Gateway of India
Gateway of India
Gateway of India
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Weather :
Label : Top Attraction
Tags : Monument
Timings : Throughout the day
Time Required : 1- 2 hours
Entry Fee : Free
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Ways to Experience this attraction
Mumbai: Full-Day Sightseeing Tour of Mumbai
5.0 hour
Deals start ₹1,980
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Mumbai in Lights-Private Night Sightseeing of Iconic Sights
3.0 hour
Deals start ₹2,800
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Mumbai Night Tour
3.0 hour
Deals start ₹4,200
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South Mumbai: Cultural Heritage Walking Tour
2.5 hour
Deals start ₹750
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Gateway of India, Mumbai Overview
The Gateway of India is, without doubt, one of the most popular tourist hotspots of Mumbai. Sitting proudly on the Apollo Bunder, it overlooks the Arabian Sea. It is one of the defining monuments of the city of Mumbai and was built in the year 1924. The construction was undertaken by the famous architect George Wittet, to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai. The imposing structure of the monument is a beautiful confluence of Indian, Arabic and Western architecture and has become a popular tourist hub in the city. It is also the starting point of a number of ferry services that ply to the historic Elephanta Caves.
Nicknamed 'Mumbai's Taj Mahal', the foundation of this landmark was laid in 1911 and it was inaugurated 13 years later in 1924. The structure in itself is a made of yellow basalt and solid concrete and is embellished with numerous Muslim and Hindu motifs as well. The basalt arch of the Gateway served as the entry and exit access to India through waterways before independence and was the exit point from where the last British ship left India for England. There are statues of Swami Vivekananda and Chhatrapati Shivaji that have been installed near the Gateway as well. The view from the sea of the Gateway complex, especially at night is quite ethereal and beautiful. The Gateway of India is thus, not only a historic artefact but an example of marvellous architecture in itself!
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History of Gateway of India
The land on which the Gateway now stands once belonged to a jetty that was primarily used by the fishing community of the area. Seeing its viability as a landing area, it was renovated to serve as a pier for British governors. Soon enough, it was decided that a grand gateway will be built here to welcome King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai, and the foundation of the same was laid down March 31, 1913, by the Governor of Bombay, Sir George Sydenham Clarke. However, the final design of the Gateway was only sanctioned on March 31, 1914, by George Wittet. The constructions formally began in 1920 and it took almost four years to complete the construction of the monument. On 4 December 1924, the Gateway of India was inaugurated by the Viceroy, the Earl of Reading.
Design and Structure
Built in Indo Saracenic style, the Gateway of India was designed by Scottish architect George Wittet. The design is a combination of Hindu and Muslim architectural influences along with a Roman triumphal arch, which stands at a height of 26 metres. It is built of yellow basalt and concrete and the stone was sourced locally. The arch is flanked by two large hallways that have the capacity to accommodate as many as 600 people. On the other hand, the central dome of the gateway is inspired from Muslim architecture style and has a diameter of 48 feet with the apex reaching 83 feet. The gateway also has meticulously designed honeycomb structures which further support four spires that grant a unique symmetry to the facade. Steps behind the archway give an expansive view of the Arabian Sea as well.
Ferry Timings
A unique experience offered here at the Gateway is that of ferry rides, through which you can enjoy the view of this monument right from the sea. These boat rides are short leisure rides and take you on a voyage of all the attractions nearby. The first boat from here leaves at 9 a.m. and can cost anywhere between INR 55 to INR 110 per head, with both the starting and end point being the Gateway of India. A number of ferry rides to other popular attractions such as Elephanta caves and Alibaug are also available:-
1. Elephanta Caves
Departure of the first boat: 9:00 a.m. after which regular boats are available every thirty minutes.
Departure of the last boat: 2.30 p.m.
Charges per head: INR 120.00 per person, INR 10 extra for going to the top of the ferry deck
2. Alibaug
A number of operators provide this service and are detailed as follows:-
i. PNP
Departure timings: 8:10, 10:10, 12:10, 14:10, 16:10, 18:30
Charges per head: INR 150
ii. Ajanta
Departure timings: 6:15, 7:15, 9:15, 10:00, 11:00, 12:30, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 17:30
Charges per head: INR 85 (Main Deck)
iii. Maldar
Departure timings: 8:45, 11:45, 13:45, 15:45, 16:00
Charges per head: INR 135 (Main Deck), INR 135 (Upper Deck)
1. Elephanta Caves
Departure of the first boat: 9:00 a.m. after which regular boats are available every thirty minutes.
Departure of the last boat: 2.30 p.m.
Charges per head: INR 120.00 per person, INR 10 extra for going to the top of the ferry deck
2. Alibaug
A number of operators provide this service and are detailed as follows:-
i. PNP
Departure timings: 8:10, 10:10, 12:10, 14:10, 16:10, 18:30
Charges per head: INR 150
ii. Ajanta
Departure timings: 6:15, 7:15, 9:15, 10:00, 11:00, 12:30, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 17:30
Charges per head: INR 85 (Main Deck)
iii. Maldar
Departure timings: 8:45, 11:45, 13:45, 15:45, 16:00
Charges per head: INR 135 (Main Deck), INR 135 (Upper Deck)
Restaurants Near Gateway of India
Once you arrive at the Gateway of India, sampling the famous food of Mumbai is a must. You can relish a royal lunch and dinner at the Taj Palace, Oberoi Trident, or even Indigo. Being located in the South Bombay District, the area around is deliciously peppered with other famous eateries such as Pizza by the Bay, Cafe Mondegar, Leopold Cafe etc. You can catch some lip-smacking street grub at Bademiya - A place where people relish the street meats late into the night! Try the Baida Paav or Kheema and Kebabs and leave with some delicious taste memories!
How To Reach Gateway of India
The Gateway of India is located near the southern tip of the city. It's easily reachable from most of South Mumbai through taxis or buses. Getting here from the suburbs requires a lot more effort and should ideally be clubbed with other sightseeing in South Mumbai.
- By Train: If travelling from the suburbs, the Mumbai locals are the cheapest and the fastest way to get to the Gateway of India. Local trains run to Churchgate on the Western Line and to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) on the Central and Harbour Lines. The gateway can easily be reached by taxi or bus from either of these stations.
- By Taxi / Car: If you are near Bandra, you may choose to take the Bandra Worli Sea Link to get to South Mumbai. Another good road option to reach South Mumbai from the suburbs is the Eastern Freeway which starts near Chembur.
- By Bus: It is not recommended to travel to the gateway by bus from the suburbs. Once in South Mumbai, BEST bus numbers 111 and 112 will take you right up to the Gateway of India. However, you can take any bus heading to Colaba Depot, R.C. Church or Navy Nagar, get off at Regal and walk up to the gateway.
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Gateway of India Reviews
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Mrunal Mahadik
on Gateway of India 6 years ago
Right opposite the Gateway of India is Taj Colaba, which is quite a sight to look at in itself with its stunning architecture. The area also houses some of the best food joints in the city, so wander (Read More) off into the bylanes and explore some for yourself.
pooja khandelwal
on Gateway of India 5 years ago
It is so beautiful Place. Gateway of India is almost synonymous with Mumbai. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai, prior to the Delhi Durbar in December 191 (Read More)1. "Link Hidden"
Mrunal Mahadik
on Gateway of India 6 years ago
It is easily one of the most recognised monuments in Mumbai, there is always an influx of tourists and locals alike. There's a lot to do at gateway, you could take a ferry ride in the Arabian Sea whi (Read More)ch brings you back to gateway and enjoy the sea breeze or go to Elephanta Caves via ferry. There are also ferries available to Mandwa(Alibag)
Anam Shaikh
on Gateway of India 6 years ago
Gateway of India Gateway of India is almost synonymous with Mumbai. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai, prior to the Delhi Durbar in December 1911. Visite (Read More)d by tourists and locals alike, the gateway and its promenade affords a great view of the boat-studded sea and is the connecting point for boat rides to and from the famous Elephanta Caves. The ‘Elephanta Festival of music and dance’ which was earlier held at the Elephanta caves, is now held in front of the Gateway in March every year. There are also shopping hubs nearby where you can get amazing knick-knacks, jewellery, and clothes at bargain prices. Wear cool clothing, keep yourself hydrated. Beware of pick-pockets and touts.
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