मुंबई दर्शनीय स्थल
SightseeingGateway of India
Open 24 hours · Elephanta ferries 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Apollo Bunder, Colaba, Mumbai – 400001
- Built
- 1913 – 1924
- Architect
- George Wittet
- Height
- 26 metres
The Story
About Gateway of India
Mumbai's most iconic landmark, the Gateway of India is a magnificent basalt arch standing 26 meters tall on the waterfront at Apollo Bunder, Colaba. Built in 1924 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary, it witnessed a defining moment of Indian history when the last British regiment marched through it in 1948. Today it is the city's grandest meeting point and departure hub for ferry rides to Elephanta Caves.
History & Significance
The Gateway of India was built to commemorate the 1911 visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay. Designed by architect George Wittet in the Indo-Saracenic Revival style — drawing on 16th-century Gujarati architecture — its foundation stone was laid in 1913, with land reclamation and construction following before the arch was completed in 1924. Built of yellow basalt and reinforced concrete, its central dome spans 15 metres. On 28 February 1948, the last British troops in India — the 1st Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry — passed through the arch as they departed, marking the symbolic end of British rule. Today it is the city's most photographed monument and its best-loved gathering place.
Highlights
- A 26-metre basalt triumphal arch on the Apollo Bunder waterfront
- Indo-Saracenic design blending Gujarati, Islamic and European motifs
- Central dome 15 metres across; its screens were crafted in Gwalior
- Departure point for ferries to the Elephanta Caves (UNESCO site)
- Faces the landmark Taj Mahal Palace Hotel across the plaza
Through the Lens
A closer look at Gateway of India
Real, free-licensed photographs of Gateway of India — tap any image to view it full-screen.
Before You Go
Visitor tips
A few things worth knowing before you visit Gateway of India.
- Sunrise and sunset give the most dramatic light for photography
- Book the first ferry slot (9 AM) to Elephanta Caves from the adjoining jetty
- Weekends and holidays are very crowded — weekday mornings are calmest
- Use only government-authorised ferries; ignore touts offering boat rides
- Round off the visit with afternoon tea in the Taj Mahal Palace lobby
Getting There
Find it on the map
Ready to visit Gateway of India?
Weave it into a private, chauffeur-driven Mumbai darshan — hotel pickup, an AC vehicle and door-to-door care from start to finish.