Avoid Mondays
The statue, the laser show and most attractions are usually closed on Mondays; check for changes around public holidays.
Gujarat · The world's tallest statue
Statue of Unity, Ekta Nagar
The Statue of Unity, a 182 m figure of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, stands on an island in the Narmada at Ekta Nagar, about 90 km from Vadodara. One night here covers the viewing gallery, the Sardar Sarovar Dam and the evening laser show.
- Best: Oct–Feb
- 1 night for the statue, the dam and the laser show; 2 for the gardens and zoological park at an easy pace
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Deputy Prime Minister, brought hundreds of princely states into the Indian Union after Independence. His statue, opened on 31 October 2018, his birth anniversary, is the tallest in the world and stands on Sadhu Bet island, about 3 km downstream of the Sardar Sarovar Dam.
Ekta Nagar (formerly Kevadia) has been laid out around it with gardens, a zoological park, boat rides and hotels, linked by shuttle buses. It suits families and groups and is an easy add-on to Ahmedabad or Vadodara. The statue and most attractions are usually closed on Mondays.
What to see
Sights in Statue of Unity
- 1
Statue of Unity and viewing gallery
Lifts take you up inside the statue to a viewing gallery at about 153 m, which holds around 200 people and looks over the river, the dam and the hills. A museum on Patel's life is at the base.
- 2
Sardar Sarovar Dam
A concrete dam on the Narmada about 163 m high, seen from viewpoints on the site's bus routes. After a good monsoon, when the reservoir is full, its gates may be opened.
- 3
Valley of Flowers
Bharat Van, a flower garden of about 24 acres along the Narmada near the statue, for a slow walk between the other sights.
- 4
Jungle Safari
A large zoological park with Indian and exotic animals and birds, popular with families; give it a good part of a morning or afternoon.
- 5
Cactus Garden and Butterfly Garden
Two gardens near the statue, one of cacti and succulents with a large dome and one planted for butterflies; both are short stops on the bus circuit.
Things to do
Experiences in Statue of Unity
The evening laser show
Most evenings except Mondays, usually from 7:30 pm, a laser light and sound show tells the story of Patel and the unification of India. Staying the night saves a late drive back.
Boat rides and rafting
Boat rides of about 45 minutes run on Panchmuli Lake, and river rafting is offered too; check what is running when you visit.
Vadodara and Champaner
Vadodara, about 90 km away, has the Laxmi Vilas Palace, and Champaner-Pavagadh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of mosques, temples and fortifications, is about 50 km from Vadodara.
When to go
- January: best time
- February: best time
- March: good, with caveats
- April: hard: heat, monsoon or closures
- May: hard: heat, monsoon or closures
- June: hard: heat, monsoon or closures
- July: good, with caveats
- August: good, with caveats
- September: good, with caveats
- October: best time
- November: best time
- December: best time
October to February is the most comfortable time. The monsoon (July to September) turns the hills green and may bring the dam's gates open, though heavy rain can disrupt visits; April to June is very hot.
Getting there
- By air: Vadodara Airport (BDQ), about 90 km away (about 2 hours), is the nearest; Ahmedabad's airport is about 200 km away (about 4 hours).
- By rail: Ekta Nagar station (formerly Kevadia), about 5 km from the statue, has direct trains from Vadodara and Ahmedabad; Vadodara Junction, on the Mumbai–Delhi main line, has many more.
- By road: About 90 km from Vadodara (about 2 hours) and 200 km from Ahmedabad (about 4 hours).
Local knowledge
Tips for Statue of Unity
Book tickets online
Tickets, including the viewing gallery, are sold on the official website and at the site, and weekend and holiday slots can sell out.
Leave the car, take the bus
Private cars stop at the parking areas, and shuttle buses run to the statue and between the sights. Expect some walking and queuing.
Questions
Statue of Unity: FAQs
How tall is the Statue of Unity?
The Statue of Unity is 182 m tall, the tallest statue in the world. It depicts Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and stands on an island in the Narmada at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat.
Is the Statue of Unity open on Mondays?
The Statue of Unity is usually closed on Mondays, and the evening laser show does not run that day. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday; check current timings before you go.
How far is the Statue of Unity from Vadodara and Ahmedabad?
The Statue of Unity is about 90 km from Vadodara, about 2 hours by road, and about 200 km from Ahmedabad, about 4 hours. Vadodara has the nearest airport.
How much time do you need at the Statue of Unity?
One night at Ekta Nagar is enough for the Statue of Unity, its viewing gallery, the dam and the evening laser show. A second night adds the gardens and zoological park at an easy pace.
Combine it with
Nearby destinations
Gujarat
Ahmedabad
India's first World Heritage City
Gujarat's largest city: a walled old town of pols, mosques and temples, Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram, and stepwells within a day's drive.
Best: Nov–Feb
Rajasthan
Udaipur
The City of Lakes
Mewar's old capital: palaces on Lake Pichola, hills all around, and Kumbhalgarh, Ranakpur and Chittorgarh within a day's drive.
Best: Nov–Feb
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