Here's something useful about Mumbai or Bombay's most popular hang out. It's not a mall, or a discotheque. Think again, it's a monument!
Mumbai's most well-known monument, this is the starting point for most tourists who want to travel around the city. It was built as a triumphal arch to memorialize the visit of King George V and Queen Mary, complete with four turrets and intricate latticework carved into the yellow basalt stone.Paradoxically, when the Raj ended in 1947, this colonial symbol also became a sort of epitaph: the last of the British ships that set sail for England left from the Gateway. Today this representation of colonialism has got Indianised, drawing droves of local tourists and citizens. At the back of the arch, there are steps leading down to the water. Here, you can get into one of the bobbing little motor launches, for a short cruise through Mumbai's fabulous natural harbour.Built in the Indo-saracenic style, the Gateway of India is meant to memorialize the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay, prior to the Darbar in Delhi in December 1911. The foundation was laid on March 31, 1911 between 1915 and 1919 work proceeded on reclamations at Apollo Pier for the land on which the gateway and the new sea wall would be built. The foundations were finished in 1920. The Gateway is constructed from yellow Kharodi basalt and reinforced concrete (R.C.C). The central dome is 48 feet in dia and 83 feet above ground at its highest point. The whole harbour front was realigned in order to come in line with a planned walkway which would sweep down to the centre of the town.The total cost of this structure was Rs. 21 lakhs, sponsored mainly by the Government of India. Due to lack of funds, the approach road was never built, and the Gateway now stands at an angle to the road leading up to it. The construction was finished in 1924, and the Gateway opened on December 4, 1924 by the Viceroy, Earl of Reading. The last British troops to depart India, the First Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry, passed through the gate in a ceremony on February 28, 1948.
The Gateway is Mumbai's most famous tourist attraction and has caused the surrounding area to flourish in support of the travel industry. In addition to the expected food vendors, hotels, and restaurants catering to serve visitors there are also boat launches to Elephanta Island and harbor cruises, a waterfront walkway with steps leading to the water, and a growing nightlife circuit close by.
To reach Gateway of India, one has to take the Western Metro line to Churchgate and take a taxi or walk about 20 minutes to the Gateway (taxi is recommended). As it is the most well-known landmark in the city nearly all taxi drivers know where it is. Bus tours to the Gateway can be arranged through the hotel.
It will take around 2 to 4 hours around the gateway. Although the monument itself may take several minutes to see, it's worth taking a cruise to Elephanta caves and or elsewhere in the harbor, strolling along the stone walkway, exploring a few streets inland to shop or eat is a great way to spend your time.
Have Fun!
Cheers,
Techmechanic
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