Gateway of India - Mumbai

Mumbai’s most famous monument is Gateway of India. It is situated in South Mumbai, in Maharashtra district, India. The Gateway of India is synonymous with Mumbai as Statue of Liberty is with New York. It was built with yellow stone in Indo- Saracenic style to memorialize the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai in 1911. It has since become the symbol of Twentieth century of Indian history. It is also remembered, as the point from where the last British troops left the shores of independent India.The Gateway of India was built at Apollo Bunder, a popular meeting place.

History of Gateway of India
The gateway of India was designed and built by the British architect George Wittet. The First stone was laid by the then governor of Munbai on 31st March, 1913. It was built with yellow stone in Indo-Saracenic style. This triumphal arch was built at an astonishing cost of Rs. 21 lakhs. It was opened to the public on 4th December, 1924. The Arch of Triumph in Paris inspired its 26 meters high archway. It is complete with four turrets and intricate latticework carved into the yellow basalt stone. Influences of the 16th century Gujarati style are also evident in its architecture.
Ironically, when the British rule ended in 1947, this colonial symbol also become sort of epitaph. The last of the British ship that set sail for England left from the Gateway.

Information for Tourists
The Gateway of India is the starting point for most tourists who want to explore the city. When a visitor comes to Mumbai by sea, he sees an 85 ft. high structure. This structure is the symbol of Mumbai. Today this symbol of Colonialism has got Indianised, drawing droves of local tourists and citizens.
Behind the arch, these are steps leading down to the water. There one can get onto one of the bobbing little motor launches, for a short cruise through Mumbai’s wonderful natural harbor. One can easily buy tickets for a short cruise on the motor launches from here. From Colaba, the Gateway of India is barely ten minutes away by cab. Between 1915 and 1919, the land on which the Gateway was to be build, reclaimed from the sea and a new sea wall was built. This monument is a rather lavish expression of imperial supremacy. Visitors can also see the other many interesting places which are situated in Mumbai.

Attractions around the Gateway of India.
Adding to the charm of this monument some distance way are the statues of the Maratha leader Shivaji Maharaj astride his horse, and that of Swami Vivekananda. Both these statues are a recent addition to the Gateway landscape and stand in the middle of a formal front lawn, which is a popular gathering place for the public and tourists, especially on weekends. The charging light of the rising and setting sun gives varied hues of gold, rust, and pink to the imposing arch. Historically, the Gateway holds greater significance for us because when the last of the British troops passed through its portals, India became free and independent country.

The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Hotel
“The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower” is a hotel nearby the Gateway of India. It is the very famous hotel in Mumbai. This is a 5 star deluxe hotel situated at Apollo Bunder, Colaba, Mumbai. Cheapest hotels are also available here.

Mumbai with Gateway of India
Mumbai is the commercial capital of India. It is also called as “Dream City” & “City of Bollywood”. Here, Visitors can see the Haji ali, Mahalaxmi Temple, Mumba devi Temple, Siddhivinayak Temple, and so many interesting places. But in these places “Gateway of India” is called as a pride of Mumbai.

Photo Gallery
Photo of Gateway of India

Visitors of Gateway of India

Visitors near the Gateway of India

Gateway of India from the ferry