Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial Ahmedabad (Entry Fee, Timings, History, Images & Location)

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Ahmedabad is a city well known for several reasons: it is known for its festive culture, its lip-smacking Gujarati cuisine, its Garba nights, handicrafts and colorful clothes like chaniya cholis among other things. It is one of the largest cities in Gujarat and is known for its link to several legends that played an important role in the history of Indian independence.

Sabarmati river flows through the heart of the city and it is known for the Sabarmati Ashram, home of Mahatma Gandhi for many years. One thing that gave Ahmedabad a place in history is its association with legends like Iron man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The Sardar Vallabhbhai National Memorial that celebrates his life is a world-class museum and an ode to this great icon of India.

About Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial

The white and red façade of the building is well maintained and is surrounded by a manicured lawn. There is a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel outside the building on the lawn. Another statue that will mesmerize you and take you down the memory lanes of the history of India is the one where Sardar Patel can be seen sitting with Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi. The three legends appear deep in a conversation and the likeness of the statue to these dignitaries is quite accurate. This statue has been described as ‘The three barristers who fought for India’.

There is also a life-size statue of Sardar Patel in the premises where he can be seen in a saluting pose against the backdrop of two maps of India and with words that call him ‘The architect of Modern India’. The building looks impressive not just during the day but also at night when is fully lit and looks magnificent.

History of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial

This building was called the Moti Shah Mahal and has now been renamed as the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Museum. The building dates back to the 16th century and was built during the era of the Mughal ruler Shah Jahan. Later it served as a British Cantonment for the senior officials of the Army. 18th century saw the building being used by Rabindranath Tagore, the famous Bengali poet as his home when he was seventeen years old. It was here that he got inspired to pen his famous story, The Hungry Stones.

After India got independence and between the years 1960 and 1978, this building was turned into the official residence of the Governor of Gujarat and was known as the Raj Bhavan. The year 1978 saw the building being converted into a national memorial paying homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

The inception of the museum

This memorial houses a museum which not only holds and displays relics from the past but also has some latest technological displays that offer an interactive experience to the visitors. Anyone who wishes to know about the life and history of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel must keep a visit to this place in their itinerary.

This museum was made by Shri Babubhai Jasbhai Patel, who was the Chief Minister of Gujarat in the year 1978. Additions and enhancements were done to it in 2013 when interactive exhibits were added to the collection of the museum. This initiative was undertaken by Shri. Dinsha Patel and a few other members of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Memorial Society.

With these new additions, the museum achieved international standards and put Ahmedabad on the world map. When it was renovated, the inauguration ceremony was attended by dignitaries like Dr. Manmohan Singh, Dr. Kamala Beniwal, and Shri Narendra Modi.

Inside the museum

The museum has artifacts belonging to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel along with several pictures that show the various stages of his life. Two multimedia halls house the interactive exhibits which showcase various aspects of Sardar Vallabhbhai’s life and work through experiential techniques. The museum dispenses information in 3 languages – Hindi, Gujarati, and English for the visitors.

One of the major highlights of this museum is the 3D sound, light and laser show which offers a unique experience and is the first of its kind in India. The show takes the visitors through the journey of Indian independence which fills them with respect and admiration for the freedom fighters and martyrs. What marvels the visitors is the use of 3D building mapping projection techniques along with laser projection. The sound and light effects along with the voice narrative make the presentation an amazing experience.

These displays not only talk about the life and work of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel but also about the story of struggle for independence that India witnessed during his time. Some displays reflect life during the Vedic period, shades of life during the Mughal era, the suppression of Indians by the Britishers and their quest for freedom leading to the Indian independence movement.

One of the displays here that catches the eye is the Indian national flag which was designed by the Indian National Congress in the year 1930 and is displayed here in its full glory. You will also find portraits of Sardar Patel along with his family and friends from the days of the Indian Independence Movement, displayed on the walls. Several schools of Ahmedabad organize conducted tours of this museum for their students to enlighten them about the life of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Image Gallery of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial Ahmedabad

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Places to visit near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial

1. Calico textile museum: Ahmedabad and textiles are two words you always take in the same breath. Calico Museum which was once a cloth merchant's mansion, now displays a magnificent collection of antique and modern fabrics. This museum is one of the top textile museums in the world because of its extensive textile collection.

The museum has been designed to resemble a traditional Gujarati Haveli and houses fabrics not just from various parts of Gujarat but also from all over the country. Some of the fabrics on display here illustrate the journey that spans over five centuries.

This museum also serves as an institute for scholars from all over the world who wish to gain an insight into the textile heritage of the country. The collection here includes fabrics used during the Mughal era, embroidery designs, tie-dye and textiles with religious prints and designs.

2. Sabarmati Ashram: Also known as the Gandhi Ashram and Satyagraha Ashram, Sabarmati Ashram is right on the banks of the Sabarmati River. This place was home for Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi for almost 12 years. The iconic Dandi Salt march or the Salt Satyagrah was led by him from this Ashram itself and that is why it has earned the status of a national monument.

The ashram has several rooms with 250 photographs of some of the most prominent and landmark events from Gandhi's life. Do not miss the "My life is my message" gallery when you are here. There is also a vast library in the Ashram having over 35,000 books, a guesthouse called Nandini and a cottage called Hridaya Kunj.

3. Hathee Singh Jain Temple: Hathee Singh Temple has been named after its founder, Seth Hathee Singh who was a Jain merchant. This temple is dedicated to the 15th Jain Trithanakara named Dharmnath. This temple is known for its magnificent architecture and is built with pristine white marble. This Jain temple is one of the most splendid Jain temples not just of Gujarat but also in India. A big dome welcomes you at the entrance of this temple which has a courtyard with 52 shrines. In an iron safe in the basement of the temple is a logo of Queen Victoria who can be seen adorning traditional Gujarati jewelry.

4. Dada Hari ni Vav: This stepwell is almost five centuries old and is one of the most famous stepwells in India. The stepwell used to be a reservoir for water and a resting place for travelers. There is a tomb of Dada Hari at the back of the vav which gives the place its name of Dada Hari Ni Vav.

This seven-story stepwell is a hidden jewel of Ahmedabad and every level of this stepwell has beautiful carvings and intricately carved pillars. Most visitors to this place spend time taking pictures standing on the railing of this octagonal stepwell.

Entry Timings of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial museum timings are from 9:30 AM to 5.00 PM on all days of the week except on Mondays.

3D show timing is from 7 PM to 7:45 PM on Saturdays and Sundays only.

Entry Fee of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial

The entry charges for the Museum are Rs. 20 for Adults & Rs. 10 for Children. The 3D show tickets are priced at Rs. 30 for Adults & Rs. 10 for Children.

Best time to visit Ahmedabad

If you are planning to visit Ahmedabad, November to February will be the perfect time for you as the weather in the city is ideal for sightseeing. Months from March to May are quite hot. June to October is the rainy season here and is again a good time to visit the city.

How to reach Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial

Ahmedabad is well connected to all major cities through air and train systems. You can reach the memorial easily by taking any means of public transport, cab or vehicle. Sardar Vallabhbhai Memorial is located on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel airport Road in Ahmedabad. You can also book a private cab from top car rental companies in Ahmedabad during your stay in the city and visit all the popular sightseeing places of Ahmedabad quite comfortably.

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Location Map for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial Ahmedabad