The Gateway of India is an arch-monument built in the early twentieth century in the city of Mumbai, Maharashtra. It was erected to commemorate the landing in December 1911 at Apollo Bunder, Mumbai of King-Emperor George V and Queen-Empress Mary, the first British monarch to visit India.
After its construction, the gateway was used as a symbolic ceremonial entrance to British India for important colonial personnel. It has been called a symbol of "conquest and colonization" commemorating the British colonial legacy. The gateway is also the monument from where the last British troops left India in 1948, following Indian independence.
Gateway of India History
The gateway was built to commemorate the arrival of George V, Emperor of India and Mary of Teck, Empress consort, in India at Apollo Bunder, Mumbai (then Bombay) on 2 December 1911 prior to the Delhi Durbar of 1911; it was the first visit of a British monarch to India. However, they only got to see a cardboard model of the monument, as construction did not begin until 1915. The foundation stone for the gateway was laid on 31 March 1913 by then governor of Bombay, Sir George Sydenham Clarke with the final design of George Wittet for the gateway sanctioned in August 1914.
Before the gateway's construction, Apollo Bunder used to serve as a native fishing ground. Between 1915 and 1919 work continued at the Apollo Bunder to reclaim the land on which the gateway was to be built, along with the construction of a sea wall. Gammon India had undertaken construction work for the gateway. Its foundations were completed in 1920 while construction was finished in 1924. The gateway was opened to the public on 4 December 1924 by the then viceroy, Rufus Isaacs.
Top Attractions in Gateway of India
1. Alibaug
Alibaug, a coastal town that is toured by the ferry that departs from Gateway of India. The place encourages tranquillity in the atmosphere. Experience the magnificence of Alibaug Beach and Varsoli Beach. Alibaug is one of the famous tourist attractions of Maharashtra.
2. Statue Of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Situated near Apollo Bandar, the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is the symbolic structure denotes the bravery of one of the Shivaji Dynasty warrior. It is approx. 0.1km away from Gateway of India.
3. Bowen Memorial Methodist Church
One of the oldest churches in south Mumbai denotes the faith and divinity. It is dedicated to the Missionary George H. Bowen in 1889.
Things To Do in Gateway of India
1. Explore the “Food Tours Of India”
One of its own kind, it is a walking food tour and is almost 3 hours. Here, you can explore different Indian cuisines.
2. Colaba Market
You can explore the Colaba Market for shopping. The market consists of almost everything comprising from conventional to contemporary.
Best Time to Visit Gateway of India
Though the place is an ever-walking spectacle, still we recommend you to visit the monument during October and March.
How to Reach Gateway of India?
From Mumbai suburbs, you can take any local train that leaves for Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus station or the Churchgate station. These two stations are closest to the Gateway of India.
