Mumbai is the city of workaholics. The song “Dauda Dauda Bhaga Bhaga Sa” perfectly fits Mumbai. Everyone seems in a kind of rush and the city never stops, no matter what. But whenever I think of Mumbai I have this image of Gateway of India. Mumbai’s most famous monument is the most popular monument in Mumbai. Here are more places to visit in Mumbai. It was built as a triumphal arch to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. The design was sanctioned in 1913 and it was completed only in 1924. When the British Raj ended in 1947, the last of the British ships left from here. Now this monument has become a symbol of the city and attracts hordes of local as well as International tourists.
This Gateway of India (not to be confused by India Gate in Delhi) is situated at in the southern Mumbai at the Apollo waterfront Bunder Area. Gateway of India is made of Basalt and reinforced concrete in the shape of an arc. It was designed by George Wittet. It is 26 metres in height. During the British Raj it was the landing place of British governors, officials and passengers. The design of the monument is a mix of Roman triumphal arch and Hindu and Muslim style of architecture. The design of the arch has been inspired by Muslim architecture while the decorations have been done in Hindu style. The stones used were mainly purchased from Gwalior. The dome of Gateway of India is 15 metres in diameter and 26 metres in height. The total structure was made at a hefty price of 21 Lacks (2.5 million dollars) by the Indian government of that time.
A trip to Mumbai is incomplete without a visit to the Gateway of India as the place is full of fun and excitement. It can be visited with family and friends or just on your own. It’s a gathering point for locals and a popular spot among youth and couples. You can enjoy the lovely view with Arabian Sea in the background and the world famous architectural marvel Taj Hotel at the forefront, also the famous Marine Drive is at a walking distance. The Mumbai CST station is not far away too. A lot of ferries ply from Gateway of India to the Elephanta Caves and the Essel World.
A lot of people throng this place especially during the weekend and night time. The cool breeze coming from the sea makes this crowded place a lot cooler than the rest of Mumbai. The place offers a beautiful sunset and moonrise view simultaneously, which is kind of unique. The place has a good seating capacity and lot of people can be seen enjoying the lovely view. Though the jostling crowd, traffic and honking takes away a bit of sheen from the place. Along with the ground a lot of vendors are seen pestering the place and heavy presence of beggars is a little disappointing.
Gateway of India has seen a number of terror attacks. It witnessed its first major bomb blast in 2003 which killed many tourists and the last infamous attack on Taj, Mumbai in 2008 where Gateway of India was the arrival point of the terrorists. In these attacks more than 200 people lost their lives and after that Gateway of India wore a deserted look for a few days. Now, the monument has become a site for all kinds of peaceful protests. Candle light marches are a common sight at this historical place.
How to get there:
Address: Peninsula at end of C. Shivaji Maharaj Marg, Mumbai (Bombay), India
Air: The Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is located at a distance of 28 Kms from the Gateway of India. Taxis are easily available from the airport to the gateway.
Rail: Churchgate and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is at a mere 5 minute distance from the Gateway. Taxis whether shared or single are easily available. Churchgate station is not far away too.
Road: Buses to the Gateway of India can be boarded from every part of Mumbai.
A visit to gateway of India is a must whenever you go to Mumbai. Enjoy the beautiful view of the sea, food stalls, shop from hawkers or just keep on looking at others and this place will never disappoint you just like the city of Mumbai.
Great info on Gateway of India. There’s something magical about this site…maybe because of its connection to Bollywood.;-) Love your dedication of song to Mumbai’s workaholics!
Thanks Renuka.
Awesome article and i like your post here huge information bout Gateway of India. I enjoyed your post and thanks for sharing with us.
Glad you liked the article.
Thanks for sharing this info. This information will help me creating a research paper on gateway of India in Mumbai. 🙂
I hope it will be useful.
Hi Shalu,
Nice post about “Gateway of Mumbai” ! Gateway of Mumbai is such same like Indian Gate (Delhi) there is more similarity between Gateway of Mumbai and Indian Gate as well as same respect & valule too ! Gateway of Mumbai is beautiful publich place, Where most of peoples visite daily to spend their valuabale time ! I have been at Gateway of Mumbai, It’s really beautiful place of Mumbai India !
They are indeed very similar in many aspects. Many get confused which one’s which.
Hello Shalu,
Awesome article about Mumbai Gateway. I’m from Thailand. I’m interested to travel Mumbai in india. Thanks for write this article.
Hope you visit soon.
Great post really describes the beauty of Mumbai and gateway of India and the term is really correct “Dauda Dauda Bhaga Bhaga Sa” Mumbai is like this term only. Thanks for this post.
You are welcome.
Decent post about “Passage of Mumbai” ! Passage of Mumbai is such same like Indian Gate (Delhi) there is more closeness between Gateway of Mumbai and Indian Gate and same admiration & valule too ! Portal of Mumbai is delightful publich place, Where the greater part of people groups visite day by day to invest their valuabale energy ! I have been at Gateway of Mumbai, It’s truly wonderful spot of Mumbai India
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Incredible post truly depicts the excellence of Mumbai and entryway of India and the term is truly right “Dauda Bhaga Sa” Mumbai is similar to this term just. A debt of gratitude is in order for this post.
Glad you like it.
hw does one go from gateway of india to varsoli beach..how long does it take..hw much does it cost approx..and is the place worth the efforts..?? plz give travel instructions in detail please..thank you
Take a taxi.
Great info on Gateway of India. There’s something magical about this site…maybe because of its connection to Bollywood.;-) Love your dedication of song to Mumbai’s workaholics! –
Definitely something magical about it. A great place to visit.
amazing information about Mumbai & I love Mumbai
it is true that Gateway of India has seen a number of terror attacks. It witnessed its first major bomb blast in 2003 which killed many tourists and the last infamous attack on Taj, Mumbai in 2008 where Gateway of India was the arrival point of the terrorists.
Sad but true.
Nice pictures. Mumbai is a must visit for those visiting India with a lot of beautiful places. Mumbai beach, Metro ride (off-peak hours), and the market are major attractions.
Thank you
Excellent information on Entrance of Indian. There’s something wonderful about.Because of its connection to Bollywood or Awesome images.it’s is a must go to for those going to Indian with a lot of wonderful locations.
Thank you, glad you liked it.
Nice blog…thanks for sharing…its very interesting…
i’m searching for this information from long time…
Thanks for Share Nice Article. Yes, Mumbai trip is incomplete without a visit to the Gateway of India.
Gateway of India is a great historical monument built during the British rule in the country.
Thanks for sharing nice article…
Hello Mam ..
Reading your Articles I get to know more about my India. Gateway of India is Really an Amazing and must visit place. Your articles gives enough Information about it. and it is a great work done by you of mention the way to reach there.
Thanks … Keep writing 🙂
Hello Shalu,
I have read a lot of articles of yours. I like the way you write. I am also an upcoming travel blogger, not as big as you though. Anyways, Keep Writing ! 🙂
Thanks for this lovely post. Mam Please come with posts like Mumbai Street Food or something about the Mumbai Pav Bhaji Recipe, etc. Waiting for your reply.
Love the Gateway and it’s even better from a suite in the Taj hotel across the road. One of my favourite experiences in India on my last trip.
Nice blog…thanks for sharing…its very interesting…
i’m searching for this information from long time
I just read your articular and yeah nowadays it’s too much hustle and bustle in busiest cities like Delhi, Mumbai etc. Everybody is busy in search of food and earning money for them and running here to there and there to here and Historical places like Delhi Gate are very important for new generation they get information and knowledge from there type of places I don’t know why they do attack such a places.
I have visited Gateway of India … Great place for travelling .. thanks for sharing your info about Gateway of India. 🙂
Thanks for this great post. Gateway of India is a great historical monument. A great place for travelling. Thanks for an interesting read!