The Gateway of India is Mumbai’s most famous monument and the starting point for most tourists. It is a mammoth basalt arch of 26 meters placed near the harbor in south of Mumbai. The Gateway is beautifully crafted in Indo-Saracenic architecture. The central dome is 15 meters and 26 meters above the ground at its highest point. The colonialised structure got Indianised, lure overland tourists as well as local citizens, behind the arch a path leading towards sea where boats takes to a short tour through exuberant sea. A fine trip from the Gateway of India to nearby famous Elephanta Caves is always on the cards for tourists. Tourists from different part of the world as well as local citizens pay visit to this picturesque structure and take a souvenir for their friends and families. Just stroll around the bay and sit and watch the turbulent crowd and calm sea is also a good experience.
“ During my five day visit to Mumbai, i can’t resist but to come again again to see Gateway of India, not only the structure but a motley of crowd and the sea made my trip unforgettable." Sarah Freider , a tourist from Britain said.
Who Designed It?
Designed by royal British architect George Wittet to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Marry in 1911, the foundation stone was laid in the same year by the then governor of Mumbai. It took 13 year to complete the whole structure and open to public on 4th of December. It is also significant historically as the British troops departed India after independence by marching through its port.
Elephanta Caves
The famous caves are the prime attraction for tourists from all over the world and also declared as one of the World Heritage Site. Rock cut temples in the caves are dedicated to lord Shiva, the whole temple complex is huge and estimated about 6000 square feet.
Marine Drive
This is a great place to relax during evenings watching the sun slowly disappear. Marine Drive is a 3km long road in South Mumbai. It has a inverted C shape. Marine Drive is situated over tamed land facing west-south-west.
Chowpatti Beach
Along the Marine Drive a small but lively beach called Chowpatti Beach is one of the attractions of Mumbai. Especially during the festive time , the beach comes into full flow as thousands of people from all over m\Mumbai come to immerse the idols of lord Ganesha in the Arabian Sea.
Gateway Of India is a glorious historical monument speaks about the royal architecture of Britishers. it is the main attraction of Mumbai city and undoubtedly India's photographic icon.
“It was good to see a variety of people from all way of life came to visit the monument. i took mementos for my friends and family from near by shops.” ended Sarah Freider.
Location : In the center part of Mumbai
Speciality : Royal architecture of Britishers. It is a epitaph and colonial symbol in Mumbai, which most of the tourists wouldn't like to miss it.
Best time to Visit : Through out the year.
Getting There
Mumbai is a financial capital of India. Therefore, communication is not at all problem for any visitor. There are plenty of buses and taxis are plying on the road that will take to you to Gateway Of India.
By Air : Mumbai airport is the busiest airport in India. almost all the major cities in the world connected to it. Therefore, it would have been no problem for anyone to navigate through air. From airport to Gateway of India, one can easily get hired taxis, private cabs and other vehicles.
By Rail : If you are traveling through train, you can land on Chatrapati Shivaji Railway station and take a private cab or taxi to Gateway of India. It will take around 45 minutes to reach there. Mumbai railway is well connected to other railways in India.
By Road : Though rail is the lifeline in Mumbai, but road service is also convenient. Mumbai has array of government buses and also numerous taxis plying , which takes you conveniently to your destination.