Kevadia
Kevadia, officially known as Ekta Nagar, is a town of 6,800 people (2011) in South Gujarat, India. It is best known for the Statue of Unity, a colossal statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Understand[edit]
Kevadia is along the northern banks of the Narmada River. The small village turned into town when a colony was built for workers during construction of the gigantic Sardar Sarovar Dam. A new village Navagam was also built nearby to accommodate workers and displaced people. The town was a minor tourist spot due to dam but when the Statue of Unity was built in 2010s, it became one of the top tourist spots in the country. Gradually more and more attractions were added and other nearby tourism facilities were developed.
The local population is chiefly of tribal origin and reside in nearby villages in forests and hills. They come to town for employment and doing small businesses. Most street vendors belong from these tribal communities. They have their own culture and customs. Many of them faced displacement when the dam was built.
Get in[edit]
By plane[edit]
The nearest airport is at Vadodara which is 91 km (1.5 hr) from Kevadia by road. Other airports include Ahmedabad and Surat which are 198 km (3.5 hr) and 156 km (3 hr) away respectively from Kevadia by road.
By train[edit]
Trains are the easiest and least costly way to reach. People can board trains from Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Varanasi, Rewa in Madhya Pradesh, Ahmedabad, and Pratapgarh in Uttar Pradesh. Check your train timings and plan accordingly.
- 1 Ekta Nagar railway station (EKNR) (5 km (3.1 mi) from the Statue of Unity).
By bus[edit]
There are bus stands at both the station and the Bus Bay for state-operated GSRTC buses. Some private luxury bus operators provides packaged tour from Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Surat who drop you at the parkings.
- 2 GSRTC Bus Station.
By car[edit]
The roads leading to Kevadia are excellent. From Bharuch, from NH48, catch SH64 and than SH5 to reach Garudeshwar. From there, a four-lane road takes to Kevadia.
Get around[edit]
Map of Kevadia
No private vehicles are allowed in the Statue of Unity restricted zone beyond Ekta Dwar except parking lots and if you are going to Tent City. If you drove in, park at one of the three parkings, buy/have tickets and use the free bus service.
- 3 Parking opposite Ekta Mall.
- 4 Shresth Bharat Bhavan Parking. A large parking which has capacity of hundreds of private vehicles.
- 5 Valley of Flower Parking.
Ticket[edit]
- Basic Entry Ticket offers access to the Statue of Unity monument, museum and exhibition, Valley of Flowers, Sardar Sarovar Dam, Projection Mapping Show and free bus service from parking to the statue. ₹150 for adults and ₹90 for children between 3-15 years.
- Viewing Gallery Ticket offers Basic Entry Ticket benefits plus access to Viewing Gallery within the statue located 500 ft above from where one can see Sardar Sarovar Dam surrounded by Vindhya and Satpuda mountain ranges. You can see inside constructions of the statue. ₹380 for adults and ₹230 for children. Time slots are allocated in online tickets to visit Viewing Gallery. Only 7000 tickets per day.
- Express Entry Ticket offers Viewing Gallery Ticket benefits plus no wait for elevator to go up the gallery. On some crowded days, elevator waiting can be hours long. ₹1030 for all age.
- Foreigner Express Entry Ticket for foreign tourists includes all benefits of Express Entry Ticket. ₹1530 for adults and ₹830 for children.
- Note:
- Book tickets online from Official Website in advance. Offline tickets are available from the 1 Ticket Counter at the Shresth Bharat Bhavan. No advanced offline tickets. During festive seasons, the queues can be too long so better book online in advance. See ticket details above. Credit/Debit Cards only. No cash.
- The Projection Mapping Show in the evening can be viewed from sitting arrangements at 2 Unity Ground, near Statue of Unity Food Court (Within Statue of Unity complex). or from 3 Helipad Ground (Helipad Ground Bus Stop).. The location needs to be decided while booking tickets. If you need to leave fast and early, choose Helipad Ground.
- Please check restricted items from the website which are not allowed in the Statue of Unity complex. You need to deposit your belongings at the 4 Bus Bay Baggage Counter (Bus Bay). Free. or Shresth Bharat Bhavan Baggage Counter/Lockers..
- Tickets can be upgraded at a counter at the exhibition hall of the Statue of Unity monument so buying Viewing Gallery Ticket is good enough and can be upgraded later depending on the crowd you find at the exhibition hall. Though there is nothing special about the views from the Viewing Gallery, you can choose to go if there is not much crowd. Express Ticket is not worth at all.
By bus[edit]
Free Bus Service ply along the route as below. You need to have any type of Statue of Unity ticket to use it. 45-seat Volvo Buses. Every 15 min. Note: Do not catch Eco-Tourism/Circular Route Buses.
- Ektanagar Railway Station.
- 6 Ekta Mall Bus Stop.
- 7 Shresth Bharat Bhavan Bus Stop.
- 8 Vishwavan Bus Stop.
- 9 Gate No. 4 (Entry) Bus Stop. for Statue of Unity complex.
- 10 Gate No. 5 (Exit) Bus Stop.
- 11 Bus Bay. Catch buses for bus tours from here.
- 12 Helipad Ground Bus Stop.
- 13 Valley of Flower Bus Stop. for Jungle Safari, Pet Zone, Valley of Flowers, Unity Glow Garden, Maze Garden, Dam View Point 1.
- 14 Dino Trail Bus Stop.
- 15 Dam View Point 3 Bus Stop.
There are two bus tours listed below, Ektanagar Circular Route Bus Tour and Khalwani to Zarwani Eco-Tourism Bus Tour, which provides access to most attractions.
By car[edit]
The places near Ekta Gate and on the opposite bank of the river which are outside restricted zone can be visited by private vehicles. There few fuel stations here so please check your fuel and refill at 5 Indian Oil Petrol Pump. or 6 Gujarat Gas CNG Pump.
By autorickshaws[edit]
Alternatively, you can hire pink electric auto-rickshaws run by local women for fixed charges between locations. Hire from Bus bay, Valley of Flower and Shresth Bharat Bhavan Bus Stops.
See[edit]
Landmarks[edit]
- 1 Statue of Unity (Gate No. 4 (Entry) Bus Stop), toll-free: 18002336600, support@soutickets.in. Tu-Su 8AM-6PM, Monday closed. A majestic statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, an Indian freedom fighter and the first deputy prime minister of independent India. He was credited for integrating more than 500 princely states into India. Built in 2018, it is the world's highest statue at 182 m (597 ft). Entry from Gate No. 4. There is an array of travelators to reach the site of the Statue and several escalators to reach the feet of the Statue on the high platform. The exhibition hall and museums are located at the ground level below the statue. The ticket upgrade counter is located here. The Statue of Unity Food Court is located along the path leading to the Statue. Exit from Gate No.5. The 23-min Projection Mapping Show starts at 7:30PM and is viewed from the sitting arrangement as chosen during booking tickets. For ticket details, see above.
- 2 Shoolpaneshwar Mahadev Temple. 6AM-8:15PM. An old temple located on the bank of Narmada. The temple aarti rituals are held at 7AM and 8PM every day. Free.
- 3 Zarwani Waterfall (14 km (8.7 mi) from the Statue of Unity). 9AM-5PM. Located within the Shulpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, this waterfall gives a peace and happiness when you dip in its flowing waters. Go before visiting the Statue of Unity as timings are suitable. Don't forget to take extra pair of clothes and slippers. Enjoy various adventure sports like rappelling wall, two-way zip line, free jump device here. ₹400 per car, ₹270 per bike.
Parks and zoos[edit]
- 4 Arogya Van (Herbal Garden). 9AM-5PM, 7:30AM-8:30PM for Wellness Centre. Teach yourself about holistic wellness along with traditional herbal remedies. This 17-acre garden has half million medicinal plants belonging to 380 species. It is divided into various sections: Garden of Colours, Aroma Garden, Yoga Garden, Alba Garden and Leutea Garden, etc. There are plant-based art installations too. A large garden shaped in form of 'Arogya Manush' (Health Human) is made from growing plants at place of an organ in body according to how they are helpful to that organ. Arogya Cafe provides Gujarati Thali while Wellness Centre provides traditional and natural treatments. ₹30 for adults, ₹20 for children.
- 5 Children Nutrition Park (Ekta Mall Bus Stop). Tu–Su 10:30AM-7:30PM (closed Mondays). Fun games and rides for children to teach them about healthy diet and habits! ₹200 for adults, ₹125 for children.
- 6 Cactus Garden and Butterfly Garden (12 km (7.5 mi) from the Statue of Unity). Cactus 9AM-5PM, butterfly 8AM-6PM. See over 500 species of Cactus and Succulent plants from around the world in Cactus Garden. Next to it is a Butterfly Garden with 38 species of butterfly. Spend 2-3 hours here. ₹60 for adults, ₹40 for children.
- 7 Dino Trail (Dino Trail Bus Stop). 8AM-9PM. Rajasaurus Narmadensis were the original dinosaur resident of the Narmada Valley. OK, the replica is 3 times the original but worth a selfie with it. 25 feet high and 75 feet long! Two large dino and few small sculptures in small garden. 10-15 min is good enough. Free.
- 8 Pet Zone (Valley of Flower Bus Stop). 8AM-5PM. Love pets, go here. Kids will be amazed. Meet Macaws, Cockatoos, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Persian Cats, Turkeys, Geese, Miniature Ponies, Sheep, Goats etc. One hour may be enough. ₹50 for adults, ₹25 for children.
- 9 Sardar Patel Zoological Park and Jungle Safari (Valley of Flower Bus Stop). 8AM-5PM. Spend 2-4 hours with 186 species of fauna from 17 countries across the world in this 375-acre park. See big cats like an Asiatic Lion, a Royal Bengal tiger, a Black Panther, and Leopards as well as deers, antelopes, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, bison, wildebeest, onyx. Some exotic animals are there too including exotic animals including alpaca, llama, wallaby and hippo. ₹200 for adults, ₹125 for children, Only Credit/Debit Card accepted. 10 Geodesic Aviary Domes, within the Jungle Safari Complex. Has more than 1,000 colourful local and exotic birds from India and the world.
- 11 Unity Glow Garden, near Valley of Flower Garden (Valley of Flower Bus Stop). 8PM-10PM. Sun sets and the Glow Garden light up. A place of magical lights. Best to visit after 7PM light show. Kids love it. ₹100 for adults, ₹50 for children, and ₹500 for foreign tourists.
- 12 Valley of Flowers (Valley of Flower Bus Stop). 8AM-9PM. A landscaped garden along the beautiful Narmada river with an excellent view of the Statue of Unity. Large number of native flowers, trees, shrubs, grasses and bamboo species are planted here. Selfie zones for taking photos. Takes about 1.5 hours to explore. included in Statue of Unity tickets.
- 13 Vishwavan (Vishwavan Bus Stop). 8AM-6:45PM. For Botany lovers, a 5-acre garden with plants gathered from around the world. There are rest huts, a souvenir shop and a small refreshment shop.
- 14 Maze Garden (Bhul Bhulaiya) (Valley of Flower Bus Stop). 9AM-5PM. A largest vegetation maze in India to get lost! Spread over an area of 3-acre and has 2100 metre-long path. Designed in shape of religious shriyantra by planting 1.8 lakh plants.
- 15 Miyawaki Forest (Ekta Mall Bus Stop). 2-acre park named after Japanese botanist who developed fast foresting technique. Includes native flower garden, timber garden, fruit garden, medicinal plant garden, a Miyawaki zone of mixed species, and a digital orientation centre.
Dam system[edit]
- 16 Sardar Sarovar Dam (Dam View Point 3 Bus Stop). Dam can be viewed from multiple viewpoints. Best seen from View Point 3 but need to hike a steep slope to reach there. 17 View Point 1. 18 View Point 2. 19 View Point 3. 20 VIP View Point.
- 21 Vadgam Lake (Dyke-1). Water from dam comes to 250 MW hydropower plant here and then left in Dyke-1.
- 22 Marfaliya Lake (Dyke-2). Smallest of all four dykes. A net prevents crocodiles from going in the canals from here.
- 23 Panchmuli Lake (Dyke-3) (5 km (3.1 mi) from the Statue of Unity). Largest of all four dykes. Drive up and park your car on the road to watch calm waters of lake surrounded by Vindhya mountain range. The lake has more than 200 crocodiles so don't go close. Seaplane was used to land here at water aerodrome but is no longer active. Can enjoy Nauka Vihar (boat ride) here. Has sitting arrangements.
- 24 Godbole Gate. A chute spillway giving picturesque view. The water going downstream is used for Khalwani river-rafting.
- 25 Khalwani Lake (Dyke-4) (Opp. Tent City-1).
- 26 Narmada Main Canal Gate. The Narmada canal network which is larger than Indian Railway network starts from here. Width 7m and depth 10m.
Do[edit]
- 1 Helicopter Ride (stopped for now) (Helipad Ground Bus Stop). 9:30AM to 1 hour before sunset, Monday closed. In a 10-minute helicopter ride, you have an excellent aerial view of the Statue of Unity and nearby locations including Sardar Sarovar Dam and the Mountain Range. Each trip carries 5-7 people. Tickets from location. ₹2,900 per person.
- 2 Boat Ride (2.5 km from Statue of Unity). A 45-minute boat ride in the Narmada river around the Statue of Unity. Ticketing on-location or online. ₹413 per person.
- 3 Riverfront Cycling (Valley of Flower Bus Stop), ☏ +91 99046 62277, abhishek@motosportpark.net. 6AM-8PM (2 hr slots). You can cycle along the Narmada river and dam service road network, and go by mountains, rivers, trees and waterfalls. Book online or rent on location. ₹300 for 2 hr (solo or kids cycle), ₹400 for 2 hours (2-people cycles or electric cycle).
- 4 River Rafting at Khalwani (5 km (3.1 mi) from Shresth Bharat Bhavan), ☏ +91 9327372323, +91 9979327391, info@gujaratrafting.com. 8AM-8:30AM, 10AM-10:30AM, 1PM-1:30PM, 3PM-3:30PM. Take solo kayaking or group rafting in the fast and steady waters of Khalwani river. This 5-km trip is first rafting route in Western India. Book online or on-location but online recommended as limited slots are available. Age 14-55 years. Taxi pickup and drop at Shreshth Bharat Bhavan parking on self. Have to take Khalwani to Zarvani Eco Tourism Bus Tour to reach the spot where rafting starts. Keep your belongings at lockers at Shresth Bharat Bhavan. ₹1000 per person, ₹1000 extra per boat for photography.
- 5 Narmada Mahaarati. 8PM. A Hindu ritual venerating river Narmada. Held every evening near Shoolpaneshwar Mahadev temple. Reach early to get good seat. Capacity for 6000 people.
- 6 Ekta Cruise (Shresth Bharat Bhavan Bus Stop). 9AM-5:30PM, 20 min slot at every 2 hr.
- 7 Nauka Vihar (Boat ride), ☏ +91 8520027200, +91 7433977182, +91 7096120043. Enjoy natural beauty upstream the dam. 45-minute ride in Dyke-3 (Panchmuli lake) and Dyke-4 (Khalwani lake) of Sardar Sarovar. Pick up and drop at Bus Bay. Reach at Bus Bay 30 min before ticket slot. ₹290.
- 8 Khalwani Eco-Tourism. 7:30AM-8:30PM. Water released from Godbole Gate creates a perennial stream of water where adventure and camp activities are held. For stay in tree house and tents, book in advance.
- 9 Zarwani cycling. 8AM-11AM, 3PM-6PM. Cycle in the nature!
- 10 Khalwani Couple Cycling. 7:30AM-8:30PM. Enjoy cycling amid trees with your partner. Slots at every two hrs starting at 6AM, recess noon-2PM, end at 8PM.
- Kesuda Tour. 7AM-10AM, 4-7PM. Called 'Flame of the Forest', the Kesuda trees are known by many different names. During cold season, these bright orange flowers covers the trees and gives a fantastic beauty. Pick up from Bus Bay. After reaching by bus, trek some distance and enjoy Kesuda tea. Buy some Kesuda products.
- Ekta Houseboat. with 2 bedrooms, dining and drawing rooms, kitchen, upper and front decks with mix Kashmiri and Gujarati interiors.
Bus tours[edit]
- Khalwani to Zarwani Eco-Tourism Bus Tour (Winger Bus) (Gate No. 4 (Entry) Bus Stop or Bus Bay). Tu-Su 8AM-6PM, Monday closed. Catch bus at every 30 min. Covers 7 major attractions including Vishwa Van, Dino Trail, Khalwani Eco-Tourism Campsite, Aarogya Van, Ekta Nursery, Cactus Garden and Butterfly Garden, Zarwani Falls and Adventure Zone. Operated by Gujarat Forest Department. Book online or buy offline at ticket booth at Bus Bay. Takes about 5 hr to visit all attractions peacefully. Can get off to visit a place and get on the next bus on same ticket. ₹300 for adult, ₹250 for children.
- Ektanagar Circular Route Bus (Ultrabus). 8AM-6PM. Cover about 15 stops for sightseeing with a guide explaining at each place. No getting off, view only from bus. Starts from Bus Bay. 45-km route takes about 2 hrs to complete. Can catch bus at every 15 min from any stop but have to continue on same bus else have to buy new tickets. 35 seats capacity. ₹50.
Buy[edit]
- 1 Ekta Mall (Ekta Mall Bus Stop). 10AM-8PM. This 35,000 ft² (3,300 m2) mall offers handicraft and handloom products from all across India. 20 state exhibits to shop.
- 2 Ekta Nursery. 9AM-6PM. Educate yourself about plant and at the same time provide livelihood to local people. ₹30 for adults, ₹20 for children.
Eat[edit]
Most food joints in the area provides fastfoods, refreshment drinks and ready dishes. Hawkers and local vendors offer snacks, fruits and vegetable salad dishes which supports their livelihood and are more healthy food. Local cabin shops offer packaged pouches of snacks, tea and biscuits. Such vendors are found opposite the Statue of Unity avenue and on the way leading to Dam View Point No. 3.
- 1 Ekta Food Court, Ekta Mall (Ekta Mall Bus Stop). Taste best Indian and International cuisines here.
- 2 Food Plaza at Jungle Safari, Sardar Patel Zoological Park and Jungle Safari (Valley of Flower Bus Stop). 9AM-6PM. Fastfoods and refreshment drinks.
- 3 Food Court at View Point 1 (Valley of Flower Bus Stop).
- 4 Statue of Unity Food Court, along path to Statue of Unity (Gate No. 4 (Entry) Bus Stop). Entry within complex is on Statue of Unity ticket only.
- 5 Amul Parlour (Bus Bay). 9AM-8PM. milk-based drinks, ice-creams, sandwiches, burger, patties, puff.
- 6 Amul Foodland, Shresth Bharat Bhavan Parking (Shresth Bharat Bhavan Bus Stop). 9AM-9PM. Fastfoods and snacks such as pizza, pasta, dosa and french fries etc are available here.
- 7 Ekta Tribal Cafe, Near Shoolpaneshwar Temple, Tyagi Ghat, Gora, ☏ +91 6356549806. Drink tea and have snacks. Lunch of traditional tribal thali (dish) needs online booking.
Drink[edit]
Sleep[edit]
- 1 Tent City-1, ☏ +91 9797949494. Check-in: noon, check-out: 9:30AM. ₹10000-13000.
- 2 Tent City-2 Narmada.
- 3 The Fern Sardar Sarovar Resort, Next to Ekta Gate, Opposite Railway Station, ☏ +91 9316750960. 11-acre luxury resort.
- 4 SBB Ramada Encore, Shresth Bharat Bhavan (Shresth Bharat Bhavan Bus Stop), ☏ +91 9510974238, +91 93167 47564, +91 95109 78954, +91 9316747564 (Whatsapp). Check-in: 1PM, check-out: 10AM. River View and Garden View Rooms, dining facilities, swimming pool, gym. ~₹10000.
- 5 Zarwani Eco Campsite.
- 6 Hotel BRG Budget Stay, Bhumaliya Road (Near Arogya Van), ☏ +91 9586647777, +91 7874467777, toll-free: 1800 233 9008, reservations@brgbudgetstay.com. Check-in: noon, check-out: 10AM. Has a multicuisine restaurant. ₹1800-3500.
- 7 Reva Bhavan Circuit House (Government Guest House). Government employees can avail rooms here at reasonable cost.
Cope[edit]
Connect[edit]
Stay safe[edit]
If you are visiting on sunny days, please apply sunscreen lotion (SPF40) on your skin to protect yourself from the bright sun rays. Bring ORS packs or lemonade to stay safe from the dehydration in the summer. Use a cap or headscarf. Free drinking water is available at several places so bring your own water bottle for refill. It saves you money as well as environment! A baggage counter is located at Bus Bay where small/medium sized bags can be deposited for free. Hand purses are allowed in the Statue of Unity complex and elsewhere.