During the British rule this grand gateway was built at Mumbai's Apollo Bunder to commomerate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. The foundation stone of this masterpiece was laid on 31st March 1911, by the then governor of Mumbai(Bombay) Sir George Sydenham Clarke. It's conceptualizing, drawing and planning was done by a well known architect George Wittet.
The monument cost about 21lakhs. The cost of this edifice was bore by the Government of India. The Gateway was officially opened on 4th December 1924.
This arched monument has 4 beautiful turrets and elaborate lattice work engraved in yellow basalt stone. For construction of Gateway, land was reclaimed from sea by filling rocks and earth. The foundation was taken 32feet deep.
This monument is unique amalgam of Indian-Islamic architectural styles. The basalt arch is 26meters (85feet approx.) in height having a diameter of 48feet. This spectacular monument being a heritage site in India has been attracting tourists from the globe.
After Independence statues of Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Swami Vivekanand have been erected near the Gateway. This splendid monument symbolizes the cultural richness of the city. There are regular ferries for Elephanta caves, Alibaug and the nearby villages from here.
Please don't forget to read the writing on the Gateway of India which reads "Erected to commemorate the landing in India of their Imperial Majesties King George V and Queen Mary on the second of December MCMXI."
Nearest railway stations: C.S.T(V.T) on central railway, Churchgate on western railway.
Buses to reach:1,2,3,6,9,16,20,22,24,43,44,47,61,101,103.
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