Gateway of India, Mumbai

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.

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 iTunes 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.

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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:

Walking Tours in Mumbai, India

Create Your Own Walk in Mumbai

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.
Mumbai's Top Religious Sites

Mumbai's Top Religious Sites

The seven islands that constitute 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 began to adopt 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, followed later by the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Malabar Hill Walking Tour

Malabar Hill Walking Tour

Malabar Hill is the highest point in the south of Mumbai and the city's most exclusive residential area – home to a number of movie stars and business tycoons. It is also the location of several prominent attractions.

Among them are the Hanging Gardens, terraced gardens perched at the top of Malabar Hill with a beautiful sunset views over the Arabian Sea. Walkeshwar Mandir Temple is a...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Mumbai Introduction Walking Tour

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

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