Gateway of India, Mumbai (must see)
Built on reclaimed land of the Apollo Bundar, the Gateway of India was constructed to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911, the first ever by a British Monarch. Later, it became a landing port for British governors and distinguished guests and also the port of exit for the British Empire when the country gained its independence.
Designed by Scotsman George Wittet, the Gateway of India is a perfect example of an Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. With a signature central dome and largely Hindu designs and inscriptions, the monument is simply a gateway to the Indian society and showcases its unity in spite of its cultural diversity. Although the foundations for the building were laid in 1913, work did not start until 1920 due to the time taken for reclamation of the land. Built from yellow basalt sourced from local quarries, the structure was formally inaugurated in 1924.
Boats ferry from this point to the Elephanta Caves or one can just take a luxury boat around the harbor for a couple of hours. The famous Taj Mahal Hotel, which is twenty years older than the Gateway of India stands exactly opposite this monument and is also known for its splendid architecture.
Designed by Scotsman George Wittet, the Gateway of India is a perfect example of an Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. With a signature central dome and largely Hindu designs and inscriptions, the monument is simply a gateway to the Indian society and showcases its unity in spite of its cultural diversity. Although the foundations for the building were laid in 1913, work did not start until 1920 due to the time taken for reclamation of the land. Built from yellow basalt sourced from local quarries, the structure was formally inaugurated in 1924.
Boats ferry from this point to the Elephanta Caves or one can just take a luxury boat around the harbor for a couple of hours. The famous Taj Mahal Hotel, which is twenty years older than the Gateway of India stands exactly opposite this monument and is also known for its splendid architecture.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Mumbai. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Gateway of India on Map
Sight Name: Gateway of India
Sight Location: Mumbai, India (See walking tours in Mumbai)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Mumbai, India (See walking tours in Mumbai)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Mumbai, India
Create Your Own Walk in Mumbai
Creating your own self-guided walk in Mumbai is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Malabar Hill Walking Tour
Malabar Hill, Mumbai's swanky residential area, is home to numerous movie stars and business tycoons, with the price of property enough to make even Manhattan blush. Besides luxury mansions, though, this upscale neighborhood is also known for its historical and cultural significance as well as picturesque views. It's a place where you can explore various landmarks that offer a glimpse... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Mumbai Introduction Walking Tour
Mumbai (previously known as Bombay, meaning "good bay") is a thriving metropolis on the shore of the Mumbai Harbor. The city is the financial, commercial, and entertainment capital of India, and a home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Bollywood.
Portuguese took control of Mumbai in 1534. In 1661 they gifted it to the British, as part of the dowry from Catherine of Braganza,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Portuguese took control of Mumbai in 1534. In 1661 they gifted it to the British, as part of the dowry from Catherine of Braganza,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Mumbai's Historical Churches
The seven islands making up Mumbai were originally home to the communities of the Marathi language-speaking Koli people whose main religion is Hindu. Under the Mughal Imperial rule, Mumbai adopted Islam, so today roughly 20% of the local population are Muslims.
When the Portuguese took over the city in 1534, they actively enforced the Roman Catholic order, later followed by the British who... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
When the Portuguese took over the city in 1534, they actively enforced the Roman Catholic order, later followed by the British who... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Places to Eat Local Food in Mumbai
As its said, in a city like Mumbai, anybody wanting a good meal any time of the day, there’s always a rush and a stomach will always be fed. Whether its a quick bite or to indulge yourself, there is a plethora of tastes and flavours, 24/7, vying to satiate your taste buds. Multifaceted,...
Mumbai Shopping: 16 Souvenir Ideas for Travelers
In India, a foreigner can't get far without insider knowledge, whether it's for souvenir shopping or something else. Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay) is by far the most popular and the largest of Indian cities, teeming with a plethora of things representative of India's millenia-long...