A new tourist attraction is being developed near the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat.
The ₹12-crore Rain Forest project, spread across 12 acres, is expected to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 31.Located near the New Gora Bridge and Coconut Tree Garden, around 5 km from the Statue of Unity in Narmada district, the project will offer visitors an artificial rainfall experience throughout the year. It will feature waterfalls, bubble fountains and a large glass skywalk designed to give visitors the feeling of being surrounded by nature.
The Rain Forest will use 20 rain-gun towers to create artificial rainfall. The temperature will be maintained between 25°C and 30°C, allowing visitors to enjoy the experience even during summer. Trees representing different states of India will also be planted to recreate the atmosphere of a natural forest.
Glass Skywalk to Be the Main Attraction
The main highlight of the project will be a circular glass skywalk made using 132 glass panels, each 35 mm thick. The structure is claimed to be the first of its kind in the world.
The skywalk will have a diameter of 22 metres and will stand 11 metres above the ground. The curved structure is being built using 35-mm-thick toughened laminated glass imported from Germany. The panels were cut and shaped in Ahmedabad before being transported to the project site.
Specialised cranes are being used to lift and position the heavy glass panels at a considerable height. Workers are carefully installing the panels as construction moves towards completion.
Praful Nasit of Surat-based Kashyap Builders said the Rain Forest project would become a major attraction for tourists visiting the Statue of Unity. He added that the artificial rainfall, waterfalls and glass skywalk would offer visitors a unique experience and further enhance tourism in Ekta Nagar.