A twentieth-century marvel, The Gateway of India Mumbai is a jewel-studded with a century-old history. The foundation stone of the Gateway Of India was placed on 31 March 1911 at Apollo Bunder to honour King George V and Queen Mary on their visit to India. The structure is an arch made of Yellow Basalt rock. The Gateway of India is around 85 Feet high. It took three years to complete the design of Gateway Of India. After finalizing the design it took a decade to build Gateway Of India.
Gateway of India is one of the major attractions in Mumbai, offering one of the major sights around the corner – from Gothic architecture to the rhyming lullabies of the waves all it takes to fall in love with the city.
Suggested Read: 18 Dining Spots In Mumbai: Pamper Your Taste Buds
History Of The Gateway Of India Mumbai
As we talk about Gateway Of India History, it is said that in December of 1911, the Late Emperor Of India George V with his Queen Mary visited India. Georg V was the first emperor to visit India. On the contrary, The monument was built to commemorate King George V and Queen Mary’s arrival at Apollo Bunder during their 1911 journey to India. He was the first British monarch to visit India. The foundation stone was placed in 1911, though it took 3 years to finalize the design of the Gateway of India Mumbai. The Gateway Of India was designed by George Witte a Scottish architect.
The structure is a mixture of Yellow Basalt and Concrete. George Witte combined indigenous architectural elements inspired by the Indo-Islam style with elements of the 16th-century architecture of Gujarat. The harbourfront was realigned to make an esplanade, which would sweep down to the centre of the town.
According to Gateway Of India history data, the structure is 85 Feet tall with the central dome being 49 Feet tall. The construction cost was around 21 Lakhs Rupees which the then Government of India bore. As the funds were not available then the approach road was never built.
Hence, even today Gateway of India stands at an angle of the road leading up to it.
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How To Travel To Gateway Of India
The Gateway of India Mumbai is situated in Colaba and the nearest Railway station to reach Gateway Of India is Churchgate if you are travelling by Western Line trains (Distance 2.4 KM) and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) if you are travelling by Harbour or Central Line Trains (Distance 3.2 KM). If you wish to travel alone by taxi you can also get your private taxi to commute to Gateway of India. If you are located in the Mumbai Suburbs and want to travel to the Gateway Of India, it is advisable to travel via the Mumbai Local Train as it is much more efficient than travelling from a Cab.
There are many bus facilities as well. You can get a bus from Bus Depot near CSMT Railway Station and Churchgate Railway Station.
Accommodation Near Gateway Of India
There are a lot of options for hotels near The Gateway Of India Mumbai. You can get cheaper as well as luxurious options for your accommodations. There are many hotels near Gateway Of India. Here are some of the handpicked hotels you can refer to for your stay. Although there are many hotels for stay, the following are some of the hand-picked hotels for your reference –
1. The Taj Mahal Palace
Moving towards the upper end of your accommodation. The Taj Mahal Palace is a Five Star luxurious hotel. It has one of the best amenities and is one of the best hotels. The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is older than the Gateway of IndiaIt was Commissioned by Jamsetji Tata and was built in 1903. It is exactly opposite to Gateway Of India. You can view the Gateway Of India through the balcony of the room in The Taj Mahal Palace. The rates of One room can cost you around INR 20,000 to 30,000 per night.
2. Trident
Facing the queen’s necklace Trident is one of Mumbai’s best five-star hotel chains. Trident at Nariman Point is another Five five-star hotel you can visit during your stay near Gateway Of India. The cost of 1 room can cost you around INR 10,000 to 20,000.
3. Hotel Suba Palace
Hotel Suba Palace is one of the hotels near Gateway Of India. It is a 10-minute walking distance from Gateway of India. The rooms at Hotel Suba Palace will cost you around INR 5,000 to 10,000.
4. Hotel Godwin
Hotel Godwin is a 15-minute walk from Gateway Of India. Not just stay they also provide delicious food and have reasonable rates. The room usually costs from INR 4000 to 6000.
5. Hotel Harbor View
If you want a Rustic charm with a western view then Hotel Harbor View is the the right place for you. As the name suggests you can get views of the sea just outside the window. It is not the best but more of a cheaper and comfortable stay option near Gateway Of India Mumbai. The prices will go up to INR 5000. Also, it is a decent stay for your family as well.
Restaurant Near Gateway Of India
There are a lot of Restaurants near Gateway of India. Some of them are a century old having a historical touch.
1. Taj Mahal Palace Restaurant
The Taj Mahal Palace Restaurant in Colaba has some renowned fine dining with tantalising Indian, Middle Eastern, and Oriental cuisines served with a dash of tradition and a sprinkling of innovation.
2. Bagdadi
Bagdadi is one of the iconic restaurants near The Gateway of India Mumbai. Recommended by Bollywood Star John Abraham it is a cheaper yet fulfilling option for a foodie. Chicken keema with Naan bread and a bottle of Thumbs Up is all you need to not only fill your stomach but also levitate your soul.
3. Bade Miya
At the backside of The Taj Mahal Palace is yet another delicacy. Although Bade Miya is famous for its Seekh kebab, one should try its Chicken Baida Roti and Chicken Bhuna. One of the most finger-licking dishes is their Chicken Tikka Roll.
4. Cafe Mondegar
Cafe Mondegar is one of the famous tourist attractions on the street of Colaba Causeway. The inner walls of the cafe are painted by famous Indian Cartoonist Mairo Miranda. The Cafe serves a variety of cuisines including Indian, Continental, and Goan. The most popular dishes at Cafe Mondegar are Roasted Beef, Fluffy Omelette, King Prawns, Draft Beer, and Cold Coffee.
5. Leopold Cafe
Another iconic place and one of the tourist attractions is Leopold Cafe. It is famous for its Chilli Cheese Toast, Grilled Sandwich With Fries, Tandoori Chicken, Penne Arrabiata Prawns, Caramel Nougat Cheesecake, and Fusilli Pan Fried Roasted Garlic Veg.
Must Try Street Food Near Gateway Of India
The culture of any city lies in its streets, and one of the major aspects of any city’s culture is the street food. There are many street food places near Gateway Of India. Some of the street foods you can get near Gateway of India are Vada Pav, Bhel puri, Pani puri, and Momos ( the taste that travelled from Delhi). There are a lot of Street Food vendors near Gateway Of India which offer a variety of food that you can enjoy sitting at the bay.
Places To Visit Near Gateway Of India
Colaba is not just any area of south Mumbai. It is one of the most vibrant, cultural-diverse, and a historic gateway. There are a lot of places to visit near Gateway of India. Following are some of the places –
1. Colaba Cawsway
Running on a quick shopping spree, Colaba is one of a kind. Sarojini Nagar of Mumbai has everything to offer you from oxidised jewellery to affordable home decor to affordable dresses, Shirts, and T-shirts, it has everything to offer. It is a minute’s walk from Gateway of India. A word of advice to everyone who is visiting Cawsway – Negotiation and bargaining are a virtue when you are coming to buy something.
2. Photograph At Gateway Of India
At Gateway Of India, you will find photographers saying “ Photo lena hai aap ko Gateway ke samne?” with a camera in one hand and an album in another. The photographers coax the tourists for a snap beside the Gateway of India and The Taj Hotel. The business of these photographers is not at the upper-end today due to the smartphones in your pocket, but it gives you a nostalgic experience.
3. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangralaya
CSMVS is also known as Prince Of Wales. The Musume has many historic collections. The museum has a rare collection of Inus Valley civilization. It has a collection of ancient coins, sculptures, paintings, etc. The Entry Fee of CSMVS is 110 Rupees for adults and 35 Rupees for students and kids. The Entry Fee of CSMVS is 110 Rupees for adults and 35 Rupees for students and kids. Every section in CSMVS has a detailed historical background on the walls. It includes the Natural History Gallery, Sculpture Gallery, Painting Gallery, Himalayan Art Gallery, Arms, and Armour Gallery, etc.
One of the major attractions at CSMVS is the Baobab Tree. The tree can live up to 3000 years. The tree has been a part of the museum since it was built in 1922 and is one of only three Baobab Trees in Mumbai.
4. Yacht Tour
There are many Yatch services available at Gateway Of India. The services include Sail Yacths, Speed Boats, Motor Yachts, Cabine Cruisers, Party Yacths, and many more. Be it your birthday or want to propose to your loved one want to spend some time with your family or want to have a leisure experience. The Yacht Tour will fix everything. The yacht tour for an hour will cost you approximately INR 4000- INR 7000. You can Pre-Book your ride online.
5. National Gallery Of Modern Art (NGMA)
It is one of the most spacious art galleries in Mumbai. Started with the objective of curating, preserving, and protecting modern art over the past 150 years. The gallery is housed in a colonial building with three floors of artwork, consisting of mostly paintings and sculptures. The entry fee of NGMA, Mumbai is Rs. 20 per Indian and Rs. 500 Per Foreigner.
Best Time To Visit Gateway Of India
There is no specific best time to visit the Gateway of India, though tourists visit Gateway Of India from October to March is usually the preferred time to visit the Gateway Of India, as the climate is pleasant and tourists usually come during this time to enjoy sightseeing, enjoy the sea breeze, eating street food, or admire the charm of The Taj Mahal Palace.Throughout the day the best time to visit Gateway of India is early morning for pleasant weather and late evening to see the beautiful sunset.
Events At The Gateway Of India
1. Navy Day
On December 4 every year at Gateway Of India Navy is celebrated with Pomp and Splender. The Western Command performs some fantastic Drills. Tourists can enjoy the experience on this day.
2. New Year
One New Year’s Eve, many events are hosted at Gateway Of India including – live music, dance performances, a cultural show, and a spectacular laser show.
3. Festival of Sails Regatta
One of the festivals celebrated annually at Gateway Of India is Sails Regatta comprising several Sail Boat races held at different times during the day. There are also events planned for children to introduce the art of sailing.
4. Independence Day
Independence Day at Gateway Of India is celebrated with a laser and lights show. The cultural show is organized at the iconic Gateway of India and the monument is decorated with flowers and lights. Many more events are happening at The Gateway Of India Mumbai is a mega tourist attraction for all the people around the world.
Christmas & New Year
