Location : Mumbai
(Bombay)
Year of Construction : 1924
Best time to Visit : Throughout the Year
About Gateway of India
The Gateway of India is probably named so as it is the first sight
welcoming the eager eyes of visitors approaching
Mumbai through the sea route. The 26 mts
high yellow basalt and concrete structure was built to commemorate the visit
of King George V and Queen Mary. Designed by George Whittet, the
construction of the monument was started in 1911 and completed in 1924, the
total construction cost coming to around 21 lac Indian rupees, mostly borne
by the Government of India. The last British troops to leave India passed
through the Gateway of India in a huge ceremony on 28 February 1948. Steps
at the back of the monument lead down to the sea front where you can enjoy
exciting motor boat cruise. Another nearby attraction is the Elephanta
Islands and the series of caves located on it, reached by a short boat
journey from the Gateway of India.
Do Not Miss Out On
Boat Cruise
A series of steps behind the Gateway of India lead down to the sea front
where numerous boats are available to take the visitors on an exciting
journey through the city's beautiful natural harbour witnessing Mumbai in
all its natural splendour and glory. Motor boat or paddle boat rides can be
taken for a nominal charge. One can also visit the enchanting Elephanta
Islands from here.
Taj Mahal Hotel
Built in the year 1903, the Taj Mahal Hotel is an architectural marvel
which has attracted and served guests as Kings, Princes, Presidents and
CEO's. The luxurious hotel was originally built by Jamshedji Tata to compete
with the Watson's hotel.
Statues of Shivaji and Vivekananda
Two giant statues of Swami Vivekananda and the great Maratha leader Shivaji
riding his horse are located at a short distance from the Gateway of India.
The statues are another major tourist attraction for visitors to the famed
monument.
Elephanta Islands
A short distance from the Gateway of India through the sea route are a
series of ancient rock cut caves known as the Elephanta Caves located on the
Elephanta Islands. The caves house temples with beautifully carved walls and
can be accessed by a short ferry ride.
Other Attractions in Mumbai
Prince of Wales Museum
Named after the prince of Wales, the museum was built in the year 1914 and
houses a rare collection of art, sculpture, rare coins, miniature paintings
and other priceless artifacts. Regarded as one of the finest museums in the
country, it is surrounded by beautiful landscape that enhances its beauty.
Marine Drive
One of the hot spots of tourist activity in the city, Marine drive is a
fine stretch of road flanked by tall buildings on one and sea on its other
side. It was also once known as the Queen's necklace because of its curved
shape and glowing street lights.
Chowpatty Beach
The most famous beach in the city teems with life throughout the day being
thronged by visitors and shopkeepers. The bhelpuri here is a must try while
the ongoing festive atmosphere also deserves a mention.
Hanging Gardens
Another must visit site in Mumbai, the lush Hanging Gardens were built in
the year 1880. Also known as Ferozeshah Mehta garden, it provides a lovely
sunset view over the Arabian Sea making it famous among both the locals and
tourists.
Stay At
If you are visiting the Gateway of India, the nearest and best place to
stay would be the Taj Mahal Hotel. Other hotels in Mumbai include The Leela
Kempinski (2 Km from Sahar Airport), Royal Garden Resort (30 min. from
Sahar), The Oberoi (30 min. from Sahar), Grand Hyatt (20 min. from Sahar)
and Le Meridien (1 km from Sahar).
Getting There
By Air : The Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport,
also known as Sahar Airport, is located 29 km from the city centre while the
domestic terminal at Santa Cruz is located just 4 km from there. Prominent
international airlines flying into Mumbai include Delta and Northwest
Airlines from North America, Swiss International Airlines, Lauda Air, Virgin
Atlantic, Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines from
Europe.
By Rail : Victoria Terminus (Chhatrapati Shivaji
Terminus), popularly known as VT is the main railway station in the city
connecting it with cities like Goa, Ahmedabad, Aurangabad, Bangalore,
Bhopal, Calcutta, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Madras, Nagpur and Trivandrum.
An important train connecting Delhi with Mumbai is the Golden Temple Mail
leaving Delhi station at 7:05 and reaching Mumbai Central at 5:40 the next
day.
By Road : State transport buses connect Mumbai with all
the major neighbouring cities. Road journey is not recommended when coming
in from cities like Delhi while it is ideal when travelling to other nearby
cities.
Distance from Major Cities
- Pune : 163 Km
- Nasik : 184 Km
- Mahabaleshwar : 239 Km
- Shirdi : 307 Km
- Aurangabad : 392 Km
- Goa : 597 Km
