Visitors to Gujarat’s Ekta Nagar will soon have another reason to look beyond the Statue of Unity. On Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, October 31, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate a new 2.62-km forest walk called the Trail of United India. It sits in Limdi village and has been built by the Statue of Unity Area Development and Tourism Governance Authority.
The authority is adding new attractions as visitor numbers keep climbing. Part nature walk, part open-air gallery, the trail brings India’s natural wealth, culture and sense of national togetherness into one forest stroll.
What’s on the Trail
Opening on October 31, Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day), the 2.62-km Trail of United India is a forest walk that celebrates India’s “Unity in Diversity” through nature, culture and heritage.
Core Themes and Interactive Zones
Set within a thriving forest canopy, the project incorporates sculptures, curated exhibits, and educational displays organised across five specialised sections:
- Wildlife and Conservation
- Youth Initiatives.
- Women’s Empowerment
- Cultural Heritage
- Spiritual Legacy
Together, the five zones turn an ordinary forest walk into a short tour of what India is about.
Visitor Amenities
To keep the walk comfortable and easy to navigate, the trail comes equipped with a range of visitor facilities, including:
- Entrance, parking, ticket counter and information centre
- Bamboo watchtower and multipurpose gazebo
- Drinking water points and bio-toilets
- Trail maps, signboards and stone seating
Why It Matters
Longer Stays
The Statue of Unity has crossed 3 crore visitors. A walkable forest attraction gives tourists a reason to stay longer in the area.
Local Livelihoods
More tourist activity is expected to create jobs and income opportunities for nearby communities.
How to Reach Ekta Nagar
By Air
- The nearest airport is Vadodara (BDQ). The road distance is about 87 km, a drive of roughly 1 hour 45 minutes.
- Taxis and buses are available outside the airport.
By Train
- Ekta Nagar Railway Station is around 5 to 7 km from the Statue of Unity, with taxis and buses at the exit.
- The Ahmedabad–Ekta Nagar Jan Shatabdi Express runs daily.
- Vadodara Junction has frequent connections to Ekta Nagar, taking about 1 hour 15 minutes.
By Road
- GSRTC buses run to the Navagam (Statue of Unity) bus station from Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat and Rajkot.
Getting Around
A free shuttle runs from Ekta Nagar Railway Station to the main attractions in the area. Check the authority’s official channels for the trail’s timings and ticket prices after the launch.
About the Statue of Unity
The Statue of Unity honours Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the “Iron Man of India”, who played a key role in uniting the princely states after Independence. Standing 182 metres tall, it is the world’s tallest statue. It was inaugurated on October 31, 2018, Patel’s birth anniversary, the same date the new eco-trail opens.
Top 7 Places to Explore in Gujarat
The Trail of United India is one more reason to visit Gujarat, but the state has plenty more to explore. Here are some places worth building a trip around.
- Ahmedabad: India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City, known for its old-city pols, Sabarmati Ashram and street food.
- Vadodara: Gujarat’s cultural capital, known for the grand Laxmi Vilas Palace and as the main gateway to Ekta Nagar and the Statue of Unity.
- Rann of Kutch: A vast white salt desert that glows under the full moon, with the Rann Utsav tent city at Dhordo, the Harappan site of Dholavira, and the nearby towns of Bhuj and Mandvi.
- Dwarka: One of India’s Char Dham pilgrimage sites, set on the Arabian Sea.
- Somnath: Home to the first of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines, right by the sea.
- Porbandar: The birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, with a calm seaside setting.
- Ambaji: A revered Shakti Peeth in the Aravalli hills that draws devotees year-round.
From the white sands of Kutch to the flavours of Gujarati thalis, Gujarat has something for every traveller. Book a customised trip with JustWravel and start exploring today.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a 2.62-km forest eco-trail at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat, with sculptures, exhibits and displays that celebrate India’s “Unity in Diversity”.
It is scheduled to be inaugurated on October 31, Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day).
It is in Limdi village near Ekta Nagar, close to the Statue of Unity in Gujarat’s Narmada district.
The ticket price for the Trail of United India should be confirmed through official Statue of Unity tourism channels. Visitors should check the latest ticketing information, opening hours and entry conditions before planning their visit.
The five themes are wildlife and conservation, youth, women’s empowerment, cultural heritage and spiritual legacy.
The trail is 2.62 km long.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate it.