Gateway of India, Mumbai: India Insider Tips

Gateway of India

Mumbai’s Gateway of India is one of the most important monuments in Asia. It sits on the coast and is often the first thing people see when they arrive via boat. It was originally a jetty used by fishermen, and today is crowded with both locals and tourists on a daily basis.

History of the Gateway

The Gateway of India is one of the premier tourist attractions in the city of Mumbai. It was first erected in 1924 by the British Government. Before today’s version was built, the are on the southern border of Mumbai was largely used for fishing until it was renovated in 1924 as a means to pay tribute to Kind George V of England and his wife Queen Mary. It stands at about 26 meters tall.

Locals and Tourists

One reason people enjoy the Gateway is because it’s also frequented by locals, and the best way to get a feel for a city is to do the things that the local residents do. Visitors can relax and chat with locals, watch the boats roll out to sea, and admire the historic architecture. While this isn’t the most tourist-frequented part of Mumbai, plenty of travelers spend time here. Accordingly, local merchants sell balloons and postcards. The sunsets at the Gateway of India are worth seeing if you’re willing to explore here at night.

Apollo Bunder Promenade

The grassy lawn in front of the Gateway is called the Apollo Bunder Promenade. In the early days of the Gateway it was used by the local fisherman as their dockyard. The centerpiece of the Apollo Bunder is the statue in the center of Chhatrapati, a great Indian king and war hero of the 17th century.

Boat Rides

Take a boat ride or ferry from the Gateway to the nearby Elephanta Caves. The Gateway is just as awe-inspiring from the ocean, and some locals even find the site to be emotional as their ancestors had entered and left the country from that very spot in Mumbai. The Elephanta Caves are centuries-old cave temples home to handmade sculptures and cavern paths.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do at the Gateway of India in Mumbai.