Introduction

The Statue of Unity is one of India’s most popular tourist destinations. Along with visiting the world’s tallest statue, you can enjoy exciting activities like the Helicopter Ride and Boating on the Narmada River. These attractions offer beautiful views of the Statue of Unity, Sardar Sarovar Dam, and the surrounding hills.

Navbharat Tourism offers the best Statue of Unity Packages with a helicopter ride & boating. This guide covers what each one costs, when they run, and how to book them without wasting time at the counter.

Statue of Unity Helicopter Ride: Quick Overview

The helicopter ride takes off from a helipad near the statue complex and gives you an aerial view of the 182-metre statue, the Sardar Sarovar Dam, the Narmada River, and the Vindhya and Satpura hill ranges. 

The flight itself lasts around 10 minutes, but it is one of the most talked-about things to do here, since very few monuments in India offer an aerial view like this.

Helicopter Ride Ticket Price

Helicopter Ride Timings

The helicopter service generally operates from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday. Like the statue itself, the ride does not run on Mondays because of scheduled maintenance. 

How to Book the Helicopter Ride

➔ Tickets are largely sold at the counter near the helipad, on a first-come, first-served basis, so online pre-booking is not always guaranteed.

➔ Reach the counter early in the day, ideally right after entering the complex, since slots fill up fast on weekends and holidays.

➔ Carry a valid photo ID, since it may be asked for before boarding.

➔ Keep loose items like caps, scarves, and phones secured; most operators do not allow large bags on board.

➔ If you are visiting with young children, check the minimum age and weight rules at the counter before you queue up.

Statue of Unity Boating: Sardar Sarovar Nauka Vihar

Boating here goes by the name Sardar Sarovar Nauka Vihar. Instead of a quick ride, this is a relaxed, 45-minute boat trip on the Sardar Sarovar reservoir, moving past the dam, green hills on both banks, and open water where you can sometimes spot birds. 

It is a good pick for families with young kids or older travellers who want a calmer add-on to the day rather than the adventure of river rafting on the Narmada.

Boating Ticket Price

Boating Timings

Nauka Vihar boats usually run from around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 

Like most activities at the Statue of Unity, the schedule can shift a little with the season and water levels, so it is worth checking the current timing when you book.

Types of Boating Available

Depending on availability, visitors may find:

✓ Ekta Cruise

✓ Boating

✓ River Rafting

Boat availability may change depending on the season and operational schedule.

How to Book the Boat Ride

➔ Reach the boarding point at least 30 minutes before your slot; check-in typically closes 15 minutes before departure.

➔ Your ticket covers one seat for the full 45-minute ride, so hold on to it until the ride ends.

➔ Life jackets are provided and should be worn through the ride, even for strong swimmers.

➔ Evenings tend to offer cooler weather and softer light on the water, which many visitors prefer over the midday heat.

➔ Boating can be paused during heavy monsoon flow or scheduled maintenance, so keep an alternate plan handy if you are visiting between July and September.

Helicopter Ride vs. Boating: Which One Should You Pick?

If your priority is a dramatic, once-in-a-lifetime view of the statue from the sky and you don’t mind spending more for a short ride, go for the helicopter. 

If you would rather have a longer, calmer experience at a lower cost, and you are travelling with kids or elders, the boat ride is the easier choice.

Many visitors who have the time end up doing both, since they show completely different sides of the same landscape: one from above, one from the water.

Tips Before You Book

✓ Both activities are weather-sensitive, so build a buffer into your itinerary instead of scheduling them right before your return bus or train.

✓ Check current prices before you travel, since ticket rates at the Statue of Unity complex are reviewed from time to time.

✓ Combine your helicopter ride or boating slot with your Viewing Gallery visit so you are not crossing the complex back and forth.

✓ If you are travelling from Ahmedabad, Vadodara, or Surat, plan your Statue of Unity tour package around an overnight stay, so you have enough daylight hours for both the statue and these add-on activities.

✓ Monday is a no-go for both rides, since the entire Statue of Unity complex stays shut that day.

Final Thoughts

A visit to the Statue of Unity becomes even more special when you add a helicopter ride and boating to your itinerary. The helicopter ride offers spectacular aerial views, and boating offers a chance to enjoy the beauty of the Narmada River.

To make your journey smooth and hassle-free, consider booking a Statue of Unity Tour Package or a Hotel, Resort, or Tent City Package with a Statue of Unity Tour. It helps you enjoy sightseeing, comfortable accommodation, and transportation in one well-planned trip.