India is about to inaugurate the Statue of Unity, the largest statue in the world. What do we know about his effigy, Sadar Vallabhbhai Patel? How can we visit her?
The statue of Unity, inaugurated on October 31, 2018, in the Gujarat region of India , constitutes the largest statue of the world with its 182 meters high. Its construction lasted 4 years and requested more than 22500 tons of cement for a total cost of 25 million euros (for a project to 272 million euros in total). Distributed over 19,700 square meters, it is surrounded by an artificial lake of 12 km in diameter.
Where is she located? What is it? And what can you do on the spot? Here is some information to visit the statue of the Unit which promises to be very touristic in the coming years, due to 15,000 visitors per year expected.
Who is the man present on the statue of Unity?
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons – Margaret Bourke-White
The largest statue in the world represents Vallabhbhai Patel , a nationalist leader who has, among other things, enabled the independence of India. If the man was known to be fairly discreet, the statue has its image will not correspond to this trait of character. Born in 1875 and died in 1950, Vallabhbai Patel led numerous actions for independence alongside the Mahatma Gandhi, joining the movement of civil disobedience. In particular, he regularly and peacefully imposed himself against the oppressive police forces of the British Regime in several cities in Gujarat. Considered as a social leader, his actions earned him the name "Sardar" which means "leader", in sign of respect.
This man of law then became Minister of the Interior in the first independent government of India. He had a major role in establishing peace in the country. His leadership and diplomacy allowed the complete independence of almost all semi-autonomous states. Often referred to as India’s Iron Man, it has also improved certain social rights for the inhabitants.
It is a few decades after his death, on the date of his birthday, that a statue like Vallabhbai Patel, symbol of the unity of the country and its harmony, was erected in the region of his birth.
Photo credit: Statue of Unity
Where is the statue of Unity in India?
It is in the Province of Gujarat, north-west of India, that the statue of the Unit took its quarters. Dominating the hill of Sadhu Bet near the Sardar Sarovar dam on the Narmada river, the Hindu statue did not arrive without noise. And for cause: to properly lay the foundations of the monument, Sadhu Bet had to be shaved, from 70 to 55 meters high! So far, the surroundings were not visited by the tourists, but it is very likely that the area is dynamizing over time.
What do you see on the site of the statue of Unity?
The Indian government wanted to pay tribute to its great men, but above all to their values. This is why the site of the statue of the Unit consists of many structures allowing commemorations and a return to history. The intention is also to continue the country’s progress. This includes a research centre dedicated to environmental protection.
As soon as the site is opened, your visit may consist of three ways: inside the statue, nearby and around.
The interior of the statue is divided into three levels, accessible by elevator. Museum dedicated to the effigy of Vallabhbai Patel, sound shows and lights, garden... Beautiful surprises await you during your visit. Good to know, however: for a security reason and due to strong gusts of wind, the visit stops at the level of the statue’s chest. A final highlight overlooking a flower garden created especially for the occasion.
Photo credit: Turnerconstruction
Close to the statue of the Unit, an observation point of 120 metres high offers a panoramic experience. View of the statue, the dam of Sardar Sarovar and the surrounding mountains... The platform promises a breathtaking view! On the logistics side, access is made by 200 visitors.
Photo credit: Turnerconstruction
In the vicinity of the monument, on a large square overlooking the river, shops and restaurants energize a large tourist area: an ambition specific to the project of the statue of the Unit. As for accommodation, a 3-star hotel, the Shrestha Bharat Bhavan, welcomes you with its 52 rooms for a complete stay around the imposing monument. And it’s not over: a landing track project to access the site is also under discussion!
Photo credit: Turnerconstruction
How to visit the largest statue in the world?
If you opt for a visit to the Statue of Unity during your stay in India, there are several options available to you: go directly to the site or integrate the visit to one of your tourist tours. The Rajhastan, the most visited region of the country and the border to Gujarat offers circuits from one region to another to discover the north-west of India: the white town of Udaipur being located about 400 kilometers from the statue of Unity, don’t hesitate to make a stone two strokes!
As this project is very recent and a few days from its inauguration, few official information has been provided on how to get to the site, the schedules or the various rates proposed for the visit. No panic however: the Wanderlix team stands on the bridge to communicate at all times and time!
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