The Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Narmada district of Gujarat, India, is a rich reservoir of biodiversity. It was established in 1982 over an area of 607.70 km², which was later extended to cover 607.71 km². Named after the historic Shoolpaneshwar Temple now submerged by the Sardar Sarovar Dam, the sanctuary is part of an area once ruled by several kingdoms whose temples and forts are scattered throughout the region. The lush woodland and rugged terrain made it an ideal haven for a wide array of flora and fauna, thus leading to its formation as a wildlife sanctuary.
The Statue of Unity, a colossal statue of Indian statesman and independence activist Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, stands as a recent addition to the touristic attractions in Gujarat. It was inaugurated on October 31, 2018, which also marks the birth anniversary of Patel. The Statue, located close to Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, is the world's tallest statue standing at a height of 182 meters. It is a fitting tribute to the contributions of Sardar Patel in unifying the country post-independence and has fast become a major tourist draw.
Both the Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary and the Statue of Unity have been at the core of Gujarat’s tourism development strategies. Following the unveiling of the Statue of Unity, the state government and India’s central government have worked to develop the surrounding infrastructure. This includes better roads, improved accommodations, and the creation of additional tourist attractions such as the Valley of Flowers, a museum and audio-visual gallery, and the Sardar Sarovar Dam view points to cater to the increasing footfall.
In terms of recent tourism trends, the region has witnessed a surge in domestic visitors seeking experiences that combine nature, history, and culture. Eco-tourism has been on the rise, with travelers increasingly interested in preserving the natural environment of places like the Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary while enjoying its scenic beauty.
Moreover, 'statue tourism', spurred on by the Statue of Unity, has created a new niche, drawing in both international and Indian tourists. This area, along with excellent connectivity and the development of nearby tent cities for accommodation, has added to the appeal, generating considerable revenue and employment opportunities within the region.
The advent of the Sea Plane service between the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad and the Statue of Unity has further added an adventurous and convenient mode of travel for tourists, making this iconic statue even more accessible.
