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Gateway Of India Overview

One of the most visited places to visit in mumbai in one day, the Gateway of India is counted among Mumbai tourist places that see excellent footfall at any time of the year. The attraction was built by the British in 1919, by the then Governor of Bombay, Sir George Sydenham Clarke, who laid the foundation of the monument in 1911. The plan was approved in 1914, after which construction began.

Renowned as one of the most iconic structures of India, Gateway of India, was constructed along the Mumbai Harbour in 1924. Located at the tip of Apollo Bunder, this massive structure represents a commemorate memorial.

It was constructed in honour of King George V and his wife Queen Mary when they were on their tour to India. Once a grandeur of the British settlement, this famous tourist spot today pulls food stallers, vendors, nature lovers, and photographers to adore its charm.

Constructed with a mixture of indissoluble concrete and yellow basalt, Gateway of India portrays Indo-Saracenic architectural style. The central dome of this magnificent structure measures around 48 feet in diameter. It has got 4 turrets explicitly carved with intricate latticework. As you walk behind the structure, there are steps to lead you to the waterfront of the Arabian Sea. It is from here that you can board the boats to sail to the Elephanta Caves.

Well-known for sightseeing and photography activities, you will always see heaps of tourists bubbling in. October to March is usually preferred to plan your visit here as the climate is pleasant. This offers you plenty of sightseeing and photography moments. Most of the people visiting here are either engaged in enjoying the sea breeze, eating street foods or embracing the charm of Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.

Elephanta Caves, Arabian Sea, Taj Mahal Palace, Colaba Causeway, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Nehru Science Centre, and Marine Drive are some places you can't simply afford to miss on your tour to Gateway of India.

How To Reach

From Airport-

There are two ways for you to commute between Airport and Gateway of India – 

Train, Bus – First, you need to reach Vile Parle Railway Terminus from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. You may either opt for a bus or hire an auto rickshaw or cab to drop you there. Next, get a ticket for CST via Dadar and board the local train running in the direction of Churchgate. From Dadar, you need to board a train to CST and get down at the last stop. From CST bus terminus, board a bus to drop you at Old Customs House. Thereby, you need to walk for the next 15 minutes until you reach Gateway of India. 

Taxi Drive – Opt for a direct taxi drive to transfer you between Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport and Gateway of India. You will be travelling for 20 minutes to cover the distance of 22.1 km. You can also prefer to self-drive between the Airport and Gateway of India.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Gateway of India is the post-monsoon season. However, you will find the place to be crowded during monsoons. It is in the monsoons that there is an increase in the level of the sea. The waves of the sea clash with the walls of the port and rise higher and higher. Although it is a beautiful moment to capture, you need to take the necessary precautions as the sea waves might throw unexpected tantrums. 

Other Essential Information

Location - Gateway of India is present at Apollo Bunder near the Colaba district of Mumbai. 

Timings - Gateway of India is open to visitors for 24hours. It is good to plan your visit early in the morning or late evening to witness the transformations in the sky. 

Facts About Gateway Of India:

-The present-day structure of the Gateway of India was constructed by the Government of India in the year 1920. 

-The foundation stone for the same was laid in the year 1911. 

-It is a historical commemoration landmark where the structure was constructed to welcome King George V and his wife, Queen Mary. 

-Interestingly, the Government of India sanctioned its construction after 3 years from the date when its foundation stone was laid. The present-day design was put forth by George Wittet in 1914. 

-The total expense incurred in raising this colossal structure was somewhere near to 21 lakhs INR. 

-Due to the fund insufficiency, the approach road to Gateway of India was never constructed. This is the reason why you will find the present structure standing at an angle to the path that leads visitors towards it. 

-The architecture of Gateway of India is based on Indo-Saracenic style with a flavor of 16th-century Muslim architectural styles. 

-It has got a central dome measuring around 15 meters, and the whole structure stands as high as 26 meters above the ground level. 

-Gateway of India was inaugurated on 04th of December, 1924, by the hands of The Viceroy, Earl of Reading. 

-Re-laying of the entire harbor was initiated to sweep down to the central portion of the town. 

-It is believed that the last British ship from India to England sailed through this iconic structure.

-On the backside of the Gateway of India, you will find steps to lead you to the waterfront port to board the boats to Elephanta Caves.

Eateries to Try Near the Gateway Of India:

1. Pizza Express – This is a global chain of gourmet pizza. Mouth-watering dough balls and authentic pizzas are their principle servings. 

2. Wasabi by Morimoto – Here, you get Sushi, Japanese, and Asian style cuisine. They do provide gluten-free options. 

3. Harbour Bar – This is a bar cum gastropub where you can nibble some mouth-watering snacks while sipping in their signature cocktails. 

4. Masala Kraft – Masala Kraft offers both Indian and Asian food variants. The décor here is quite elegant, service and food quality are excellent. 

5. Souk – Try out the Mediterranean, Lebanese, and Turkish style food flavors here at the Souk. Their starters are amazing. 

6. Sea Lounge – Here you have both Indian and International food options. They serve a wide array of sweets and savories. Chaat, desserts, Gujrati snacks, and sandwiches are worthy of trying here. 

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Point of Interest for Gateway Of India
Embrace the architectural brilliance of Gateway of India
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Embrace the architectural brilliance of Gateway of India

The whole structure is carved out from a mixture of indissoluble concrete and yellow basalt. Here, you get to see a perfect mash between Indian and Saracenic architectural style with a tinge of Muslim architectural flavor. 

Click sunrise and sunset pictures
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Click sunrise and sunset pictures

Gateway of India overlooks the vastly stretched Arabian Sea. The region is highly adored by photographers and nature lovers. If photography is your passion, spare a day off from your hectic schedule and visit Gateway of India early in the morning. From morning till evening, you will have plenty of moments to capture the beautiful transformations of the sky and the shining sea waves. 

Enjoy the local Chaat
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Enjoy the local Chaat

Every nook and corner of Mumbai is well-known for its street chaat. Grab hold of some Chan-jor-garam while you enjoy your Gateway of India visit. This is the most ancient and favorite street food item of a true Mumbaikar. 

Click family pictures
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Click family pictures

Have some family time by clicking candid photos with either Gateway of India or the Taj Hotel in your backdrop. This will surely make an unforgettable take-home memory for your entire family. 

Tourism Board Alliances

Gateway Of India FAQs

Which city is known as Gateway of India?

The financial city of India – Mumbai is called the Gateway of India.

Why is it called Gateway of India?

Marking its prominence on the Apollo Bunder tip, the Gateway of India, overlooks India’s most ancient Mumbai harbor. Mumbai is rightly called as the Gateway of India because it reflects as country’s first sight of welcoming the tourists by seaways.

 During those days, air tourism was not developed as it is today. Hence, sea routes were the only way to travel to distant countries. Gateway of India is a monument that represents one of the chief ports of the nation.

What is the difference between Gateway of India and India Gate?

Here’s a list of the differences between the two iconic structures of India - Location - First of all, India Gate is located in Delhi, whereas Gateway of India is located in Mumbai.

The reason why the monuments were built :– 
 India gate – War memorial constructed between 1921 and 1931.
Gateway of India – To commemorate the visit of King George V and his wife, Queen Mary.

It was built between 1911 and 1924.
Height :
India Gate – 42 meters
Gateway of India – 26 meters

How do I get to Gateway of India?

If you are coming from suburban regions of Mumbai, you could opt for a local train and get down at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus station. From there, you can choose for a hired taxi ride to reach Gateway of India. Alternatively, you can get down at Churchgate station and follow the same route.

South Mumbai residents can either go for a hired taxi or self-drive or travel by bus to reach Gateway of India directly. The Mumbai Central Bus Station hosts buses coming from various Indian states. Pune and Nashik travelers can opt for ASIAD buses to reach the Gateway of India.

What is Gateway of India known for?

Gateway of India was constructed to commemorate the Mumbai visit of King George V and Queen Mary. This triumphal arch is valued for its Indo-Saracenic style architecture (a combination of Islamic & Indian architectural style). However, when the duo entered India through this structure, it was just a cardboard masterpiece.

What is the height of the Gateway of India?

The Gateway of India is 26 meters tall.

Gateway Of India Reviews

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Parvati Kapoor
Reviewed: 16 May 2015
5.0/5
The playful waves that ushers love, the gentle breezes of the sea that incites romance, and the candle light dinner that brought us yet closer than before...everything was so very romantic and were really treasurable. All thanks to the warm treatment of the crew members and definitely to the graciou... Read More
Parvati Kapoor
Parvati Kapoor
Parvati Kapoor
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Chakrika Kaniyar
Reviewed: 12 Feb 2016
5.0/5
there can nothing be more romantic than a private dinner with your special someone on a cruise and this was the perfect thing that I had been looking for! I loved the crew members who were more than happy to have us on board and wow what a view...It was a total movie inspired date and yeah a good on... Read More
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Rupinder Nambeesan
Reviewed: 10 Nov 2015
5.0/5
It was a nice break from the usual date I've had in fancy restaurants. The view, sunset everything about this cruise is impressive. Kudos to the person who came up with the ides...I'm totally in awe with the experience.
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Hiranmaya Khan
Reviewed: 08 Nov 2015
5.0/5
Thanks team for this awesomely romantic experience. You people really got us to the zenith of love and romance. Thanks again.
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Avadhesh Kapoor
Reviewed: 02 Nov 2015
5.0/5
The 2 hours spent on the cruise was the best and most romantic experience for us so far! You guys just made our 1st anniversary so memorable and filled it with all the love and romance.
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Girik Banerjee
Reviewed: 03 Oct 2015
5.0/5
After such romantic moments, now I'm finding it tough to explain it words. All I can say now is that the evening was filled with love and tenderness. The cruise simply took us to a point, where there were only the two of us. Romance was everywhere in the air. And the best part of the candle light di... Read More

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