Gateway of India: Discover Mumbai Through The Arches

There’s so much magic in Mumbai. Legions of people move to Mumbai to pursue their dreams every year and even after being so populous, the magic never ceases to exist. Every year Mumbai embraces almost 6 million tourists and one of the most visited attractions in the city of dreams is none other than the Gateway Of India.

An iconic monument that is also the most popular landmark in Mumbai. Gateway of India is located at the Apollo Road, Colaba, overlooking the beautiful Arabian Sea. If you're among those planning to visit the Gateway of India soon but you’ve secretly always thought ‘What is the difference between Gateway of India and India Gate’, read on because we will take you through a literary tour from its inception to the current day splendor.

The Gateway of India is famous for its impeccable design and architecture. This iconic structure was built in the 20th century. Standing tall at 85 feet, this larger than life gateway has a huge dome that is 50 feet in diameter. The structure was built using a yellow basalt stone over a concrete structure. This iconic landmark was built to mark Mumbai, as the gateway to India during the British Raj.

The structure can accommodate up to 600 people at a time.

The foundation stone was laid back in 1911, to mark the arrival of the first ever British monarch in India, King George V and Queen Maryi. The construction was undertaken by George Willet. The architecture of the monument is a beautiful convergence of the Arabic, Western and Indian style of architecture (particularly influenced by the Gujarati style of architecture).

The structure took 14 years to complete and was inaugurated in the year 1924.

The famous Gateway of India, Mumbai, once used to be a jetty that was used by the fishing communities of the area but was later converted into a pier for British governors. It served as the welcome point for various important British officials. Following the independence, Gateway of India also served as the gateway for the last British troop to leave India. As a symbolic representation of the end of the British Raj in India on 28 February 1948, the first battalion of Somerset Light Infantry, passed through the gateway with a 21-gun salute.

In the present scenario, the gateway serves as the starting point of a number of ferry services and a popular tourist spot in Mumbai.

Gateway of India, Mumbai is among the top tourist places to visit in Mumbai. People often even call it “The Taj Mahal of Mumbai”. Located in Colaba, Gateway of India is a quintessential Mumbai experience. The surrounding area is lively and has stunning views of the Arabian Sea. Both tourists and localites visit the place for a fun stroll and enjoy the scenic boat ride.

Let’s just put it this way, Mumbai Darshan will never be complete without visiting the Gateway of India.

Interestingly enough, to make your experience of visiting the Gateway of India spellbinding, you can go on a voyage at the Arabian Sea and soak in the beauty around. These ferry rides start and end at the same point, which is Gateway of India. The first boat leaves around 9 a.m. The best time to enjoy these ferry rides would be in the evening when the temperature falls down and the surroundings are lit. You can also enjoy a sunset/dinner cruise if you are planning a romantic date with bae.

There are also a number of ferry rides that will take you to popular attractions like Elephanta Cave and Alibaug. Don’t forget to check the prices and timing online beforehand.

Reaching the Gateway of India is a bit of a cakewalk as it is located near the southern tip of the city. You can simply take the local train (we totally recommend it to get the complete Mumbai feels) or you can book a cab or by bus. If you opt for the train, you can take the western line and get down at church gate station which is 2.5 kms away from your destination so you might need an auto or taxi. If you opt for the bus, take the Central or Harbour Line train and get off at CSMT which is 25 mins away from your destination so you might want to take a cab or even walk if the weather is nice and you are up for some adventure. During this walk you can spot historic parts of South Mumbai so it's a win-win.

Additionally, if you are visiting from places like Alibaug, you can also opt for a ferry ride.

If you find yourself in this bustling Metropolis, you should definitely visit Gateway of India. Gateway of India is an emblem of India’s past and your visit would be so much more than just sightseeing. You’ll feel connected with the bygone era as you observe each and every detailing while still feeling the pulsating energy of present day Mumbai. And if you are looking for stay options, don’t forget to check out Bloom Hub | WEH Andheri, Mumbai to make your trip a seamless experience.