Two nights for Statue of Unity

With multiple tourism projects coming up in and around Gujarat’s Statue of Unity, the latest being the seaplane service starting from October 31, it may well become a two-or-more-night destination for tourists.

Hazel Jain

The Statue of Unity may soon become a symbol of tourism revival for travel agents in Gujarat. With so many developments taking place in and around the spot, the travel trade is hopeful that it will become a two (or more) night destination for domestic tourists.

Sharing his view is Randhir Singh Vaghela, Chairman – Gujarat Chapter, IATO, who says, “The Statue of Unity is becoming a great destination for tourism, and the latest development of seaplanes being launched on October 31 has added another feather to its cap. The monument is the world’s tallest statue and to visit it by a seaplane will be an experience for tourists. Currently, they can only enjoy seaplanes when they go abroad to countries like the Maldives. Agents will start selling seats on the seaplane once they announce the opening of bookings.”

The first trial run of the open-deck ferry at the Statue of Unity in Kevadia has already been conducted and the service is about to start soon.

There is also a jungle safari available in Kevadia, which is spread over 375 acres in seven levels and has 1,500 animals and birds. This, along with other attractions such as the Children Nutrition Park, Vishwa Van, River Rafting, Ekta Nursery, Cactus and Butterfly Garden, etc., have reopened for visitors with slot timings. Tickets can be booked online only.

Vaghela adds, “Believe me, there are so many activities added at the Statue of Unity that it is now a minimum two-night destination and we are hoping that it will soon become one of the global destinations that every tourist would like to visit.”

Switch to domestic

Many tour operators, including Vaghela, are looking at switching to domestic tourists for the time being. “It has been announced that international commercial flights will not operate until November 30, 2020. So we will look at creating packages for the domestic market. We shall also try to reach foreign expats who are working in India. We currently have foreign clients doing a Gujarat tour with us,” Vaghela adds.