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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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!