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Planning a trip to the world's tallest monument? Explore this detailed guide covering official timings, ticket prices, major attractions, how to reach, booking instructions, and expert travel recommendations.
The Legacy of the Iron Man of India
The **Statue of Unity** is a colossal monument built as a tribute to **Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel**, the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of independent India. Revered as the "Iron Man of India," Patel played a monumental role in uniting 562 princely states to form the single Union of India. The monument is situated on the river island Sadhu Bet facing the massive Narmada Dam (Sardar Sarovar Dam) at Kevadia, Gujarat.
Height
182 Meters
(597 Feet)
Sculptor
Ram V. Sutar
Padma Bhushan Recipient
Inauguration
31st Oct 2018
By PM Narendra Modi
Bronze Plates
1,850 Tonnes
553 Cladding Panels
Designed by renowned Indian sculptor Ram V. Sutar, the statue depicts Sardar Patel in his characteristic walking posture, wearing a dhoti and a shawl, looking forward with a dignified expression. The structure is built with reinforced concrete core and clad in 1,850 tonnes of bronze panels. It was constructed in a record time of just 46 months by L&T under state supervision, using over 210,000 cubic meters of cement concrete. The monument represents not only a patriotic milestone but also a spectacular engineering achievement, built to withstand earthquakes up to 6.5 on the Richter scale and heavy winds up to 180 km/h.
Explore 16+ Eco-Tourism Landmarks
Kevadia, renamed **Ekta Nagar**, has transformed into a world-class smart city containing more than 16 unique attractions. When planning your visit, you can add tickets for these optional attractions along with your core SOU Entry pass:
Ride the high-speed elevator inside the statue chest for panoramic views of the Narmada River and Vindhyachal mountain ranges.
Located directly under the monument, this museum displays archival videos, blueprints, and historical records of India's unification.
A 30-minute state-of-the-art projection mapping show that narrates the life story of Sardar Patel on the giant surface of the statue.
A 375-acre open-moated zoological park featuring Asiatic Lions, Tigers, Zebras, Giraffes, and two massive walk-through aviaries.
A themed night-tourism garden near the statue illuminated by energy-efficient, creative LED structures and optical illusions.
A 17-acre herbal forest featuring 380 species of medicinal plants, Ayurvedic massage clinics, and yoga lawns.
An adventure water rafting loop spanning 4.5 km of rapids along the regular flow of the Narmada River.
Enjoy a relaxing 40-minute double-decker boat ride on the Narmada River with live cultural music and prime viewpoints of the statue.
Crucial Timings for Travel Planning
⚠️ CRITICAL RULES: CLOSED EVERY MONDAY
The Statue of Unity, Jungle Safari, Glow Garden, cruises, and all local gardens in Kevadia are strictly CLOSED on Mondays for weekly maintenance and structural checks. No tickets can be booked for Monday visits.
Monument Open
Tuesday – Sunday
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Laser Light Show
Daily (Except Monday)
7:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Unity Glow Garden
Daily (Except Monday)
6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
We recommend selecting the morning slots (8:00 AM - 11:00 AM) to experience the statue when the weather is cool and clear, or late afternoon slots (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM) to watch the sunset followed by the evening Laser Sound and Light mapping show.
Official Ticket Tariffs & Access Details
| Ticket Category | Adult (18+) | Child (3-17) | Inclusions & Access Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Entry Pass | ₹150 | ₹90 | Welcome Plaza, SOU Memorial Exhibition, AV Gallery, Valley of Flowers, Dam Viewpoint, and free AC EV bus transit. |
| Viewing Gallery Combo | ₹380 | ₹230 | Includes all Basic Pass features + high-speed elevator access to the 153m Viewing Gallery. |
| Express Entry Pass | ₹1030 | ₹830 | Priority queue-free access to security check points and the 153m Viewing Gallery. |
| Jungle Safari Ticket | ₹200 | ₹125 | Entrance to the 375-acre Zoological Safari, aviaries, and reptile park. |
| Unity Glow Garden Ticket | ₹100 | ₹50 | Night-time entry to the illuminated LED art gardens (starts 6:30 PM). |
| Ekta Cruise Ticket | ₹413 | ₹220 | 40-minute scenic river cruise, safety gear, and on-board musical performance. |
💡 Travel Advice:
The standard **Viewing Gallery Combo** is the most popular ticket option. Standard ticket slots can sell out 3-4 days in advance for weekends. Always book ahead online to secure your desired time slot.Air, Railway, and Road Directions
✈️ By Air
The nearest domestic airport is **Vadodara Airport (BDQ)**, situated 95 km away (1.5 hours drive). The nearest international gateway is **Ahmedabad Airport (AMD)**, located 200 km away (3.5 hours drive). Direct prepaid taxis are readily available.
🚆 By Railway
You can book direct express or Shatabdi/Jan Shatabdi trains to the modern, eco-friendly **Ekta Nagar Railway Station (EKNR)**, situated just 7 km from the SOU complex. Weekly train services connect EKNR to major Indian hubs including Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Mumbai, Delhi, and Varanasi.
🚗 By Road
Well-paved, multi-lane state highways connect Kevadia directly to Vadodara (95 km), Surat (154 km), and Ahmedabad (200 km). Daily state transport (GSRTC) AC buses and private luxury coaches operate hourly routes from these locations.
🌳 Campus Electric Shuttle Transit:
Private commercial vehicles and private cars are not allowed inside the core monument zone to reduce carbon pollution. SOU provides high-frequency, non-polluting air-conditioned green electric buses. Bus transit runs every 3 minutes, and access is included for free with any entry ticket.Tent Cities and Local Hotels
For a premium and immersive nature experience, SOU provides luxurious glamping options right next to the Narmada River:
Locker & Baggage Facilities: If you are planning a one-day trip and arriving with heavy bags, SOU provides secure locker systems and cloakrooms near the Welcome Plaza gates. Prohibited items like large suitcases, laptops, and tripods must be stored here before passing through security.
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