Pride of GUJARAT

Pay homage to one of India’s greatest leaders at the colossal Statue of Unity, Gujarat’s grand ode to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Astate known for its vibrant culture and gorgeous landscape, Gujarat unveiled in 2018 the tallest statue in the world. With a height of 182 metres, the Statue of Unity surpassed what was previously the tallest statue, the Spring Temple Buddha (128 metres) by 54 metres. Its size is only matched by the historical stature of its inspiration. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India and a prominent figure in India’s freedom struggle, is known for orchestrating the integration of 562 princely states into India. In keeping with his ideology, farmers across India came together to help build the statue by donating used farming tools and soil during its astonishingly quick construction period of five years. Surrounded by the serene waters of the River Narmada and flanked by the Vindhyachal and Satpura mountains, the Statue of Unity is as imposing as it is picturesque.

Built at a cost of `2,989 crore, using 1,700 tonnes of bronze and 1,850 tonnes of bronze cladding, the monument was unveiled on the anniversary of Sardar Patel’s 143rd birthday—on October 31, 2018. The mammoth structure was designed by Ram V Sutar, the recipient of Padma Bhushan in 2016 and Padma Shri in 1999. An observation deck, accessible by two high-speed elevators, is perched at a height of 152 meters and offers a bird’s-eye view of the River Narmada and the Sardar Sarovar Dam; it can fit 200 people at a time. From the statue’s base to its shins is a complex with a memorial garden and a museum with 40,000 documents, 2,000 photographs, and a research centre dedicated to the life and times of Sardar Patel. The Statue of Unity is operational on all days except Monday, when it is closed for maintenance.

ATTRACTIONS GALORE

Once you’ve had your fill of the spectacular view of the statue, head down to the grounds to enjoy the myriad experiences available here. Whether you’re visiting with a group

of friends or your family, there is something for everyone.

Laser Light & Sound Show:

Colourful projections on the statue take visitors through the story of the Iron Man of India and his contribution to the Independence movement in an enthralling 30-minute laser show that takes place every evening, except Monday. Also visit the unique Unity Glow Garden to see its illuminated installations, figures, and optical illusions.

Sardar Sarovar Dam:

Take in the glory of the gushing waters of the River Narmada surrounded by a vast expanse of mountains at Sardar Sarovar Dam, ranked the secondlargest dam in the world after the Grand Coulee Dam in the USA. Close by, the Khalwani Eco-Tourism Site has a children’s play area, campfire zone, amphitheatre, and tents and tree houses for accommodation.

Jungle Safari & Dino Trail:

Catch a glimpse of the famous Asiatic lion and the royal Bengal tiger, among other species of fauna, in a state-of-the-art zoological park. Or step into the past at recent dinosaur excavations in the Narmada valley. The excavations have revealed an indigenous dinosaur species that lived here during the Cretaceous period, between 145 million and 66 million years ago. A replica of the dinosaur, Rajasaurus Narmadensis, has been created and

exhibited for visitors. The replica is about three times the estimated original size; it measures 75 feet in length and 25 feet in height.

The Gardens:

The Valley of Flowers boasts over 22,00,000 plants, with 300 types of flowers, over an area of 24 acres along the bank of River Narmada. Within it is the Butterfly Garden, which lets you walk among 80 species of butterflies. You can sample the desert ecosystem in the Cactus Garden, which features over 500 types of cacti. And Arogya Van, the herbal garden, allows you to saunter through five diverse zones: Garden of Colours, Aroma Garden, Yoga Garden, Alba Garden, and Lutea Garden, all of which are dedicated to medicinal plants.

Vishwa Van:

As the name suggests, Vishwa Van embodies the theme of ‘Unity in Diversity’ with its extensive collection of herbs, shrubs, and trees from the seven continents of the planet that have been arranged to resemble a natural forest.

Children Nutrition Park:

Let your children learn healthy eating habits and the importance of good nutrition

in the most enjoyable way possible—at a theme park. This state-of-the-art park has virtual games, a 5D theatre, a nutri train, and a Mirror Maze to ensure your little one is playing and learning at the same time.

Boating, cruises, and rafting:

Enjoy a scenic boat ride in the Panchmuli Lake, or cruise on the River Narmada to get a unique vantage point for the Statue of Unity. Thrill-seekers can head to the Khalwani Eco-tourism

Site for an exciting rafting adventure through whirlpools and rapids.

Ekta Mall:

If you wish to pick up exquisite traditional Indian handicraft and handlooms, head to the Ekta Mall, or pick up souvenirs from the nearby souvenir shop. A food court ožers delicious global and Indian cuisines to satiate your hunger pangs. Don’t forget to stop by Ekta Nursery to pick up a seedling to take home as a ‘plant of unity’.

With a height of 182 metres, the Statue of Unity is the tallest statue in the world.

Cactus Garden features over 500 types of cacti.

A zoological park gives you a glimpse of the state’s wildlife.

A replica of the dinosaur species found at excavations in the Narmada valley.

From far left: Visit the Unity Glow Garden to see its illuminated installations; Arogya Van is dedicated to medicinal plants; cruise on the River Narmada to get a unique vantage point for the Statue of Unity.