The Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat, is the world's tallest statue at 182 metres — a towering tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Since its inauguration in 2018, it has become one of India's most-visited tourist attractions, drawing over 3 million visitors a year.
The good news for Ahmedabad residents and visitors: the Statue is just 200 km away, making it a very doable day trip or overnight weekend getaway. This guide tells you exactly how to plan it, what to see, and how to get there without the hassle.
Distance and Route from Ahmedabad
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~200 km one way |
| Drive time | 4–5 hours (one way) |
| Route | NH-47 / SH-63 via Anand, Vadodara outskirts, Anklav, Kevadia |
| Toll cost (approx.) | ₹120–₹150 each way |
| Best departure from Ahmedabad | 6–7 AM |
Cab Fare from Ahmedabad to Statue of Unity
| Vehicle | One-Way Fare | Round Trip (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan (Dzire / Etios) | ₹2,799 | ₹5,600 |
| SUV (Ertiga / XL6) | ₹3,399 | ₹6,800 |
| Premium SUV (Innova Crysta) | ₹4,299 | ₹8,600 |
SpeedUp Cab offers one-way booking to Kevadia. Many visitors book a one-way cab, spend the night at Tent City or Jungle Safari Resort, and book a return cab the next morning. This avoids paying for the driver's wait time during your visit.
What to See at Statue of Unity — Full Itinerary
The Statue Itself
The 182-metre bronze-clad statue is visible from miles away. The viewing gallery is at 153 metres — accessible by a lift inside the statue. The view from the top takes in the Narmada River, Sardar Sarovar Dam, and the Satpura and Vindhya mountain ranges.
- ✓Entry ticket (statue + viewing gallery): ₹350/adult, ₹200/child
- ✓Gallery timings: 9 AM – 6 PM (closed Mondays)
- ✓Lift ride to the top takes 60–90 seconds; gallery viewing 20–30 minutes
- ✓Best to arrive at 9 AM sharp to avoid queues
Sardar Sarovar Dam
The dam is visible from the statue complex and accessible via a short walk or shuttle. The reservoir view is particularly spectacular in the monsoon (August–September) when the dam is at full capacity and water overflows.
Valley of Flowers
A beautifully landscaped garden spread across 24,000 square metres, featuring over 100 species of flowering plants. Best visited between October and March when the flowers are in full bloom.
Jungle Safari and Cactus Garden
A 375-acre jungle safari park with over 300 animal and bird species. Separate ticketing (₹80/adult for the cactus garden, ₹150/adult for the jungle safari bus). Allow 2 hours for the full safari experience.
Laser Light Show
Every evening, the Statue of Unity complex hosts a spectacular laser and light show projected on the statue and the dam. Timings: 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM. This is the best argument for staying overnight rather than attempting a day-trip return drive in the dark.
Day Trip Itinerary: Ahmedabad ↔ Statue of Unity
- 1.6:00 AM — Depart Ahmedabad by cab. Grab breakfast before you leave.
- 2.10:00–10:30 AM — Arrive at Kevadia. Enter the complex and head straight to the statue queue.
- 3.10:30 AM–1:00 PM — Statue and viewing gallery visit.
- 4.1:00–2:00 PM — Lunch at the Ekta Mall food court or nearby restaurants.
- 5.2:00–4:00 PM — Valley of Flowers, Sardar Sarovar Dam viewpoint, Cactus Garden.
- 6.4:00–5:30 PM — Jungle Safari (if time permits).
- 7.5:30 PM — Begin return to Ahmedabad OR check into Tent City for the evening show.
- 8.9:00–9:30 PM — Arrive Ahmedabad (day trip return).
Do not drive back from Kevadia after 8 PM if you can avoid it. The SH-63 route is poorly lit in sections, and fatigue after a full day of sightseeing adds risk. If you're taking the laser show (7:30 PM), stay overnight.
Where to Stay Near Statue of Unity
- ✓Tent City Narmada: Government-run luxury tent resort right in the Kevadia colony. Highly recommended. Book months in advance for weekends.
- ✓Jungle Safari Resort: Adjacent to the safari park. Good for families with children.
- ✓Ekta Nagar guesthouses: Budget options near the entrance. Basic but adequate for one night.
Important Tips
- ✓Book weekday visits: Weekends, especially near national holidays like October 31 (Sardar Patel's birth anniversary), are extremely crowded. Queue times at the statue gallery can be 2–3 hours.
- ✓Vehicle pass at Kevadia gate: All vehicles require a pass to enter the Kevadia Colony complex. Your cab driver will handle this at the main gate. Keep Aadhaar / ID cards ready.
- ✓Summer heat (March–June): Temperatures at Kevadia can reach 42–45°C. Carry water, wear sunscreen, and plan to be indoors during 12–3 PM.
- ✓Monsoon visits (July–September): The area is lush and beautiful, but some attractions may be partially closed. The dam is spectacular in full flow.
Book your Ahmedabad to Statue of Unity cab and visit the world's tallest statue — fixed fare, no hidden charges.
Book Ahmedabad → Statue of UnityAlso: Vadodara to Statue of Unity
Kevadia is only 90 km from Vadodara, making it an even easier day trip from Baroda. The Vadodara to Statue of Unity cab takes just 2–2.5 hours and starts at ₹1,599.
