Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the Statue Of Unity in Gujarat on October 31 and it has made it to many travel bucket lists already. The reason – it is now officially the tallest statue in the world at a dizzying height of 182 metres.
There are more facts about this monument that will make you go, ‘What, really?’ Read them all here!
14 Unbelievable Things About Gujarat’s Statue Of Unity
1. It Has Set A World Record
Image Source: Statue of Unity website
The Statue of Unity is now the tallest statue in the world. It is almost twice as tall as the Statue of Liberty in New York and more than 50 metres taller than its closest competitor, China’s Spring Temple Buddha.
2. The Statue Is Dedicated To Sardar Patel
The Statue of Unity is dedicated to the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who was the nation’s first Home Minister. He united 500-odd princely states after India’s independence to form the republic. The statue draws its name from his commitment to uniting the country.
3. The Entire Project Cost As Much As Two New IIT Campuses
The statue, its surrounding buildings and the complex, cost a jaw-dropping Rs 3,000 crores. According to reports, the price is equivalent to the cost of setting up two new, fully-functioning Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campuses. The cost of one IIT campus is about Rs 1,167 crore.*
4. The Statue Is Built Near One of India’s Largest Dams
Image Source: Statue of Unity website
The Statue of Unity is located about 200 kilometres from Ahmedabad. It is built on an artificial island, Sadhu Bet, near the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Narmada district.
5. The Height Represents Gujarat’s Assembly Seats
Its height (182 metres) is a representation of the 182 different seats in Gujarat’s Legislative Assembly.
6. PM Modi Wanted The Statue To Be Carved Out Of Rock
Image source: Instagram
The idea for the monument was Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s. He came up with it back in 2013 when he was still the Chief Minister of Gujarat. He had originally thought about constructing the statue by carving a large rock near the dam. The design was later changed – it is made of steel, concrete and bronze.
7. The Statue Is Expected To Get 5.5 Million Visitors Every Year
According to government officials, the Statue of Unity is expected to draw about 15,000 visitors daily. That’s about 5.5 million people annually. Agra’s Taj Mahal attracts from 7-8 million visitors every year.** Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who unveiled the statue, said that the monument is expected to boost tourism in the region. At the inaugural event, he said that the statue is a “symbol of India’s integrity and resolve.”
8. It Has A Viewing Gallery At 135 Metres
The statue has a viewing gallery at 135 metres. The visitors can get to the top in a high-speed elevator and get panoramic views of the Sardar Sarovar Dam. This would make the gallery one of the highest in the country and in Asia.
9. You Can Go Boating Or Attend A Never-Before-Seen Light Show
The statue complex features several other buildings and viewing galleries. It also houses a museum and an audio-visual wing. Visitors will also be treated to a laser, light and sound show on India’s freedom and unification. They can also go for a boat ride here.
10. The Complex Also Offers A 3-Star Hotel
The Sardar Patel statue complex is home to a three-star hotel, a shopping centre and a research centre, giving tourists the opportunity to extend their stays.
11. It Even Has Got A Selfie Point!
For those selfie-junkies, the complex also features a selfie point from where you get panoramic views of the statue and its surroundings.
12. You Can Book Your Tickets Online
The tickets to the monument complex are priced at Rs 350 per person. This includes a pass for the observation deck, valley of flowers, the Sardar Patel memorial, the museum and audio-visual gallery, the Statue of Unity site and the Sardar Sarovar dam. If you are not looking to spend that much, there is a cheaper option as well. The basic entry ticket costs Rs 120 per person and Rs 60 for children below 15 years. It includes a visit to all the places mentioned earlier, except for the observation deck.
13. A Valley Of Flowers Carpets The Road To The Statue
Image source: Instagram
The road to the complex from Kevadia, the nearest town, is lined with a valley of flowers on either side, making for one epic road trip.
14. It Is Not Going To Hold The World Record For Long!
The Sardar Patel statue is not expected to hold the record for a long period of time. The Maharashtra government has already announced plans to erect a monument in the honour of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji. The statue will be 190 metres tall.
The Statue of Unity is expected to be open to the public from November 1. So, no matter the kind of traveller you are, clear your schedules and get packing to visit this iconic landmark. Don’t forget to pack your Vacation Calling Tote Bag while you are at it!
*Source: Ministry of Human Resource Development
**Source: Dept. of Tourism, Govt. of U.P.
Featured Image: Instagram
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