Gateway Of India In Mumbai

Travel To India > Mumbai > Gateway Of India In Mumbai

Location:

It is situated on the waterfront in the southern part of the city, Mumbai.

Significance:

It is a grand and magnificent landmark of Mumbai. Mumbai's principal landmark, the Gateway of India is a huge archway on the water's edge at Apollo Bunder. Gateway of India is the signpost for most of the tourists who commence their trip after visiting this monument.

History:

Peeping into the history, it is said that the monument was built to celebrate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay in December 1911. The foundation of Gateway of India was laid down in 1911 by the then Governor of Bombay, Sir George Sydenham Clarke.

The final structure was at last opened to the public on December 4, 1924, by the Viceroy, the Earl of Reading. After India got independence the last British troops passed across the gateway in 1948 to board their ships heading for England. This amazing architectural monument was very much alive in the colonized nation and still has not failed to capture the attention of every onlooker. Inscription imprinted on the gateway reminds the historical event of the King's arrival. The last of the British ships that sailed for England after the end of the Raj left from the Gateway. Behind the arch, there are steps leading down to the water where you can hire a motor launch for a short cruise around Mumbai's natural harbor.

Architecture:

The gateway is an arch with a height of 26 meters complete with four turrets and intricate latticework carved into the yellow basalt stone .The central dome of the structure measures 15 m in diameter. It was constructed with an estimated cost of 21 lakh, funded mostly by the Government of India.

The Gateway was built by the British and designed by the architect George Wittet. The first stone was laid by the then Governor of Bombay on March 31st, 1913. The Gate was formally opened in 1924. Ironically, when the British Raj ended in 1947, this colonial symbol also became a sort of epitaph: the last of the British ships that set sail for England left from the Gateway. Gateway of India is an architectural marvel and belongs to Indo-Saracenic architectural style, with some elements derived from the Muslim architectural styles of the 16th century Gujarat

A Major Sightseeing Hangout:

This majestic gateway has always been the center of attraction for one and all. Moreover, the large expanse of the Arabian Sea visible from the monument makes the entire view simply overwhelming. This makes Gateway of India the most visited spot in Mumbai. At the back of the Gateway, there are steps leading into the sea where motor boats rest to take the visitors on a ride to Elephanta Islands. Moreover, a short cruise through the natural harbor of Mumbai is absolutely refreshing.

Behind the archway, there are steps leading down to the water. Here, one can get onto one of the bobbing little motor launches for a short cruise through Mumbai's splendid natural harbor. One can buy tickets for a short cruise on the motor launches from here.

Near the Gateway of India is Taj Mahal Hotel, one of the most famous and luxurious hotels in India. Close by are the statues of the Maratha leader Shivaji astride his horse and of Swami Vivekananda that adds to the charm of this monument.

How To Reach:

It is easily accessible by buses, taxis and from airport, all the railway stations and bus terminals.