Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad also known as the Manchester Of India is the second largest cotton producer of India. Although Ahmedabad is famous for its cultural heritage, it is one of the hundred Indian cities to be developed as a smart city under the Government of India.
Being a cultural heritage city there are many places you can visit in Ahmedabad. One such place is dedicated to India’s renowned freedom fighter who played a big role in uniting India. The gentleman’s name is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and the place which is dedicated to him is the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial.
This place originally served as a Mugal Palace known as Moti Shahi Mahal. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan during his reign in Gujarat as the governor, he was just a prince back then. The Memorial has a collection of many photographs of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on the walls of the memorial.
History Of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial Ahmedabad
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial originally served as a residence to the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan when he was a prince and the governor of Gujarat. The palace and the garden in front of it were built between 1616-1623.
As the garden was constructed, in the Mughal era, and the sight was well known as Shahi Bagh. The Shahibagh garden had a variety of plants and trees including mango, noble cypresses, cedars, palms, sandals, cassias, and many others.
The Palace was later controlled by the British Raj until the independence which was endowed by the Government Of Gujarat in 1975. The palace served as the Raj Bhavan (Governer’s House) of Gujarat. Later the memorial was founded on 7 March 1980 on the birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and was known as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial.
According to the records Rabindranath Thakur (a.k.a Rabindranath Tagore) stayed in this palace in 1878 when he was seventeen years old. He wrote his only ghost story ‘The Hunger Stones’ and his first poetry in this Palace.
Architecture Of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial Ahmedabad
Moti Shahi Mahal is an example of Mughal architecture. It is said that this Palace inspired Shahajan to build the Taj Mahal. Although Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial has been renovated you can see the pillars from the Mughal era.
There is a garden also known as the Shahibagh Garden. This garden is huge and has varieties of flora and fauna. You could see squirrels, peacocks, other birds, and other animals in the garden.
At the entrance of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial, you could see a portrait statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on the podium below, where you could see an inscription written on the stone on which the portrait statue is erected.
Another statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel saluting was unveiled in 2013 by our former Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh.
Inside Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial Ahmedabad
Being one of the top tourist places in Gujarat Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial has many artefacts related to the Iron Man Of India. The memorial is located on the ground floor, covering the central hall and four adjacent. These show him in various stages of life. The museum conveys the message in Hindi, English, and Gujarati.
The memorial has artefacts including Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s clothes, typewriter, telephone, and many more.
Idols of Sardar Vallabhbhai and Mountbatten talking, a prototype of Sabarmati Central jail, another prototype of the ruins of Somnath temple and the newly constructed Somnath temple, a prototype of Sardar Sarovar Yojna are there in the museum.
There are many portraits of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. It not only talks about Sardar Patel’s life and work but also the freedom struggle. One of the major highlights is the 3D laser show which offers a unique experience to the tourists. The sound and light effects along with the voice narrative make the presentation an amazing experience.
In the room connected to Sardar Sarovar Hall, the life of Mathma Gandhi is also displayed. The close connection of Gandhiji with Sardar Patel is shown in various portraits and pictures. The room is wholly dedicated to Mathma Gandhi and includes many pictures, portraits, books, and other artefacts.
On the first floor of the right-wing of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial is the room dedicated to Rabindranath Thakur. There are numerous portraits, pictures, statues of Rabindranath Thakur, and display information. Many preserved paintings are also displayed in his memories.
Best Time To Visit Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial Ahmedabad
If you are planning to visit Ahmedabad from November to February the climate is pleasant and it is the best time to visit the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial too. July to October is the monsoon season in Ahmedabad making it another best time to visit the memorial.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial Entry Fee
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial entry fee is Rs. 20/- for adults and Rs. 10/- for children. If you want to attend the 3D show then the ticket price is Rs. 10/- for children and Rs. 30/- for Adults.
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Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial Timings
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial timings are from 09:30 am to 05:00 pm from Tuesday to Sunday. Monday is officially a holiday.
3D show timing is from 7 PM to 7:45 PM on Saturdays and Sundays only.
Restaurants Near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial Ahmedabad
Being in the city there are many restaurants near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial. Following are some of the handpicked restaurants near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial.
- Shambhu’s Coffee Bar
- Simran Farm & Restaurant
- 4 Coffee
- Domino’s Pizza
- McDonald’s
Hotels Near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial Ahmedabad
There are a lot of options for hotels near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial. Although there are many hotels for stay, the following are some of the hand-picked Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial for your reference:
- Hotel Siddhartha Palace
- Shree Akshar Restaurant and Hotel
- Kutchi Jain Samaj Ahmedabad
- SilverCloud Hotel & Banquets
- The Fern Residency
- Hotel Ashray Inn
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How To Travel To Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial Ahmedabad
Gujarat is well connected with the other states via road and railway. There are many ways to reach Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial
1. Via Road
You can get a cab or your car to travel to the memorial. If you want to go for a pocket-friendly option then get a bus to reach the museum. Bus numbers 90sh, 105, 130/4, 202, and 800, go to Sardar Patel Smarak Bhavan and Circuit House which are the nearest bus stands to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Memorial.
2. Via Railway
The nearest railway station to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial is Ahmedabad Junction which is around 5.3 km from the memorial. You can book a cab or get on a bus to reach the memorial. It is the easiest and fastest way to reach the memorial.
3. Via Airport
Ahmedabad Airport is around 5.3 km from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial. The fastest way to reach the memorial is from a cab. It will be the fastest way to transport to reach from Airport.
Places To Visit Near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad is a city of cultural heritage and there are many places you can visit. Being in the heart of Ahmedabad city there are a lot of places to visit near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial.
Following are some of the handpicked places to visit near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial
1. Riverfront Flower Park
Riverfront Flower Park is around 7.5 km from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial. It is on the other side of the river. It is the first themed park in Ahmedabad. There are almost 72 varieties of flowers of species in the garden.
Some of the areas are the Flower Terraces, Flower Valley, Tricone Vatika, Lake Valley, Plant showcase gardens and Rose Garden, a Greenhouse showcasing shade-loving and exotic plants, and a food court.
2. Sabarmati Ashram
Sabarmati Ashram is around 3.7 km from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial. This place was the home for Mathma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi for 12 years. The visitors of the ashram are not only the followers of Mahatma Gandhi but also many tourists. The famous Dandi March and Salt Satyagraha.
The ashram has more than 35,000 books collection and 250 photographs.
3. Hutheesing Jain Temple
Hutheesing Jain Temple is around 2.8 km from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial. It is a Jain temple built in 1848 by the Hutheesing Family. It has now become a major tourist attraction because of its massive architecture. The intricate detailing of the temple makes it more attractive.
The temple is dedicated to the fifteenth Tirthankara of Jain’s Dharmanatha and is regarded highly important place for Jain Devotees.
4. Vastarapur Lake
Vastarapur Lake is on the other side of the river and is around 11 km from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial. One of the most beautiful places in this city is Ahmedabad Vastrapur Lake.
The Vastrapur Lake is located in the western part of Ahmedabad. Vastrapur Lake in Ahmedabad is surrounded by a lush green garden and the riverside is embellished with various stones.
The round pathway is built for health enthusiasts to jog and work out. A small outing at Vastarpur Lake in Ahmedabad with children on one of the weekends is a must-try place.
5. Manek Chowk
Manek Chowk is around 8.8 km from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial. It is famous for its night market where in the morning, it is a vegetable market and by evening it is a major street food hotspot. You can find many vegetarian stalls here. The must-try dish at Manek Chowk is Kamlesh Patel’s Paan, which has been there since 1967 and has won many hearts.
What is the entry fee for Sardar Patel Museum?
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial entry fee is Rs. 20/- for adults and Rs. 10/- for children. If you want to attend the 3D show then the ticket price is Rs. 10/- for children and Rs. 30/- for Adults
What is the entry fee of the Statue of Unity?
The entry ticket for Adults is Rs. 120/- + Bus charges Rs. 30/- and if they want to go to the Observation Deck then the entry fee is Rs. 350/- + Bus charges Rs. 30/-. For children between the ages of 3 to 15 years, the entry fee is Rs. 60/- + Bus charges Rs. 30/- and if they want to go to Observation Deck then the entry fee is Rs. 200+ Rs. 30/- bus charges.
How to visit the Statue of Unity from Ahmedabad?
The nearest railway station to the Statue Of Unity is Kevadiya which covers a distance of around 7.9 km. You will get regular buses from there. YOu can also take a bus from Ahmedabad to Kevadiya where the Statue Of Unity is erected.
