Gateway of India - Indo-Saracenic Style Of Architecture in Mumbai - Maharashtra - India
The Gateway of India was built in 1924. The Gateway of India is a major tourist hub in the Mumbai city, which is located at Apollo Bunder Waterfront in Southern Mumbai. The Gateway of India is one of India's most unique landmarks. Gateway of India is India's most valued structure.
Location: Colaba, South Mumbai
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Elephanta Caves and Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
How to Reach: 2.5 km from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal and 2.4 km from Churchgate Railway Station.
Former names: Gilbert
Coordinates: 18.921836°N 72.834705°E
Completed: 1924
Cost: ₹ 2.1 million (1911)
Height: 26 m (85 ft)
Gateway of India is a great historical monument built during the British rule in the country. It was built as a triumphal arch to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai (then, Bombay). Gateway of India was built at Apollo Bunder, a popular meeting place. It was designed by the British architect, George Wittet. This 26m-high structure has four turrets and intricate latticework carved into the yellow basalt stone. There are steps leading down to the water behind the arch. There are short cruises on the motor launches from here. The Gateway of India stands on the shores of the Arabian Sea and welcomes every tourist who comes to the Mumbai city. The Gateway faces the vast Arabian Sea, flanked by Mumbai's another attraction, Marine Drive, a road running parallel to the sea. The majestic monument is a must-visit at night, in its pristine glory against the backdrop of the sea. This structure is known to be the pride of Mumbai. Mumbaites, as well as the foreign tourists come down to this place in the evening and take a cool rest from day's exhausting work schedules.
The huge monuments speaks at length about the history of our country. The beautifully engraved designs and the well built pillars remind us of the colonial rule and the sacrifices of our fellow country men. The Gateway of India is a combination of the "Indo-Sarcenic" architecture. Built in yellow basalt stone, this marvelous monument is an architectural wonder of Mumbai. Ironically, the British builders of the gateway used it just 24 years later to parade the last British regiment as India marched towards independence. Twin bomb blasts in Mumbai on August 25, 2003, included one that exploded in a taxi in a parking lot by the Gateway of India and the Hotel. The terrorist explosions took 52 lives. Little permanent damage occurred to the two major monuments in the area. It was designed by the Scotsman George Wittet (1878-1926), who helped popularize the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture that combined Gothic-like flamboyance with Muslim-Indian architectural features. Gateway of India is a big basalt arch standing on the waterfront in Colaba district. It is a busy place, busy with people strolling around taking their photo in front of the monument, people wanting to sell big balloons, photographs or tours to Elephanta Island. The total construction cost of this monument was approximately 21 lakhs and the whole expense was borne by the Indian government. A favourite spot for tourists, nowadays, this monument attracts vendors, food stalls and photographers.
Entry Fee And Other Charges To Visit Gateway of India
The monument is open to visitors 24 hours a day, but after dark the area surrounding the main monument is cordoned off to visitors. Entry is free and open to all. There are no any charges for photography and videography.
Opening Time For Gateway of India
People can visit the monument at any time of the day.
Best Time To Visit Gateway of India
The best time to visit the Gateway of India is during the period of November to March, as the post-monsoon climate is very pleasant and there are very less chances for downpours at this time.
Tourist Attractions Near Gateway of India
The Elephant Caves are located very close to the Gateway of India, and tourists can travel on motor boats to reach the Elephant Islands. Statues of the Maratha leader Shivaji and Swami Vivekananda are installed at the entrance of the Elephant Caves. The Taj Mahal Hotel is India's most prestigious and luxurious hotel and is situated close to the Gateway of India. There are many other attractions near the gateway of india like
- Rajabai Clock Tower 1.0 km from Gateway of India
- The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower 0.2 km from Gateway of India
- St Thomas Cathedral 1.1 km from Gateway of India
- Flora Fountain 1.2 km from Gateway of India
- Mumbai Stock Exchange 0.9 km from Gateway of India
- Maharashtra State Assembly 1.2 km from Gateway of India
- Gandhi monument 1.2 km from Gateway of India
- Prince of Wales Museum 0.6 km from Gateway of India
- Port Trust Garden 1.7 km from Gateway of India
- Popli Art Gallery nearest from Gateway of India
Shopping Near Gateway of India
Shopping in Mumbai will be a memorable experience. Mumbai's streets, corners and pavements are lined with shops and virtually everything is available in it's bazaars and markets.
- Crawford Market: Famous for flowers, fruits, meat and fish.
- Chor Bazaar: Antique-hunter's delight with a phenomenal collection of antiques, jewellery, wooden articles and leatherwear.
- Government Emporium: which is well stocked with a verity of handicrafts and clothes.
Restaurants Near Gateway of India
There are many options if you feel like satiating your hunger pangs at good restaurants around Gateway of India. Here is the list of some famous and popular Restaurants Near Gateway of India.
Sea lounge
The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, 1st Floor, Apollo Bunder
Shamiana
The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Lobby Level, Apollo Bunder
Zodiac Grill
Lobby Level, In Taj Mahal Palace
Zodiac grill
M.B. Marg, Apollo Bunder
Golden Dragon
Colaba,Mumbai
Dominos Pizza
Ground Floor, Strand Coffee House, Strand Road
Ling's Pavilion
19/21, Mahakavi Bhushan Marg, Behind Regal Cinema
Hotels Near Gateway of India
For accommodation, from budget hotels to luxurious resorts, the city has something for everyone. However, in case one wants to spend less, one may have to compromise on certain conveniences. Here is list of some hotels are nearest to Gateway Of India.
Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai
Apollo Bunder at Colaba
0.2 km from Gateway of India
Strand Hotel
Apollo Bunder, Nr Gateway of India
0.2 km from Gateway of India
Oyo Rooms Colaba Radio Club
Apollo Bunder Apollo Bunder Near Gateway of India
0.2 km from Gateway of India
Diplomat Hotel
24-26 B K Boman Behram Marg
0.2 km from Gateway of India
Regency Inn
18 Lansdowne House, M.B. Marg, Apollo Bunder, behind Regal Cinema, Mumbai
0.3 km from Gateway of India
The Gordon House Hotel
5 Battery Street
0.3 km from Gateway of India
Hotel Broadway Colaba
49/51, Mathuradas Bldg. No 2, 10/12 Mandlik Road, Colaba
0.3 km from Gateway of India
Hotel Suba Palace
Near Gateway of India Apollo Bunder
0.3 km from Gateway of India
Vista Rooms @ Colaba Causeway
1st & 2nd Floor, 49/51, Mathrudas Building, Mandik, Road, Colaba Causeway, Apollo Bandar, Colaba
0.3 km from Gateway of India
How to Reach Gateway of India
By Air:
The Shivaji Mumbai Chhatrapati International airport is regarded as one of the busiest airports and it opens the gateways to numerous countries.
By Sea:
There are many travel organizations that offer cruises to Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, etc. This industry of cruise is developing at a fast rate and you can reach Mumbai through cruises.
By Train:
Bandra and Mumbai Central are regarded as main terminus.
By Bus:
Mumbai is one of the places that are being served by the buses.
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