Gateway of India, Mumbai

Fact File

This magnificient monument was constructed in the honour of King George V and Queen Mary's visit to Bombay and was designed by George Wittet.

Overview

Situated at Apollo Bunder, the Gateway is of great historical significance. It was built in the honour of King George V and Queen Mary's visit to Mumbai in 1911. The monument situated near the harbour, measures 26 m in height and was opened on 4th December 1924. Made of yellow basalt stone in Indo- Sarcenic style, it also depicts the muslim architecture of Gujarat. It is an excellent masterpiece of colonial archaeological heritage attracting tourists from all over the world.

Festivals

Ellora festival of classical dance and music is organised in the third week of March by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation. It acts as a platform for the artists to show their talents by the performances. Renowned artists from all over the world, participate in this grand festival. It is awe-inspiring to look the magnificent caves during the festival.

Getting There

By Air : Flights operate from Mumbai.

By Road : Mumbai is well connected by a roads to the rest of India.

By Rail : The main railway station Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) formerly known as Victoria terminus (VT) is situated in the Mumbai city.

Did You Know?

• The Gateway of India is Indo-Saracenic in architectural style.
• The construction of Gateway of India came around Rs. 21 lakhs.
• The Gateway of India was opened on December 4, 1924 by the Viceroy, the Earl of Reading.

Attractions

Victoria Terminus Railway Station

This World Heritage Site is presently known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. It is a beautiful structure representing the Indo-Gothic architecture. Built in 1887, this railway station lies in Dr. D. Naoroji Road, Nagar Chowk. Designed by Frederick Stevens, it was the headquarters of the Great Indian Peninsular Railway Company. Statue of Queen Victoria, intricate carvings of peacocks, elephants, monkeys in the domes, spires and stained glass windows are just fantastic.

Elephanta Caves

It is located 11km away from Gateway of India in the Elephanta Island on the Arabian Sea. This World Heritage Site includes some of the elegant rock cut sculpture in India. Spread on an area of 60,000 sq feet it consist of a collection of shrines, courtyards and stone sculptures of the Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, these caves are excavated probably during the 8th century. Among the caves, Cave One is most awe-inspiring and marvelous.

Prince of Wales Musuem

Built in 1914, this beautiful musuem has on display of art, sculpture, rare coins, weapons and miniature paintings.

Marine Drive

Widely known as the 'Queen of Necklace' it is an ideal location to spend the evenings. Visitors can see tall buildings on one side and sea on the other, while walking through this popular sea front. Extended from Nariman Point to Malabar Hills it draw lot of visitors.

Hanging Garden

Located in the Malabar Hill, this terraced garden is also called the 'Ferozeshah Mehta Garden'. From the garden, visitors can view the lovely sunsets over the Arabian Sea.

Location

This historical monument is located in Mumbai, it is a colonial symbol and widely known for the intricate carvings on the yellow basalt stone.

Best Time to Visit

As Mumbai is in close proximity to sea, climate is hot and humid in summers so it is better to plan a tour from October to April.