Statue of Unity & Neelkanth Dham Temple Tour

03N / 04D

Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Ekta Nagar – The Grand Welcome to the Land of Unity

You will be picked up from your preferred location – Ahmedabad / Vadodara / Surat / Ekta Nagar Railway Station – and driven to Ekta Nagar, home to the iconic Statue of Unity, nestled along the banks of the Narmada River.

Upon arrival, check in to your hotel or eco-resort and relax before starting your sightseeing:

  • Valley of Flowers: A lush and colorful floral garden spread across 24 acres with more than 100 varieties of seasonal flowers. It’s located right beside the river with walkways, viewpoints, and photogenic landscapes.
  • Sardar Sarovar Dam Viewpoint: Enjoy panoramic views of one of India’s largest dams, surrounded by the picturesque Vindhya and Satpura hill ranges.
  • Statue of Unity with Viewing Gallery: Visit the 182-meter-tall statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the tallest in the world. Take a high-speed elevator to the Viewing Gallery at 153 meters, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, dam, and river.
  • Laser Light & Sound Show: As the sun sets, witness a mesmerizing projection show on the statue narrating Sardar Patel’s role in India’s unification, enhanced with lights, music, and narration.
  • Glow Garden: A luminous garden filled with glowing LED installations of flora, fauna, and cultural symbols. Ideal for evening strolls and photography.
Day 2: Wildlife Encounters & Garden Trails

After breakfast, gear up for a full day of nature, wildlife, and eco-tourism:

  • Sardar Patel Zoological Park – Jungle Safari: Spread over 375 acres, this safari is home to more than 1,200 animals including Asiatic Lions, Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards, zebras, giraffes, and exotic birds. The safari is done via an eco-friendly vehicle or hop-on-hop-off buses with multiple wildlife zones.
  • Pets Zone: A fun area especially for children and families, allowing close interaction with domesticated animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, parrots, and miniature horses.
  • Ekta Nursery: A green initiative showcasing local plant species, medicinal herbs, and bonsai. Visitors can also take part in plant potting workshops and take home eco-friendly souvenirs.
  • Cactus Garden: Home to over 450 species of cacti and succulents, this garden features unique desert flora from India and abroad, beautifully landscaped with a glasshouse enclosure.
  • Butterfly Garden: Located by the riverside, it houses nectar-rich plants and specially designed micro-habitats to support butterfly breeding and conservation. A great spot to spot vibrant butterfly species and understand their lifecycle.
  • Narmada Aarti at Narmada Ghat: Conclude your day with a spiritual and serene experience as priests perform the evening Aarti with lamps and chants beside the river.
Day 3: Lakes, Forests & Temple Experience

After breakfast, set out for a mix of nature and spiritual experiences:

  • Aarogya Van (Wellness Forest): A health-themed garden spread over 17 acres featuring yoga platforms, Ayurvedic plant displays, meditation caves, and health kiosks. It promotes the concept of holistic wellness and healthy living.
  • Miyawaki Forest: A dense plantation created using the Japanese Miyawaki method. Walk through a mini-jungle ecosystem that showcases a model for rapid afforestation.
  • Narmada Noka Vihar (Boating at Panchmuli Lake): Enjoy a calm and scenic boat ride surrounded by forested hills and clear waters of Panchmuli Lake. Ideal for family relaxation and nature photography.

Later in the afternoon, drive to Poicha, located on the Narmada’s opposite bank:

  • Neelkanth Dham Swaminarayan Temple (Poicha): A magnificent spiritual complex with beautifully carved sandstone temples, gardens, and the interactive Sahajanand Universe exhibit. The temple is especially stunning in the evening with its grand lighting and peaceful riverbank setting.

Return back to Ekta Nagar after darshan and temple exploration.

Day 4: Local Souvenirs & Departure

After breakfast, check out from the hotel. If time permits before your drop, visit:

  • Ekta Mall: A beautifully curated shopping complex featuring traditional handicrafts, tribal art, and regional products from various Indian states. Perfect for buying souvenirs.
  • Garudeshwar Dam (optional, subject to time): Located downstream from the Sardar Sarovar Dam, this lesser-known but scenic spot is popular for its peaceful riverfront and views.

Later, you will be dropped off at your desired location – Ahmedabad / Vadodara / Surat / Ekta Nagar Railway Station – for your onward journey.