Gateway Of India

Gateway of India is an important landmark in Mumbai. This memory arch was built to commemorate the arrival of Queen Mary and King George. However, they were not able to see the complete structure during their stay in the country. A cardboard structure of the monument was erected during their stay. This is an important spot for sightseeing and photography too. There are many attractions near the Gateway of India and thus, you can always find tourists bubbling in this area.

Where Gateway of India is Located ?

The Gateway of India is located in Apollo Bunder area of South Mumbai. The monument overlooks the majestic Arabian Sea. It is found at the end of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Marg of Mumbai harbor. The nearest railway station to the monument is at Church gate. You can get taxis or autos from all major parts of the city to India Gate.

Best Time to Visit Gateway of India ?

The monument is open throughout the week and throughout the day. Although the monument is open throughout the year, the best time to visit is from October to March. This is the winter season, which provides pleasing climate for sightseeing and photography.

Gateway of India is famous for

The monument was built in Indo-Saracenic architectural style. Apart from photography, this monument is an important element of architecture. The monument is a combination of Muslim and Hindu architecture elements. The arch is common in Muslim structures and the design is of Hindu style. The gateway was built with reinforced concrete and yellow basalt. The perforated screens were brought from Gwalior. The monument holds a large hall that can hold 600 people at the same time.

Right opposite to the monument, a statue of King Shivaji of Maratha Empirecan be spotted.This statue was built in 1961 as a remembrance of his brave guerilla attack on British in 17th century. There is another statue of Swami Vivekananda. There is a yacht club and a commercial jetty near the monument you can take up jetty rides to Elephanta caves from here. It would take 50 minutes to reach Elephanta Caves. Other attraction here is Elephanta Festival that is held in February for two days near Gateway of India. The festival was held in the Elephanta caves in the past and has been shifted to the area around Gateway of India due to the increase in tourist numbers.

Cost

There is no entry fee for the monument.

History behind Gateway of India

The monument was built in 1913 at a cost of 2.1 million INR. The monument was completed in 1924. The monument was built at the landing spot of Queen Mary and King George V who visited the country in 1911. The foundation for the monument was built in 1911. The gateway was then used as a ceremonial entrance for Governors and Viceroys of Mumbai.The monument also has an important spot in the Independence history of the country. The last British troop who left the country after the independence walked through the gateway on February 28, 1948 as a sign of end of British rule in the country.

Shopping and dining

You can find many small-time vendors near India Gate. The type of shops and materials sold will change from time to time.

Enquire Now