Overlooking the Arabian Sea in the city of Mumbai, stands a historic monument that is now a major tourist hotspot. It is located at Apollo Bunder Waterfront in Southern Mumbai, the Gateway of India, built in Indo-Saracenic style, is one of the defining spots of Mumbai and was opened to public in 1924. It is made of yellow basalt and indissoluble concrete, and designed with intricate latticework. The beauty of the monument also lies in the fact that visitors can witness blue sea ahead, a pleasant blend of nature’s beauty and man’s resources.
Things to do:
People can visit the monument throughout the day. November to March is a good time to visit, as you can experience the pleasant post-monsoon climate. Don’t forget to get a picture clicked with the monument in the background. Visitors can also enjoy memorable sunsets or sunrises, while looking towards the sea from the Gateway. You can also visit the Elephanta caves from here, as the Gateway is a point for boats to ply from. Nearby places include:
Colaba Causeway Market:
A great spot for street shopping in Mumbai that also features fashionable boutiques and buildings from the British era.
Walkeshwar Temple:
Believed to be over 3000 years old, there is a story associated with this temple that Lord Ram once paid a visit here.
Nehru Science Centre:
The place often hosts art shows and science exhibitions. If you’re a scientist at heart, you will certainly enjoy the more than 500 hands-on and interactive science exhibits on energy, sound, mechanics etc.
Getting there:
Mumbai is a well-connected metropolitan city with three airports – Mumbai International Airport, Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport and Santa Cruz Domestic Airport, all of which have cabs that go to the Gateway of India.
Trains from Central, East and West India arrive at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Junction while trains from North India arrive at Mumbai Central Station.
Trivia:
This monument was built by British architect George Wittet to welcome King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai. Years later, the last horde of British troops left India through this gateway.
