The Statue of Unity, at 182 metres, is the tallest statue in the world — taller than the Statue of Liberty by nearly double. It stands at Kevadiya in the Narmada district of Gujarat, overlooking the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River. The statue depicts Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister and the architect of the nation’s political unification after independence. It was inaugurated on 31 October 2018, his birth anniversary.
For visitors based in Ahmedabad, the Statue of Unity is the most popular long day trip in the region, a 200 km drive through Gujarat’s interior that ends at a genuinely arresting monument in a scenic river landscape.
Key facts at a glance
Table of Contents
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Height | 182 metres (597 feet) |
| Location | Kevadiya, Narmada district, Gujarat |
| Distance from Ahmedabad | 200 km |
| Drive time | 3.5 to 4 hours |
| Open days | Tuesday to Sunday |
| Closed | Monday (maintenance) |
| Entry timings | 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Basic entry fee | ₹150 adults, ₹90 children (3–15) |
| Official website | statueofunity.in |
The statue: background and scale
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel unified 562 princely states into the Indian Republic in the years immediately after independence in 1947. His role in this process, often called the integration of the princely states, is the central subject of the Statue of Unity complex: the museum, exhibitions, and interpretive materials throughout Kevadiya all document his life and legacy.
The statue was designed by sculptor Ram V. Sutar and took approximately four years to build. The structure has a steel frame with a bronze cladding and can be seen from considerable distances across the Narmada valley. Two elevators carry visitors up to the observation gallery inside the chest of the statue, at a height of 153 metres, offering views across the dam, river, and the Vindhya and Satpura mountain ranges.
The 182-metre figure was chosen to represent Gujarat’s 182 assembly constituencies.
For those who have already visited the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial in Ahmedabad, the Kevadiya complex provides a far more immersive and detailed account of his life and significance.
Entry tickets and pricing (2026)
The ticketing system at Kevadiya is structured into three tiers, with optional add-on experiences available at the site.
| Ticket type | Adults | Children (3–15) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic entry (monument, Valley of Flowers, dam viewpoints, museum, exhibition) | ₹150 | ₹90 |
| Museum and Exhibition upgrade | ₹380 | ₹200 |
| Express Entry (priority elevator to observation gallery) | ₹1,030 | ₹580 |
The basic entry ticket covers access to the monument grounds, the Valley of Flowers, viewpoints over the Sardar Sarovar Dam, the permanent exhibition, and the guided bus service within the complex. The observation gallery (elevator access to 153 metres) requires a separate ticket. Advance booking is available at statueofunity.in and is strongly recommended for weekends and public holidays.
Children under 3 years enter free. Note that entry tickets do not include adventure activities (Jungle Safari, River Rafting, Ekta Cruise) which are booked separately on site.
Attractions within the Kevadiya complex
Observation Gallery (153 metres)
The elevator ascent to the observation gallery is the centrepiece experience. From 153 metres, visitors look out across the Sardar Sarovar Reservoir, the Narmada River valley, and, on clear days, the distant mountain ranges. The gallery is inside the statue’s chest area; the viewing windows face outward on all sides. Queue times at the elevator can be significant on weekends; the Express Entry ticket bypasses this queue.
Valley of Flowers
A landscaped garden covering 17 acres at the base of the statue, planted with flowering species native to Gujarat and wider India. The garden is particularly striking between October and February when most of the seasonal plantings are in bloom. Entry is included with the basic ticket.
Jungle Safari
A 375-acre safari park adjacent to the Kevadiya complex, home to lions, leopards, tigers, and other wildlife. Vehicles enter on scheduled tours. The safari is a separate booking and adds 2 to 3 hours to your visit.
Ekta Cruise
A boat cruise on the Narmada River below the dam, offering views of the Statue of Unity from the water. The cruise runs for approximately 30 minutes. A separate ticket is required; book at the cruise counter in the complex. Timings vary by season.
Butterfly Garden
A dedicated enclosure housing several hundred butterfly species from across India, landscaped with host plants for different species. This is one of the quieter attractions in the complex and is well suited to visitors with children.
Cactus Garden
A specialised garden of over 450 cactus varieties from arid regions of the world. Located near the Valley of Flowers, it is included in the general grounds access.
Light and Sound Show
An evening projection and narration show about Sardar Patel’s life and the unification of India, projected onto the statue itself. Shows typically begin at 7:30 PM. Check current schedules on site or via the official website, as timings vary by season.
Sardar Sarovar Dam viewpoints
Designated viewpoints along the dam allow visitors to appreciate the scale of the Sardar Sarovar project, one of India’s largest dams. The dam is visible from the observation gallery but is also worth walking to at ground level.
Narmada River Rafting
White-water rafting sections on the Narmada River are available through operators based near the complex. This is a physically engaging addition for visitors who want more than sightseeing.
Timings
The Statue of Unity complex is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It is closed every Monday for maintenance. The last entry is at 5:30 PM.
The Light and Sound Show runs in the evening and requires a separate evening entry or the full-day pass. Visitors who want to attend the show should plan to stay overnight or depart Ahmedabad early to allow time.
How to reach from Ahmedabad
By car (recommended): The most practical option for a day trip. Take NH48 south from Ahmedabad toward Vadodara, then turn onto the Vadodara-Rajkot Expressway and follow signs for Kevadiya/Statue of Unity via Bharuch and Rajpipla. Total distance: approximately 200 km. Time: 3.5 to 4 hours depending on traffic. Parking is available at the Kevadiya complex.
By GSRTC bus: Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation operates direct services from Ahmedabad to Kevadiya. Services depart from Geeta Mandir bus stand and take approximately 4.5 to 5 hours. Check current schedules at the GSRTC counter or book at gsrtc.in.
By train and cab: The closest major railway station with good connectivity to Ahmedabad is Vadodara (Baroda), approximately 90 km from Kevadiya. From Vadodara, taxis and hired cabs cover the remaining distance in about 90 minutes. A number of trains run Ahmedabad-Vadodara in under an hour.
Organised day tours: Several operators in Ahmedabad run guided day trips to the Statue of Unity, departing early morning and returning the same evening. These typically include transport, entry tickets, and a guide. They are the simplest option for first-time visitors who do not want to arrange transport independently.
Planning your visit
A comfortable visit covering the basic monument grounds, Valley of Flowers, and the observation gallery takes 4 to 5 hours. If you add the Jungle Safari and Ekta Cruise, plan for a full day (7 to 8 hours).
For a day trip from Ahmedabad, depart by 7:00 AM to arrive at opening time. This allows maximum time before afternoon heat and weekend crowds build. Carry water; the grounds are extensive and there are sections with limited shade in summer.
The October to March window is the best period to visit: the Valley of Flowers is at its best, temperatures are manageable, and visibility from the observation gallery is good. Summer visits (April to June) are possible but midday temperatures can exceed 40°C.
The Kevadiya complex has restaurants and food stalls within the grounds. Pricing is moderate for a major tourist site.
If you are spending multiple days exploring Gujarat’s heritage, the Adalaj Stepwell on the northern edge of Ahmedabad is a worthwhile stop on the way back, a 16th-century water monument with exceptional carved detail. For bird watching at Nal Sarovar or Thol, the lakes guide for Ahmedabad covers both sanctuaries and is worth reading before you plan your Gujarat itinerary.
Last verified: March 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the Statue of Unity from Ahmedabad?
The Statue of Unity is approximately 200 km from Ahmedabad city centre. By car, the journey takes 3.5 to 4 hours via NH48 and the Vadodara-Bharuch route. GSRTC buses also operate direct services from Geeta Mandir bus stand.
What is the entry fee for the Statue of Unity in 2026?
Basic entry is ₹150 for adults and ₹90 for children aged 3 to 15. Children under 3 enter free. A Museum and Exhibition upgrade costs ₹380 for adults. Express Entry with priority elevator access to the observation gallery costs ₹1,030 per adult.
Is the Statue of Unity open on Monday?
No. The Statue of Unity complex is closed every Monday for maintenance. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Can you do the Statue of Unity as a day trip from Ahmedabad?
Yes. Departing by 7:00 AM from Ahmedabad allows you to arrive at opening time, spend 5 to 7 hours at the complex, and return to Ahmedabad by 9 to 10 PM. For a more relaxed experience that includes the evening Light and Sound Show, an overnight stay at Kevadiya or nearby Bharuch is a better option.
What is the height of the Statue of Unity?
The Statue of Unity stands at 182 metres (597 feet), making it the tallest statue in the world. The observation gallery is located at 153 metres inside the chest of the statue.
Can you book Statue of Unity tickets online?
Yes. Tickets are available online at statueofunity.in. Online booking is strongly recommended for weekends and public holidays, when walk-in queues at the observation gallery can be long. The Express Entry ticket, which includes priority access to the elevator, also needs to be booked in advance.
