Where is the Gateway of India?
The Gateway of India is located on the waterfront in South
Mumbai in the state of Maharashtra.
The gigantic archway attracts countless number of tourists and visitors both
from India and abroad.
How will you gain access?
Sahar Airport is Mumbai's International airport while Santacruz Airport is
the domestic one. Numerous international and private airlines fly planes
connecting Mumbai to the major cities of India as well as to the world.
Mumbai is also the headquarters of the Central and the Western railways. An
excellent road network links Mumbai to the major parts of the country.
What does the past say?
The Gateway of India was erected in during the British rule in India. The
gigantic archway is built in yellow basalt and is the entrance to the
visitors who wish to see and explore the city of Mumbai. The monument was
built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to the
wonderful city of Mumbai. George Wittet, a British architect had designed
the archway. The gate was opened for public use in the year 1924. The
Gateway of India is the very place from where the last British troop left
India.
What goes behind the architecture?
The archway, built in yellow Kharodi basalt and reinforced concrete, soars
up to a height of 26 metres. The central dome is 48 feet in diameter and
measures 83 feet in height above the ground. The structure is flanked by
four turrets. The intricate latticework can be observed on the stone. The
architecture of the archway also shows influences of the Gujarati style. The
majestic structure is built in the Indo-Saracenic style. There was a sum of
21 lakhs involved in the construction of the monument.
What are the nearby attractions?
» Haji Ali's Tomb
It is tomb of a Muslim Saint who died on his pilgrimage tour to Mecca. The
tomb can be visited only during the low tide as during the high tide the
walkway get immersed into the sea water, making it difficult for the
devotees and the visitors to reach the tomb.
» Chowpatty Beach
The popular Chowpatty Beach is site of celebration of the Coconut Day and
the Ganesh Chaturthi festivals. One can taste here Bhelpuris and Kulfis- the
traditional snacks of Mumbai. On the beach stand the statues of Lokmanya
Tilak and Vallabhbhai Patel, the freedom fighters of India. There can be
seen all around the beach numerous monkey-trainers, balloon sellers,
flower-girls, pony-leaders, masseurs etc.
» Kamla Nehru Park
The
Kamla Nehru Park is mainly a children's park and is named after the wife of
Jawahar Lal Nehru, the first prime minister of India. The park is
wonderfully set on the slopes of the Malabar Hill. The park gives a bird's
eye view of the Marine Drive and Juhu Chowpatty.
» Victoria Terminus
The Victoria Terminus or the recent Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus stands on
the northern end of Dr. D.N. Road. The place has some magnificent Gothic
style buildings designed by F.W.Stevens. Infront of the central facade is
placed a life-size statue of Queen Victoria.
Which are the nearby hotels?
There is a fair bunch of hotels in Mumbai ranging from star-rated deluxe to
budget hotels to Governemnt approved. There are a number of hotels of world
repute including the Tajmahal Hotel(32 km from airport),
the Oberoi Tower(23 km from airport), Hotel President(30 km from
airport) and the Resort(21 km from airport). The 5-star group includes names
like Sun N Sand(a 10-minute drive from airport), Sea Princess(8 km from
airport) and Holiday Inn(a 15-minute drive from airport).
Where should you shop?
Mumbai, being a large metropolis, abounds in market complexes and shopping
malls. Items ranging from designer accessories to traditional handicraft
item can all be found in the markets of the city. Chor Bazar is famous for
jewellery items, handicrafts, wooden articles and leather goods. Mutton
Street and Zaveri Bazar are other popular shopping destination of the city.
Crawford market is famous for flowers, fruit, meat and fish.
