Gateway of India, Mumbai

About Gateway of India

The Gateway of India, located at Apollo Bunder in Colaba, Mumbai, is a famous arch monument built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911. Built between 1913 and 1924 during the British Raj, the monument stands approximately 26 meters high and is aligned along the Apollo Bunder waterfront. The monument is a cultural symbol of Mumbai, attracting millions of visitors each year for its historical significance and spectacular views of the Arabian Sea. Its features include a large central arch, intricate latticework, and a blend of Hindu, Islamic and classical designs, reflecting the Indo-Saracenic architectural synthesis of the time.

Architecture of Gateway of India

The Gateway of India exemplifies the Indo‑Saracenic architectural style, a colonial era synthesis of Indian and Islamic forms with European classical influences. Conceived by Scottish architect George Wittet, its design was sanctioned in 1914 and executed under British governance, with construction completed in 1924. The monument’s structural and decorative features combine Mughal dome motifs, cusped arches, jaali latticework, and elements inspired by 16th‑century Gujarati stonework. The use of yellow basalt and reinforced concrete ensured robustness against Mumbai’s coastal climate, while imported Gwalior perforated screens accent its façades.

• Main central archway rising to 26 m
• Two smaller flanking arches on long sides
• Four ornamental turrets above the structure
• Large central dome with approximately 15 m diameter
• Steps leading down to the Arabian Sea
• Adjoining halls on each side of the arch

The Gateway’s layout is symmetrical and monumental, creating a ceremonial entry point facing the harbour and embodying colonial power juxtaposed with indigenous architectural references.

Interesting facts about Gateway of India

• It is built of yellow basalt stone and reinforced concrete to withstand coastal weather.
• The central arch is 26 meters high, allowing large ceremonial processions and naval entries.
• It has been the site of three major terrorist attacks in the country that took place in 2003 and 2008 at the Taj Mahal Hotel and other prominent locations in Mumbai.
• The last British ship after India's independence sailed from the Gateway of India in 1947 to leave the country and made it a legend.
• During the rule of the British Government, it was used as an arrival point for visitors coming from the West.
• The monument is surrounded by another major tourist attraction of Mumbai, Marine Drive, which is facing the vast Arabian Sea.

How to reach Gateway of India