The Statue of Unity, the tallest statue in the world, is a grand tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and a major tourism hub in Gujarat. Spanning an 18 km radius, the area offers diverse attractions for families, solo travellers, history lovers, and thrill-seekers alike. Many visitors, however, lose valuable time navigating the vast site without proper planning. To truly enjoy the experience, it’s essential to understand the layout and secure your online ticket for the Statue of Unity in advance. This guide highlights the top attractions within and around the complex to help you plan an enjoyable and efficient visit.
Smart Planning: Understand the Layout Before You Go
The first thing to know is that the Statue of Unity complex is massive. Upon arrival, you’ll need to park your car at Point 1, which is near the Children’s Nutrition Park. From here, the statue itself is about 6 km away, and visitors can reach it by shuttle bus, private vehicle, or even by boat.
To avoid confusion or delays, especially during weekends or holidays, it’s highly recommended to use online booking for Statue of Unity attractions. Some areas have fixed time slots, and walk-in tickets may be sold out or result in long queues.
Top Attractions Within the Statue of Unity Complex
Statue of Unity Viewing Gallery
Perhaps the most iconic experience, the Viewing Gallery is located 135 metres high within the chest of the statue. A high-speed lift takes you up, and once inside, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Sardar Sarovar Dam, the Narmada River, and the nearby Satpura hills.
This ticket also includes access to:
- The Museum, detailing Sardar Patel’s life
- An audio-visual show on local culture and ecology
- The Valley of Flowers
- The Dam Viewpoint
- A bus ticket for internal transport
- Evening laser show
This is a must-see for all first-time visitors. Do note: time slots fill up quickly, so purchase your online ticket Statue of Unity several days in advance.
Jungle Safari & Pet Zone
If you’re visiting with children or love wildlife, don’t miss the Jungle Safari. Spread across a large natural landscape, the safari includes exotic animals, birds, and even a giraffe enclosure. The experience is about 60% via electric vehicles and 40% walking.
Next to this is the Pet Zone, where kids can interact with friendly animals and birds. Feeding sessions and photo opportunities are available, making it an engaging stop for young families.
Unity Glow Garden
As dusk falls, the Unity Glow Garden lights up. With glowing installations of animals, objects, and signs, this area becomes magical after sunset. It’s located opposite the Valley of Flowers and is best enjoyed before attending the evening laser show.
Ekta Cruise & Boating
Board the Ekta Cruise to enjoy a stunning view of the statue from the water. Cruises run at fixed times and include traditional dance performances on deck. For a simpler experience, you can also book a standard boating session on the river or nearby lakes.
Advance online booking for Statue of Unity cruise tickets is highly recommended to secure your preferred slot.
Family-Friendly Zones and Activities
Children’s Nutrition Park
Designed to educate and entertain, this park offers interactive exhibits about nutrition and health. A toy train takes children and adults through various sections, combining learning with fun. Allow around 1.5 to 2 hours here.
Butterfly Park & Cactus Garden
For nature lovers, these parks are a delight. The Butterfly Park features a variety of native butterflies in a garden setting, while the Cactus Garden is home to numerous exotic species. They’re located adjacent to each other, making it easy to cover both in a single visit.
Maze Garden & Miyawaki Forest
New additions to the complex, these attractions offer green spaces to explore. The Maze Garden is a fun labyrinth for kids and adults alike, while the Miyawaki Forest showcases a dense planting technique that supports local biodiversity.
For Adventure Seekers
If you’re looking for something more thrilling, there are several activities to choose from:
River Rafting
Available to visitors aged 14 and above, river rafting takes place in specially prepared channels near the dam. This is a seasonal activity and should be booked early during peak travel months.
Cycling Adventures
Whether you’re a couple or solo traveller, cycling near the dam and river is a unique experience. Choose from electric bikes, couple bikes, or standard cycles. There are trails near the Valley of Flowers and Khalwani areas.
Cultural and Spiritual Stops
Arogya Van & Ekta Nursery
Arogya Van focuses on wellness and Ayurvedic plants, with informative displays and a peaceful environment. Nearby, Ekta Nursery allows you to buy and take home a ‘Plant of Unity’ grown by local youth.
Vishwa Van
This global-themed garden showcases plants and trees from all seven continents, reflecting the message of “Unity in Diversity.” A calm, shaded area perfect for leisurely walks.
Free Attractions
Don’t miss the Narmada Aarti and Fountain Show, both of which are free and offer an immersive spiritual and visual experience in the evening. The Dino Trail is also free and ideal for kids who enjoy prehistoric creatures.
Day Trips and Places to Visit Around Kevadia
Once you’ve explored the main complex, there’s more to see in the surrounding area.
Zarwani Waterfall & Shoolpaneshwar Temple
Located in the Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Zarwani Waterfall flows beautifully between July and November. It’s best visited during or after monsoon. The nearby temple adds a spiritual touch to the natural surroundings.
You can even book a campsite stay and enjoy a locally cooked lunch if you inform the team in advance.
Rajwant Palace, Rajpipla
A relic of India’s royal past, this palace is ideal for those who love history. Located about 25 km from the statue, it offers a glimpse into Gujarat’s princely heritage.
Poicha Swaminarayan Temple
Located 40 km away, this temple complex is known for its peaceful setting, intricate architecture, and Sahjanand Universe exhibits. It’s a beautiful stop on your way back to Ahmedabad or Vadodara.
Final Travel Tips
- Always book your online ticket Statue of Unity to avoid last-minute hassles, especially for timed experiences like the Viewing Gallery and Cruise.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, carry water, and check weather conditions—some attractions are open-air.
- Try to begin your visit early in the day to fit in maximum spots, especially if you’re doing a day trip.
- Use official shuttle buses and maps to navigate the large area efficiently.
Conclusion
The Statue of Unity is much more than just a statue—it’s an entire world of culture, nature, and excitement waiting to be explored. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a weekend getaway, or a spiritual retreat, careful planning and online booking for the Statue of Unity will ensure your experience is memorable and stress-free.
For a smooth and hassle-free travel experience, book your tickets and activities through Statue of Unity Booking and let your adventure begin.
