The Statue of Unity is the tallest statue in the world, standing at an impressive height of 182 meters. Built to honor the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the monument represents unity, strength, and the vision that helped shape modern India. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, drawing visitors from across India and around the world.

One of the most exciting experiences at the monument is the Viewing Gallery, located approximately 153 meters above ground level. Visitors can reach the gallery through a high-speed elevator installed inside the statue. As the lift takes you up through this remarkable structure, it offers a unique perspective of the engineering and design that went into building such a massive monument.

From the viewing gallery, visitors are rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. You can see the magnificent Sardar Sarovar Dam, the flowing Narmada River, and the lush green hills that surround the area. The view becomes especially mesmerizing during sunrise or sunset, when the natural beauty of the region blends perfectly with the grandeur of the monument.

Apart from the viewing gallery, the Statue of Unity complex also features an exhibition hall, museum, and several tourist attractions that help visitors learn more about the life, achievements, and vision of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. A visit to the viewing gallery is therefore not just about enjoying beautiful views, it is also about experiencing history, architecture, and national pride in one extraordinary destination.

The Sardar Sarovar Dam is one of the most remarkable engineering achievements in India and an important landmark near the Statue of Unity. Built across the majestic Narmada River, this massive dam plays a crucial role in supplying water and electricity to several states including Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.

Standing about 163 meters tall and stretching over 1.2 kilometers in length, the Sardar Sarovar Dam is among the largest concrete gravity dams in the world. The project was developed to support irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydroelectric power generation for millions of people. With an installed power generation capacity of around 1,450 MW, it contributes significantly to regional development and energy production.

Apart from its functional importance, the dam has also become a major tourist attraction. Visitors coming to Statue of Unity Tent City often stop here to admire the breathtaking view of the enormous structure and the vast Sardar Sarovar Reservoir formed behind it. During the monsoon season, when the dam gates open and water flows dramatically downstream, the sight becomes truly spectacular and attracts thousands of tourists.

The surrounding area offers scenic landscapes, viewpoints, and peaceful surroundings where visitors can enjoy nature while learning about one of India’s most ambitious river valley projects. Together with the nearby Statue of Unity and other attractions, the Sardar Sarovar Dam has transformed the region into a vibrant tourism destination in Gujarat.

The Miyawaki Forest is a unique ecological attraction located near the Statue of Unity. Developed using the innovative Miyawaki afforestation technique, this forest showcases how dense and natural ecosystems can be created within a short period of time. The method was introduced by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki and focuses on planting native tree species close together so they grow faster and support each other naturally.

Spread across around 2 acres, the forest demonstrates how urban spaces can be transformed into lush green environments. Trees planted using this technique grow almost 10 times faster and become much denser compared to conventional plantations, creating a natural habitat for birds, insects, and other forms of wildlife.

The Miyawaki Forest includes several themed sections such as a Native Floral Garden, Fruit Garden, Timber Garden, and Medicinal Plant Garden, allowing visitors to explore the diversity of local plant species. Educational displays and orientation areas also help visitors understand the importance of sustainable forestry and biodiversity conservation.

Walking through the forest trails offers a refreshing experience surrounded by greenery and fresh air. For nature lovers, students, and eco-tourists, the Miyawaki Forest provides both an educational and relaxing experience, making it one of the must-visit attractions around the Statue of Unity.

The Maze Garden is one of the most exciting and interactive attractions near the Statue of Unity. Designed as a large outdoor hedge maze, this garden offers visitors a fun challenge where they can navigate through winding pathways and explore the beautifully landscaped greenery.

Spread across approximately three acres, the Maze Garden features a network of pathways extending over 2,100 meters, making it one of the largest maze gardens in India. The maze is designed in a unique “Yantra” pattern, which is believed to symbolize positive energy and harmony.

More than 1,80,000 plants and shrubs have been carefully planted to form the maze walls, creating a lush green environment that is both visually appealing and environmentally sustainable. The garden includes several plant varieties that enhance the beauty of the maze while maintaining its natural structure.

Visitors can enjoy exploring the maze with family and friends while trying to find the correct path to the exit. Along the way, there are several viewpoints and photo spots where tourists can capture memorable moments. The Maze Garden is especially popular among families and children as it combines adventure, nature, and entertainment in one place.

With its creative design and beautiful landscaping, the Maze Garden adds a playful and refreshing attraction to the growing list of experiences available around the Statue of Unity.

The Vishwa Van, also known as the Global Forest, is a fascinating attraction that celebrates the rich biodiversity of the world. Located close to the Statue of Unity, this unique garden brings together plant species from across the globe in a single landscape.

The concept of Vishwa Van reflects the theme of “Unity in Biodiversity.” The garden features trees, herbs, and shrubs representing all seven continents, allowing visitors to explore plant life from different parts of the world in one place.

Each section of the forest is carefully designed to represent the natural vegetation of a particular continent. Informative signboards provide details about the plant species and their ecological significance, making the experience both educational and enjoyable for visitors. The layout of the garden is also creatively designed to resemble the geographical shape of continents, adding a unique visual element to the attraction.

Walking through Vishwa Van allows visitors to experience a global botanical journey while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of nature. The attraction highlights the importance of forests in maintaining ecological balance and sustaining life on Earth.

For travelers visiting Ekta Nagar, Vishwa Van offers a refreshing opportunity to explore nature, environmental awareness, and global biodiversity in a beautifully landscaped setting.

Located near the iconic Statue of Unity, Ekta Nursery was envisioned by Narendra Modi while dedicating the Statue of Unity to the nation. The idea behind this unique destination was to create a place where visitors could learn about eco-friendly practices, sustainable farming, and local culture in an engaging way.

Ekta Nursery works both as an educational and demonstration center for tourists and as a platform that supports employment for local communities. The nursery produces nearly one million plants, symbolizing the spirit of unity that defines Ekta Nagar. Visitors not only get to explore nature but also gain insights into sustainable living and traditional craftsmanship.

Ekta Handicrafts

One of the most interesting experiences at Ekta Nursery is the Ekta Handicrafts section, where visitors can watch local artisans create eco-friendly products and even purchase them. This demonstration-cum-sale unit promotes sustainable products and traditional skills.

Bamboo Crafts

Skilled artisans demonstrate how bamboo is transformed into beautiful and useful items. Bamboo products are durable, natural, and environmentally friendly, making them a great choice for conscious consumers.

Areca Leaf Utensils

These utensils are made from naturally fallen leaves of areca palm trees. They are biodegradable, chemical-free, and an excellent alternative to plastic or disposable plates.

Organic Pots

Visitors can experience the process of creating biodegradable pots used for planting saplings. These pots naturally decompose in soil, making them perfect for eco-friendly gardening.

Bonsai Art

A dedicated bonsai training and display area introduces visitors to the fascinating art of growing miniature versions of large trees. It is a beautiful blend of creativity, patience, and horticulture.

Eco Farming and Biodiversity at Ekta Nursery

Ekta Nursery also features several interesting demonstrations that highlight innovation in agriculture and biodiversity.

Hydroponics (Soil-Less Farming)

A hydroponics unit showcases modern farming technology where plants grow without soil using nutrient-rich water. This innovative method helps conserve land and water while increasing crop productivity.

Honey Bee Apiary

The apiary at Ekta Nursery highlights the importance of honey bees in nature. Apart from producing honey, bees play a vital role as pollinators, supporting plant growth and maintaining ecological balance.

Kadaknath Chicken

Visitors can also learn about the famous Kadaknath, a unique Indian breed of black chicken known for its black meat and blood. This breed has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag and is valued for its high protein content and rich nutrients such as iron, vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, C, and E. Kadaknath meat is considered nutritious and has relatively low fat compared to other chicken breeds.

The nursery also showcases the ethnic tribal culture of the region. A traditional tribal hut displays tools, artifacts, and daily-use items used by local communities, giving visitors a glimpse into their lifestyle and traditions. Souvenir shops run by the Gujarat Forest Development Corporation and the Cottage and Rural Industries Department offer handmade products and eco-friendly souvenirs.

Food, Nature and Scenic Views

A cafeteria within the nursery serves delicious local dishes, including tribal delicacies and herbal tribal tea, a special beverage unique to the region. Many of the activities and stalls here are managed by women self-help groups from nearby villages, supporting local employment and empowering rural communities.

Ekta Nursery is also known for its beautiful natural surroundings. Nestled in the valley between the Vindhyachal and Satpuda mountain ranges and located along the banks of the Narmada River, the area offers a peaceful and scenic environment. From the viewing point inside the nursery, visitors can even enjoy a breathtaking view of the Statue of Unity, making the experience truly memorable.

Ekta Nursery is more than just a plant nursery; it is a place where nature, culture, sustainability, and community development come together, offering visitors a meaningful and enjoyable experience.

The Butterfly Garden near the Statue of Unity is a beautiful nature attraction where visitors can observe vibrant butterflies in their natural habitat. Designed to create a friendly environment for butterflies, the garden is filled with flowering plants, nectar-rich shrubs, and host plants that support the butterfly life cycle.

Spread across a large landscaped area, the garden provides a peaceful environment where visitors can watch butterflies flying freely among colorful flowers. It is home to dozens of butterfly species, making it a fascinating place for nature lovers, photographers, and students interested in biodiversity.

Walking along the garden pathways allows visitors to learn about the life cycle of butterflies from egg to caterpillar, chrysalis, and finally a butterfly. Informative displays and plant varieties help visitors understand how butterflies play an important role in pollination and maintaining ecological balance.

The Butterfly Garden offers a calm and refreshing experience away from busy tourist spots. Surrounded by natural beauty and fresh air, it provides an ideal location for families, children, and nature enthusiasts to relax while exploring one of the most colorful attractions around the Statue of Unity.

Since prehistoric times, humans have understood the importance of medicinal plants in maintaining health and treating illnesses. Traditional healing systems such as Ayurveda have long relied on herbs and natural remedies for wellness therapies, preventive treatments, massages, and the management of various health conditions. Even today, both modern and traditional medicine recognize the value of these natural resources in supporting overall well-being.

Recognizing the significance of medicinal plants, Arogya Van (Herbal Garden) has been developed near the Statue of Unity. Spread across approximately 17 acres, this unique attraction showcases a wide variety of medicinal plants along with thoughtfully designed wellness landscapes. The primary aim of Arogya Van is to create awareness about the role of plants in human health and well-being, while also highlighting the importance of Yoga, Ayurveda, and Meditation as essential elements of a balanced lifestyle.

At the entrance of Arogya Van, visitors are welcomed by life-size sculptures depicting the 12 postures of Surya Namaskar, emphasizing the importance of practicing yoga daily for a healthy life. A digital information center has also been established to educate visitors about the heritage and benefits of medicinal plants and their role in everyday healthcare.

One of the most unique attractions inside Arogya Van is the “Aushadh Manav.” This remarkable installation is a large three-dimensional model of the human body in a resting position. Each organ of the body is represented by specific medicinal plants known to benefit that organ. These plants are strategically placed on corresponding parts of the model, helping visitors understand how different herbs are used in therapeutic treatments for various parts of the human body.

Arogya Van is thoughtfully divided into five themed gardens, each offering a distinct experience for visitors:

• Garden of Colours
• Aroma Garden
• Yoga Garden
• Alba Garden
• Leutea Garden

An indoor plants section has also been developed to highlight the importance of interior landscaping. Indoor plants help create a calm and refreshing environment, making spaces more relaxing and pleasant. This section is housed in a semi-covered structure where visitors can walk through and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

To further promote traditional healing practices, the Gujarat Forest Department has collaborated with Santhigiri Ashram, an institution with more than 60 years of experience in Ayurveda, Siddha, and Yoga treatments. Together they have established the Arogya Van–Santhigiri Wellness Centre, where visitors can explore holistic healthcare therapies rooted in ancient Indian healing traditions.

The Arogya Van–Santhigiri Wellness Centre, also known as Arogya Kutir, offers a wide range of traditional therapeutic treatments including Dhara, Snehapanam, Sirovasti, Pizhichil, Udavarthanam, Marmachikitsa, Nasyam, Karnapooranam, Tharpanam, Njavarrakizhi, Herbal Steam Bath, Rasayan Chikitsa, Spinal Bath, and therapeutic massages that are especially popular in Kerala. These treatments combine herbal medicine, massage techniques, and natural therapies to promote overall health and relaxation.

As visitors walk through Arogya Van, soft background music inspired by tropical forests enhances the atmosphere, creating a calm and soothing experience. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Narmada Valley, Arogya Van offers a perfect blend of nature, wellness, and traditional healing knowledge, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking peace, learning, and rejuvenation.

In Indian culture, rivers are revered as mothers because they nurture life and sustain the entire ecosystem. For the people of Gujarat, the Narmada River holds a special place, much like a mother’s nourishment to her child. The word “Narmada” comes from the Sanskrit term Narm, which means joy or delight, symbolizing the happiness one experiences even by simply seeing the sacred river.

According to Indian mythology, it is believed that a mere sight of the Narmada River brings spiritual purity, a blessing that is otherwise believed to be obtained by bathing in the Ganga River or by consuming the holy water of the Yamuna River. Over the centuries, the Narmada also known as Reva has been worshipped as a divine mother and lovingly called Lokmata (Mother of the People). Many great scholars and saints, including Adi Shankaracharya, have praised the sacred river through hymns, prayers, and poetry.

The Narmada River has played a significant role in the social and economic development of Central and Western India. It originates from Narmada Kund in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh, and flows for about 1,173 kilometers before reaching Ekta Nagar. Here stands the impressive Sardar Sarovar Dam, one of India’s largest concrete dams. Through this massive project, water from the Narmada is supplied to millions of people living in drought-prone areas of Gujarat and Rajasthan, earning the river the title of a true “lifeline” for the region.

Earlier, an ancient Lord Shiva temple located upstream of the dam was submerged when the reservoir was created. To preserve its spiritual significance, the temple was later reconstructed downstream near the Gora Bridge. Today, a beautiful Narmada Ghat has been developed on the banks of the river near the sacred Shoolpaneshwar Mahadev Temple.

This newly developed Maa Narmada Ghat reflects deep devotion and reverence for the river. Visitors can feel a strong spiritual atmosphere here, especially during the Narmada Maha Aarti, which is performed every evening between 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM. During the ceremony, devotees offer prayers through Aarti, Dhoop-Aarti, and Ashtak, creating a serene and uplifting environment filled with light, chants, and devotion.

Experiencing the Maa Narmada Maha Aarti on the banks of the sacred river is a truly memorable moment for visitors, offering a peaceful blend of spirituality, culture, and natural beauty in the heart of the Narmada Valley.