Gateway of India

Home | Attractions Mumbai | Gateway of India

Situated on the waterfront in South Mumbatuated on the waterfront in South Mumbai the Gateway of India is one of the most prized possessions of the country. Anybody coming to Mumbai is greeted by the huge monument, which stands as a evidence to the imperial bygone era of the city. As you go by through the gate from the city side, the first scene that looms into view is that of the waterfront of South Mumbai. A well-liked harbor, it is used by a large number of people for roaming to the other parts of Bombay, especially the Elephanta Island.

The core plan behind the building of the Gateway of India was to rejoice the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay. In March 1911, Sir George Sydenham Clarke, the then Governor of Bombay, laid down the foundation stone of the monument. Though, his plan was permitted in 1914 and the reclamations at Apollo Bundar got finished in 1919. An architect George Wittet designed Gateway of India, which took approximately 4 years (1920 to 1924) to get fully completed.

The structural design of the Gateway of India comprises of a huge arch, which is about 26 m in height. The whole structure has been made by using yellow basalt and unbreakable concrete. It has primarily been built as per the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. Tourist can also find the features of the Muslim architectural styles that were very much popular in Gujarat in the 16th century.