Last updated: October 2026 Β· 3 min read
Standing beside the Narmada river in Gujarat, the Statue of Unity honours Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who united more than 560 princely states into India after independence. Here are 10 incredible facts about it.
10 incredible facts about the Statue of Unity
1. It is the tallest statue in the world
At 182 metres, it is almost twice the height of the Statue of Liberty including its pedestal.
2. The height has a meaning
182 is the number of seats in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly.
3. It was inaugurated on Patel’s birth anniversary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled it on 31 October 2018, observed as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day).
4. It was built in under four years
Construction by Larsen & Toubro began in late 2014 and finished in 2018.
5. It has a steel and concrete core
A reinforced concrete core and structural steel frame are covered by bronze cladding panels.
6. Iron was collected from farmers
A campaign collected used farm tools from villages across India as a symbolic contribution.
7. You can look out from its chest
A viewing gallery at about 153 metres offers views of the Sardar Sarovar Dam and the Satpura and Vindhya hills.
8. It is built to withstand strong winds
Engineers designed it to resist high wind speeds and earthquakes.
9. It sits on Sadhu Bet island
The statue stands on a river island near the Sardar Sarovar Dam at Ekta Nagar (Kevadia).
10. A whole tourism hub grew around it
Attractions include the Valley of Flowers, a jungle safari, a cactus garden, river rafting and a light and sound show.
Visitor information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), Narmada district, Gujarat |
| Nearest city | Vadodara, about 90 km |
| Closed | Mondays (check official site) |
| Tickets | Book online on the official Statue of Unity website |
| Best time | October to March |
Frequently asked questions
How tall is the Statue of Unity?
182 metres (597 feet).
Who is the Statue of Unity dedicated to?
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister.
Which is the second tallest statue in the world?
The Spring Temple Buddha in China, about 128 metres including its pedestal.
Keep exploring
- Partition of India 1947
- India’s freedom struggle
- Famous monuments of India
- More Facts articles on Tiwaripedia
Facts are based on widely accepted official, scientific and historical sources at the time of writing. Spotted something that needs updating? Let us know.
