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Gateway Of India

📍 Gateway Of India Mumbai, MaharashtraView map ›

🗓 Best Time To Visit:November to March

⏰ Open Hours:Open 24 hours

🎯 Things To Do:Boat rides, Photography, Sightseeing, Street food tasting

💰 Entry Fees:Free

🧳 Traveller Types:Family, Solo, Couples, Photographers

🏆 Known For:Historic architecture, Scenic beauty, Colossal structure

📍 Distances:2.5 km from CST railway station, 25 km from Mumbai Airport, 2 km from Nariman Point

📸 Best Spot For Photography:Front view of the monument, Sea-facing side

🚤 Boat Ride Costs:INR 70 to INR 150 per person

🍽 Nearby Eateries:Leopold Cafe, Bademiya, Cafe Mondegar

🎉 Popular Events:Elephanta Festival in February

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Gateway of India: A Monumental Symbol of Mumbai’s History and Culture

Are you looking for a place to visit that combines historical significance, architectural beauty and cultural diversity? If yes, then you should definitely check out the Gateway of India, one of the most iconic landmarks of Mumbai and India. The Gateway of India is a majestic arch that stands on the waterfront of the Arabian Sea, overlooking the Mumbai Harbour. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911, and it also witnessed the departure of the last British troops from India in 1948.

The Gateway of India is not only a symbol of colonial history, but also a reflection of Mumbai’s vibrant and cosmopolitan culture. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Gateway of India, including its architecture, history, nearby attractions, things to do, best time to visit and how to reach.

Architecture of the Gateway of India

The Gateway of India is an impressive structure that measures 26 metres in height and 15 metres in width. It is made of yellow basalt and reinforced concrete, and it has a distinctive Indo-Saracenic style that blends elements of Hindu, Islamic and European architecture. The gateway has four turrets on its corners, and a large central dome that rises to a height of 48 metres. The dome is decorated with intricate latticework and floral motifs, and it is supported by four pillars that have carved elephants on their bases.

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The gateway also has two large halls on its sides, one with a capacity of 600 people and the other with a capacity of 400 people. The gateway has inscriptions on its walls that mention the names and dates of the foundation stone, the architect, the company and the ceremonies that took place at the gateway.

The architect who designed the Gateway of India was George Wittet, a Scottish architect who also designed other prominent buildings in Mumbai such as the Prince of Wales Museum and the General Post Office. The company that undertook the construction work was Gammon India, which was founded by John C. Gammon, an engineer from Madras.

The foundation stone of the gateway was laid by Sir George Sydenham Clarke, the governor of Bombay, on March 31, 1911. The gateway was officially opened by Rufus Isaacs, the viceroy of India, on December 4, 1924. The gateway was built on a native fishing ground called Apollo Bunder, which means “port” in Hindi.

History of the Gateway of India

The Gateway of India has a rich and fascinating history that spans over a century. It was originally conceived as a grandiose welcome for King George V and Queen Mary, who were the first British monarchs to visit India in 1911. However, by the time the gateway was completed in 1924, the king and queen had already left India. Instead, they were greeted by a cardboard replica of the gateway at their arrival in Bombay. The gateway was later used as a ceremonial entrance for other dignitaries and officials who visited Bombay.

The most memorable event that took place at the gateway was the departure of the last British troops from India on February 28, 1948. This marked the end of British rule in India and the beginning of Indian independence. The last battalion to leave was the Somerset Light Infantry, which received a salute from Indian soldiers as they boarded a ship at the gateway. The gateway also witnessed several protests and demonstrations during the freedom struggle and after independence.

One of the most prominent features of the gateway is the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a legendary warrior king who fought against the Mughals and established the Maratha Empire in western India. The statue was unveiled by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India, on January 26, 1961. The statue depicts Shivaji riding a horse and holding a sword in his hand. It is made of bronze and stands on a pedestal that has inscriptions in Marathi and English.

The Gateway of India has also been featured in many Bollywood movies and songs, such as Dil Chahta Hai, Bombay to Goa, Munnabhai MBBS and Jai Ho. It has become a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, who flock to see its majestic beauty and enjoy its surroundings.

Places to Visit Near Gateway of India

The Gateway of India is surrounded by many other attractions that can be visited along with it. Some of them are:

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Alibaug:

Alibaug is a coastal town that is located about 100 km south of Mumbai. It is known for its serene beaches, lush greenery and historical forts. Alibaug can be reached by ferry from the Gateway of India in about an hour. Some of the popular beaches in Alibaug are Nagaon Beach, Kihim Beach, Mandwa Beach and Kashid Beach. Some of the historical forts in Alibaug are Kolaba Fort, Murud-Janjira Fort, Korlai Fort and Revdanda Fort.

Statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj:

As mentioned earlier, the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a symbolic structure that stands near the Gateway of India. It is a tribute to the bravery and heroism of Shivaji, who is revered as the father of the Maratha nation. The statue is a must-see for anyone who is interested in Indian history and culture.

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Bowen Memorial Methodist Church:

Bowen Memorial Methodist Church is an old church that is located near the Gateway of India. It was built in 1889 by Reverend George Bowen, an American missionary who came to India in 1856. The church has a Gothic style of architecture, with stained glass windows, wooden pews and a pipe organ. The church also has a library that contains books and manuscripts related to Christianity and India.

Also check out: Gateway of India to Elephanta

Things to Do Near Gateway of India

The Gateway of India offers many opportunities for fun and entertainment for visitors. Some of them are:

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Food tours of India:

Food tours of India is a walking tour that takes you to different eateries and stalls near the Gateway of India. You can taste various cuisines and dishes that reflect the diversity and richness of Indian food culture. Some of the items that you can try are vada pav, pav bhaji, bhel puri, kebabs, biryanis, kulfi and more. The tour lasts for about three hours and costs around Rs. 2000 per person.

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Ferry rides:

Ferry rides are a great way to enjoy the scenic views of the Mumbai Harbour and the Arabian Sea from the Gateway of India. You can choose from different types of boats, such as motorboats, speedboats, yachts and sailboats. You can also visit nearby islands, such as Elephanta Island, which has ancient rock-cut caves that date back to the 5th century AD. The ferry rides cost around Rs. 100 to Rs. 500 per person, depending on the type and duration of the boat.

Best Time to Visit Gateway of India

The best time to visit the Gateway of India is during the winter season, from November to February. During this time, the weather is pleasant and cool, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C.

The winter season also coincides with many festivals and events in Mumbai, such as Diwali, Christmas, New Year and Mumbai Marathon. The winter season is also less crowded than the summer season, which is hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C.

How to Reach Gateway of India

The Gateway of India is easily accessible from different parts of Mumbai and outside. You can use any of the following modes of transport to reach the gateway:

Train:

The nearest railway station to the gateway is Churchgate Station, which is about 2 km away. You can take a local train from any part of Mumbai to Churchgate Station, and then take a taxi or an auto rickshaw to the gateway. The train fare varies from Rs. 5 to Rs. 25, depending on the distance.

Bus:

The nearest bus stop to the gateway is Regal Cinema Bus Stop, which is about 500 metres away. You can take a bus from any part of Mumbai to Regal Cinema Bus Stop, and then walk to the gateway. The bus fare varies from Rs. 10 to Rs. 50, depending on the distance.

Taxi:

You can also take a taxi from any part of Mumbai to the gateway directly. The taxi fare varies from Rs. 100 to Rs. 500, depending on the distance and traffic.

Ferry:

If you are coming from outside Mumbai, you can also take a ferry from Mandwa Jetty or Rewas Jetty in Raigad district to Gateway of India Jetty. The ferry ride takes about an hour and costs around Rs. 100 per person.

You may also like to know: A Day at the Gateway of India

The Gateway of India is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the history and culture of Mumbai and India.

It is a place where you can admire its stunning architecture, learn about its fascinating history, explore its nearby attractions, enjoy its fun activities and witness its lively atmosphere.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets now and get ready for an unforgettable trip to the Gateway of India!

Gateway Of India Reviews

THE BOAT RIDE The boat journey is itself part of the experience, with so many things to see that time flies past. This is one of the few places in Mumbai, where you can see flocks of seagulls at any time of the day! THE ISLAND The island itself was originally known as Gharapuri. It is believed to have been the capital of the Konkan Mauryas, and the name literally means ‘fort city’. The only village here which is still inhabited is known by the same name. The name ‘Elephanta’ came from the Portuguese, who landed here and saw a huge stone elephant guarding the entrance to the holy cave-shrines. (For those who are interested, this elephant was broken down by the Portuguese who found them, but the pieces have been reconstructed, and the elephant is on display at the Bhau Daji Lad Museum at Byculla) Once we reached the island, there was a mad rush for the toy train. Yes, there is a tiny toy train which takes us to the foot of the hills. It costs Rs. 10 for the return journey, but takes less than 5 minutes, and isn’t really worth all that rush! That means it is really very slow. :p HISTORY The caves at Elephanta are believed to date back to the sixth century, to the reign of the Konkan Mauryas, who were vassals of the Chalukyas. The island was then known as ‘Sripuri’. Unlike the caves at Badami, which were built for the kings, or those at Ajanta, which were built by monks, the caves here - according to the ASI booklet – were patronized by merchants and traders! The caves apparently looked so impressive, that the Portuguese, who captured the islands in 1540, couldn’t believe that these were the work of human hands! There are various stories told about why the caves and the sculptures were defaced – while some say it was done because the Portuguese thought them to be the work of demons, some say that it was simply an attempt to destroy the Hindu influence in the area. However, it no longer matters WHY the caves were defaced and sculptures destroyed. What is important is to ensure that we do no more damage. The main cave There are seven rock cut caves in all, but the first is the most important one, and the only one really worth a watch. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, every available wall is covered with images of Lord Shiva in various postures or depicting stories related to him. A little off centre is a huge temple with a lingam inside. There are entrances on all the four sides, with 8 dwarapalakas or guards at the corners. It is an impressive sight, and I had to remind myself that all this had been carved out of the rocks… not built! At one time, this temple may have been the hub of prayers to the Lord, resounding with the echoes of chants and devotional music, but today, this temple comes alive just once a year – on MahaShivaratri – when permissions have been given for prayers to be performed.
Gateway of India Right from our childhood Gateway of India is a well heard pride of India. But I just got the chance to visit it recently. My visit to the Gateway of India was not intentional, all thanks to foodie me and my friends. This foodie nature actually helped us for good. Our search for Mughalai food ended up in the Baghdadi hotel in Colaba, which is 6 minutes by walking away from the Gateway of India. The Baghdadi hotel is famous for their roti and Mughalai non veg dishes. We reached Colaba by 8 at night and decided to take a glance at the legendary monument and then fill up our tummy. The famous Taj hotel is situated just in front of the Gate of India. The iconic Gateway of India was built to commemorate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary at Apollo Bundar, when they visited India in 1911.This monument has witnessed an important moment of independent India, the last British ship to England left from the Gateway. Later we went to our most awaited destination, Baghdadi hotel. The owner claims that the eatery has been serving food for the past 125years. It is considered as one the oldest restaurants in Mumbai. It is a small restaurant with immense varieties of food. The funny thing that I found was that the popular Baghdadi hotel that was situated in the metropolitan city of India still don't accept payment by credit cards .Every dishes here is reasonable and more over it is finger-licking. I would personally suggest the epicure to try out this restaurant without any second thought. For more details please check my blog: http://experiencedroads.com/Frequent Searches Leading To This Page:- weekend getaways from mumbai, weekend trip from mumbai, weekend holidays from mumbai, weekend trip cost from mumbai, weekend travel cost from mumbai
After Hajji Ali the next stop was Gateway of India. It was evening when we reached there. The taxi ride was about 3o min and I can say that it was one of the best rides I have ever had. Passing through Marine Drive, the sun is setting. Sky was orange, sun touching the sea and the orange light coming from behind huge buildings. While traveling to Gateway of India we had chance to see Lata ji’s house, Ambani's house (which has 20 stories and only 5 people live their), Bombay high court, church gate etc. I would like to share one thing, no matter how tired or sleepy you feel while sitting in a taxi don't sleep you'll miss a lot of things. Just see outside it's worth it especially when you are visiting the place for the first time. We reached Gateway of India around 6:30 - 7 PM the sun was set. It's a beautiful architecture, do sit there for a while and enjoy the sea. Also get photographs clicked from the local photographer at the place. I know we may know better photography skills, but still it's a best way to keep memories. We may have hundreds of photographs in our DSLR or mobile phones but this single photograph we can keep with ourselves always. I got one clicked.
The best way to go around the city is to rent a bicycle so that you can stop at everything you fancy. Taking from the 'gyaan' imparted to me generously by my relative, I can tell you that Woodside Inn in Colaba (find it on google maps) rents you bicycles. But I chose to drive around in my relatives car, because October was still too hot and humid for me and 11:00 AM looked like noon. The traffic was disciplined and strangely no one was fuming. People here have figured out how to make use of the time spend in traffic I guess. We had a quick breakfast from a small eatery (could not note the name) and headed straight to Gateway of India. The drive was slow, but not boring to an outsider. After a short drive emerges, with all it's glory, the Gateway of India and you know you have reached the heart of the city with a beat that resonates with the thousand hearts who are on the scene. Marvellous!! An architectural delight, The Gateway of India was built in the 1960s and served as the entrance point to dignitaries and common man alike from it's five entry point. Click pictures, and be sure to, because if you don't have a picture of it, you are missing out on a free souvenir.
This would be the logical place to begin your tour. After all, you're following in the footsteps of royalty! The Gateway of India is a major tourist hub in the city, which is located at Apollo Bunder Waterfront in Southern Mumbai. This monument was built to welcome King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai and years later, the last horde of British troops left India through this gateway. This is probably the place which will give you the feel of a tourist and after some great pictures and watching the pigeons, you can move on to your next place of visit. Address: Apollo Bunder, behind Regal Cinema and Bombay Museum, near Colaba CausewayStroll down the seafront and check the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Overlooking the Gateway of India with a panoramic view of the bay, the Taj has played an intrinsic part in the life of the city, hosting Maharajas, dignitaries and eminent personalities from across the globe.
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