THE AWAITED JOURNEY [PART 1 : VOLUME II]

                    {STATUE OF UNITY}

"Round of Applause to every Indian citizen who helped and gave shape to this heritage monument and represented the Value of Unity" 

October 2018, when this beautiful piece of art was prepared and officially announced for visitation, and the first look of this statue was on every single news channel, it was amazing to see this 182 m long statue and every inch of the statue was really attracting me to watch this monument with my own eyes. This monument is a tribute to our First Deputy Prime Minister, the First Home Minister of Independent India, and an Independent Activist SARDAR VALLABH BHAI PATEL [also called the Iron Man of India] on his 143rd birthday anniversary. Who with his firm determination, could transform such imperialism into today's unified India. Thus, this Great statue is called The "STATUE OF UNITY". Situated in Kevadia, Gujarat (known as Railway station Ekta Nagar).

Related - The Awaited Journey Part 1 {Volume 1}

Last year on the same occasion of Diwali, I took a tour of this place and explored "Statue of Unity" which primarily refers to the world's tallest statue. It is a statue of Vallabhbhai Patel, an influential political leader in India. The statue is a major tourist attraction, personally, my Awaited Journey. Last year it was a little crazy and difficult for me to visit every surrounding of this place, so I covered and explored as much as I could which was crazy but also amusing to visit a place on my bucket list.

Fortunately, my life gave me another chance to explore this place with my foremost excitement, but this time I tried to visit this place properly most importantly without any - "Go with the flow..." plans which often do not go as relaxed as I think. To enjoy the surroundings of the Statue along with exploring every part of that area without missing any spots and experiencing every moment of it, was the main plan and it helped a lot. Last year, we couldn't cover as much, and many sites were remaining, so this time we tried to cover as much as possible.

To begin the journey with ease and relaxation we started our road trip from Vadodara, approximately around 1.5 hr distance towards Ekta Nagar which was pretty convenient. it covered plenty of traveling time. Before we could actually reach Ekta Nagar obviously it goes without saying to try authentic Guju - food items, which was breakfast and I enjoyed a lot the chilly morning with - "Garam Garam Chai and Bhajias and Khamni" which was the Kick start breakfast and which helped us get more excited to carry on with our journey.

The Jungle Safari

By 9:30 a.m. we reached Ekta Nagar and the first site we chose to explore was this zoological Park, which is the most underrated site for natural wonder and wildlife discovery. Where you step into various exotic and diversified ranges of animals plus birds. A Captivating Journey through the park to enjoy face-to-face contact with the animals was amazing. 

The most unforgettable experience at this Zoological Park was the breathtaking live Birds Sanctuary. As I stepped through the entrance of the zoological park, the symphony of chirps, and tweets, took an immediate attraction. The air was filled with excitement, and I knew I was about to embark on a feathered adventure like no other.

The bird sanctuary, curled up within the heart of the park, awaited promises of rare species, vibrant plumage, and a unique glimpse into the diverse world of birds. The well-designed pathways led me through various exhibits, each representing a different geographic region and its indigenous avian inhabitants. It was the most incredible and unique visit to nature's wonders of beauty.

Many other species were gathered in a healthy and human-friendly environment which was a joyful journey. The most important and appreciative thing was the service of presenting the animals and the service to picking up from the exit route of one section of the animal park to another through mini cart was amusing and gave the experience of safari. Overall, as I bid farewell to the zoological park and its enchanting live bird sanctuary, I left with a newfound appreciation for the beauty, diversity, and fragility of our feathered friends.

The Statue of Unity

STATUE OF UNITY

Around 12:30 p.m. we traveled our way to the auspicious location and to witness the majestic and one of the world's tallest statues, the Statue of Unity. An experience that left me in admiration. The tribute to a visionary leader stands tall against the backdrop of the Narmada River.

As I approached the statue, standing at an impressive 182 meters (597 feet), the sheer scale of the monument took my breath away. The bronze-clad figure, an embodiment of Vallabhbhai Patel's vision and leadership, exuded an air of strength and determination.

The highlight of my visit was the ascent to the Viewing Gallery, located at a height of 135 meters within the statue's structure. A high-speed elevator swiftly transported me to the observation deck, where a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding landscape unfolded before my eyes.

The floor-to-ceiling glass walls of the gallery offered unobstructed views of the Narmada Dam, the Satpura and Vindhya mountain ranges, and the greenery that enveloped the area. The immersive experience was enhanced by informative panels, detailing the historical significance and architectural marvel of the Statue of Unity. The Viewing Gallery provided me with a unique vantage point to appreciate the unity in diversity that defines India. As I descended from the heights of the Statue of Unity, I carried with me not just memories of an architectural marvel but also a deep sense of respect for the leader.

The Ekta Nursery

After the spectacular experience of the State of Unity, we planned our visit to the last site the Ekta Nursery. Upon entering Ekta Nursery, I was immediately greeted by the vibrant colors and fragrant scents of a diverse array of flowers and plants. The meticulous organization of the nursery made it easy to navigate, and I found myself surrounded by rows of blooming flowers, lush greenery, and intriguing plant varieties.

The on-site nursery shop was a delight for plant enthusiasts, offering a wide range of seeds, saplings, and gardening accessories. My Mom couldn't resist taking home a few souvenirs to cultivate my own piece of Ekta Nursery's magic. My time at Ekta Nursery was a rejuvenating experience, allowing me to reconnect with nature as a nature lover and appreciate the beauty that thrives in a carefully tended environment.

As my unforgettable journey to the Statue of Unity and Ekta Nagar comes to an end, I find myself immersed in a tapestry of history, glory, and tranquility. The colossal figure of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel stands tall, a testament to the unity that binds a nation, while Ekta Nagar whispers tales of harmony and calmness.

"As I conclude my journey to the place that has long lingered in the depths of my bucket list. Leaving the place I've always dreamed of visiting fills me with deep satisfaction. Every moment, every view, and every person I encountered added vivid colors to my travel dreams. The destination not only met but surpassed all my expectations, creating a truly fulfilling experience that I'll carry with me forever..."