Thanks to an unexpected invitation from Gujarat Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, I traveled to Gujarat last month. In addition to it being my first FAM trip, I was really eager to see the location. I was excited to view the Statue of Unity in person to determine whether it was indeed as magnificent as it is shown in the news and media or whether the excitement surrounding it is all unjustified.
Armed with my curiosity bag, I set off with an open mind; whether I loved or despised the idea of the World’s Tallest Statue, the most important thing was that I was going to view the Statue of Unity exactly as it was, with no expectations placed on it.
So what did I see?
I had a great day at the Statue of Unity! I admired it for what it represented. Visiting SOU was a two-day adventure filled with wonder and exploration. I loved it for the sentiments, the food, the people, the architecture, and the fusion of nature.
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1. The World’s Tallest Statue
Let’s be certain about one thing: The Statue of Unity is enormous! Gujarat
It is the tallest statue in the world and is four times the size of the Statue of Liberty at 182 meters high, or approximately 50 stories, along with its three-level base.
However, I don’t only mean size when I say something is gigantic. I’m referring to the force and tenacity of the iron character that lives beneath the former metallic construction. I’m referring to Sardar Vallabhai Patel’s courage and bravery, who in the truest meaning of the word united India as a nation.
And you can’t help but be in awe of it when you see it in person!
2. Unity in Diversity
The Statue of Unity was fantastic. Even more than the iconic edifice itself, I adored how the statue continues to honor the idea of unity in variety.
In honor of Patel’s moniker as “Iron Man” of India, scrap iron was gathered from all around the nation. The base, visitor center, and landscaping all employ locally quarried stone. Earth was also gathered from all of the nation’s states and districts to create a rammed earth wall backdrop to the flag.
This is how we honor the great unifier of our nation, not simply visually but also by actively incorporating the concept of Unity in contemporary life.
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3. Laser Show
What results from starting projection mapping with the statue as the canvas using 51 high-speed projectors positioned at a distance of 600 meters?
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s monument comes to life!
Seeing Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s life and accomplishments through such an arresting visual spectacle is both moving and inspirational. Even though the show only lasts 30 minutes, every minute is enthralling and leaves you wanting much more.
4. Staying in Tents / Glamping
I’ve always wanted to walk directly into the rising sun when I wake up in the morning, but I’ve never had the opportunity to do it.
On this visit to the Statue of Unity, I had the opportunity! Gujarat
I was able to enjoy both the traditional camping experience and all the modern conveniences thanks to Narmada Tent City. The Statue of Unity’s beauty is enhanced by the fact that it is situated in an area that is (nearly) pollution-free and surrounded by a verdant environment.
5. India’s First EV Only or Pollution Free Zone
The only mode of transportation you will see in the confines of SOU, Ekta Nagar is e-rickshaws. The entire area is a pollution-free, electric vehicle (EV) zone.
E-rickshaws are powered by batteries rather than gasoline or diesel. As a result, no smoke is released and no harmful fuels are used. The world requires more of this! Additionally, by driving in one of them, you will do your part to increase the number of women employed in the nation. Isn’t it amazing, now?
6. Women Empowerment
The idea of EVs in SOU really blew me away.
Who operates them, do you know?
Women!
During my visit to the SOU,(Gujarat) my heart swelled with pride twice: first when I saw the tallest statue in the world in my own country, and twice when I saw so many ‘atmanirbhar women,’ or independent mothers, driving e-rickshaws and bringing us places.
I just couldn’t get over how incredible SOU is for empowering women.
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7. Job Opportunities for the Gujarat Tribals
In reality, I saw locals and tribal people working everywhere I looked in addition to e-rickshaws and ladies. So a tribal woman was selling the coconut water I drank in front of Bharat Van. We witnessed a live demonstration of the production of traditional eco-friendly goods at Ekta Nursey, including ceramic pots, areca leaf plates, organic pots, bonsai, and much more. I was astounded to find paintings of tribal life and culture in Vishwa Van, all created by the locals.
I just hope that the Statue of Unity (Gujarat) continues to increase tourism in the coming years and positively impacts local residents’ quality of life.
8. Eco Friendly Attractions
I became more aware of how ecologically friendly the overall project was as I explored SOU Gujarat and all the many attractions.
Along with the Sardar Sarovar Dam, Narmada River, Panchmuli Lake, Vindhya and Satpura mountain ranges, Ekta Nursery, Vishwa Van, Butterfly Garden, Cactus Garden, Children Nutrition Park, Aarogya Van, Khalwani Eco-Tourism Site, Zarwani Falls, and Kesuda Tours, Statue of Unity offered a wide variety of natural features, including lush green trees, rolling hills, and ener
9. India’s First Glow Garden Gujarat
I’ve always been fascinated by lights and with the idea of a world beyond our own, where things like deer, unicorns, rainbows, clouds, and trees may all spring to life seemingly by magic in Gujarat.
Finally, I discovered the Unity Glow Garden at the Statue of Unity, India’s first themed garden, where my boyhood fascination was finally satiated. The best time to visit this “glow in the dark” garden is undoubtedly right after sunset, when all of the vibrant installations shimmer and glisten.
10. There’s Something for Everybody
Tourist destinations are frequently divided into categories like adventurous, romantic, cultural, architectural, natural, and so forth.
But consider a place that offers ALL of this and more!
Statue of Unity is an all-arounder in this regard, offering a wide range of attractions and locations to explore at SOU Gujarat.
The nicest thing about SOU Gujarat is that it caters to all types of travelers, making it the perfect place for groups of friends, families, couples, and lone travelers.
