The Statue of Unity is the most preferred tourist destination these days in India, it has an average of over 15,000 visitors per day including Indian as well as foreigners. Besides the Statue of Unity there are many other places to visit you can plan for:
Viewing Gallery: The Observation Deck is at the chest height of the statue (500 ft from the river bed). It can accommodate up to 200 visitors at a time. One can get a naturalistic view of Narmada River, Sardar Sarovar Dam and the surrounding hills.
Exhibition Hall / Museum: The pedestal of the statue is an exhibition center, measuring 4,647 square meters in the area. It is showcasing the life and achievements of Sardar Patel, his contribution to India’s freedom and how he united the princely states before and after the freedom movement. Besides, it is covering the rich tribal culture of Gujarat, Sardar Sarovar Dam and the Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary through and Audio Visual show.
Wall of Unity: It is also at the base of the statue, measuring 36 feet x 12 feet. The Wall of Unity is a symbol of Unity in Diversity. At the initial stage of the project, a campaign was initiated with pan India presence to collect the soil of farms from the villages across the country, and this soil was used to build the Wall of Unity. It was a soulful contribution from the farmers of India, as the Iron Man of India was born in a farmer’s family and led several movements for their betterment.
Laser Light and Sound Show: At Statue of Unity, a mesmerizing laser and perfectly synchronized sound show conduct in every evening except Monday. Fifty one high-resolution projectors, projects mixture of leaser, sound, graphics and storytelling on Statue of Unity, it shows the contribution of Sardar Patel to Independence Movement and his role to create a United India from various subcontinents. The Statue of Unity comes alive within this 30 minutes show, it leaves the viewers spellbound.
Valley of Flowers: Valley of Flowers is one of the best attractions at Statue of Unity, along with the banks of Narmada River, it spread across 600 acres! In the initial phase during 2016, it was inaugurated with 48,000 plants, but nowadays it has risen to 24,00,000. The valley is further divided into several theme parks such as Garden of Senses & Panchatatva Garden, Butterfly Garden, Green Energy & Upcycling Park, Sardar Park and Adventure Park.
Sardar Sarovar Dam: It is situated approx 4kms far from the Statue of Unity, this is the second-largest dam in the world with an aggregate volume of 6.82 million cubic meters. The dam is surrounded by lush green forest and mountain ranges and beautiful foothills of mountainous, it is a preferred place for outdoor activities such as hiking, sighting various birds and crocodiles. It is mesmerizing during monsoon and early winter season.
Boating: Boating experience near Statue of Unity can make the visit lifetime memorable, visitors can enjoy a 5 KM boat ride on Narmada River to reach the Statue, along with this a one hour boat ride covers up to the border of Maharashtra.
Helicopter Ride: A 10 minutes helicopter ride gives you a glorified view of nature surrounding the Statue of Unity. One can enjoy the panoramic aerial view of Sardar Sarovar Dam, Statue of Unity, Narmada River, Satpura and Vindhya mountain range and nearby villages. The helicopter accommodates 5 to 7 person at a time and it cost Rs 2,900 one ride per person. To splendor of Statue of Unity visitors must go for this ride.
Other popular attractions near the Statue of Unity
Jungle Safari Park: 2 KM
Zarwani Waterfalls: 14.4 KM
Shoolpaneshwar Wild Life Sanctuary: 105 KM