GATEWAY OF INDIA – Mumbai
GATEWAY OF INDIA – Mumbai

The Grand and Magnificent Landmark Of Mumbai

Mumbai’s principal landmark, the Gateway of India is a huge archway on the water’s edge at Apollo Bunder. It is the starting point for most tourists who won’t to explore the city. This famous monument was built to commemorate the visit of the first ever British Monarch, King George V and Queen Mary in 1911.

The Gateway was built by the British and designed by the architect
George Wittet. The first stone was laid by the then Governor of Bombay on March 31st, 1913. The Gate was formally opened in 1 924. It is a 26m high structure, complete with four turrets and intricate latticework carved into the yellow basalt stone. Ironically, when the British Raj ended in 1947, this colonial symbol also became a sort of epitaph: the last of the British ships that set sail for England left from the Gateway.

A MAJOR SIGHTSEEING HANGOUT

Behind the arch, there are steps leading down to the water. Here, one can buy tickets and get onto one of the bobbing little motor launches, for a short cruise through Mumbai’s splendid natural harbour. Near the Gateway of India isTaj Mahal Hotel, one of the most famous and luxurious hotels in India. Close by are the statues of the Maratha leader Shivaji astride his horse and of Swami Vivekananda, that add to the charm of this monument.

HOW TO GET THERE

Nearest station: Churchgate (Western Railway), Mumbai CST
(Central Railway). Visitors can easily access the Gateway by buses
run by BEST from both these rail terminals.