is Christ the Redeemer in Brazil - it is one of the must-sees for anyone visiting Brazil. India is an incredible country, India is a country that everyone should visit - but there are still a number of things first-timers should watch out for.
Significance and Background of The Statue of Unity
Vallabhbhai Patel, embodied in the statue, lived from 1875 to 1950 and was the first deputy prime minister and home minister of the independent state of India following the end of British rule. He was an adherent to Gandhi during the nonviolent movement for independence.
He is highly respected in India for his contribution in uniting the 562 princely states of India with a major part of the former British Raj to forge the Union of India.
Today the Statue of Unity is the tallest statue in the world rising to an impressive height of some 182 meters or 597 feet.
- Height: 182 Meters or 597 Feet
- Location: In The State of Gujarat
- Vallabhbhai Patel: Nonviolent Independence Activist And First Deputy Prime Minister of India
The project was announced in 2010 with the construction beginning in 2013. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India on 31 October 2018. It was built at a cost of around $422 million.
- Inaugurated: 31 October 2018
Much like the Statue of Liberty is not the original color when it was first built, the Statue of Unity will also change color over time. Over the next 100 years, it will turn from its bronze color to green.
Visiting The Statue of Unity
Next time one is in India consider visiting this giant statue and one can enter the statue and visit its Observation Deck. It opens at 8.00 am and closes at 6.00 pm from Tuesday to Sunday. For an extra treat stay at 7.30 pm and see the Laser Light and Sound Show - it runs daily except for Mondays.
- Open: 8.00 am to 6.00 pm Tuesday To Sunday
- Closed: Mondays
- Show: The Laser Light and Sound Show Is From 7.30 pm
There are two types of entry fees, those with and those without access to the Observation Deck.
- Admission Fee: 350 Indian Rupees ($5) To The Observation Deck Per Person
Note: The Admission Fee Is Likely For Indian Nationals - Foreigners Likely Pay a Higher Price
One can book the tickets online at the official ticket booking website of Statue of Unity.
One can expect large crowds visiting the statue, in fact, there is an average of over 15,000 visitors daily visiting.
The Observation Deck is in the chest of the statue and is built to accommodate up to 200 visitors at a time. Within the pedestal of the statue is an exhibition center.
The museum showcases the life and achievements of Vallabhbhai Patel, his contribution to India, and how he united the princely states before and after independence. One will get a deep understanding of why the world's largest statue is built to honor him. The exhibition also covers the rich tribal culture of Gujarat, the Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, as well as information about the massive Sardar Sarovar Dam.
Accommodation and Nearby Attractions
The nearest accommodation is Shrestha Bharat Bhavan and the Narmada Tent City. For a more exhaustive list of accommodations see their website.
Tent City is a popular option and is located beneath the shadow of the mighty Statue. The resort offers three different accommodation options with a choice of Standard Tents, Deluxe Tents, and Luxury Tents.
The facilities, food, and beverage section are managed by a 5 Star Hotel so expect comfortable glamping.
Don't forget to visit the Valley of Flowers. It is one of the best attractions around the Statue of Unity and is located along the banks of the Narmada River. Spaning 600 acres it has various sections like the Garden of Senses & Panchatatva Garden, the Butterfly Garden, the Green Energy & Upcycling Park, the Sardar Park, and the Adventure Park.
- Valley of Flowers: A Massive Botanic Garden by The Statue
- Sardar Sarovar Dam: The Second Largest Concrete Dam In The World Nearby
Another attraction is the Sardar Sarovar Dam just 4 kilometers or just over 2 miles away. It is truly massive being the second largest dam in the world when measured by the amount of concrete used in its construction. One can go hiking here and even spot crocodiles.