World¡¯s tallest statue- Statue of Unity of Sardar Vallabhbai Patel was inaugurated on October 31- the leader¡¯s birth anniversary.
Much has been said about the 182-metre tall structure which is twice the size of the Statue of Liberty in New York. While many were thrilled at the sight of the statue constructed on an island near the Sardar Sarovar dam, others felt that the statue could have had more finishing.
Photo: Desh Gujarat
However, one thing we cannot deny is that the Statue of Unity has become an instant hit with the audience since close to 27,000 tourists visited the spot on November 10 alone. It is built on an American structure and even has a museum and audio gallery which depicts the life of ?India¡¯s iron man.
A laser light and sound show is also available for the audience which shows the unification of India apart from a research centre, recreational spots and restaurants to tend to tourists¡¯ needs.
Photo: Desh Gujarat
While a ferry service is already in place to avoid vehicular traffic and pollution, the statue and its surrounding areas are all accessed via special boats. However, since the statue is surrounded by mountains and hilly regions, an aerial view sounds like a much better idea. And now the tourists can actually enjoy an over-the-top view of the giant statue in a chopper- a service which was inaugurated on Sunday.
According to media reports, the helicopter ride is available for 10 minutes at a price of Rs 2,900. At a given time, a group of five to seven persons can take the chopper ride.?As per the website details, the total ticket price excluding the bus fare is Rs 1000. Built at a cost of Rs 3,000 crore the chopper ride has been undertaken by fifty-nine visitors and six media persons, NDTV reported.
Photo: NDTV
The service has been launched to provide the tourists with a panoramic view of the idol. A visitor will be able to get an aerial view of the Sardar Sarovar Dam, Narmada River and the Satpura and Vindhya hills.
As per sources, 15,000 visitors on an average come to see the statue every day.