The majestic Gateway of India is a glorious historical memorial built during British rule. This magnificent monument has been built in Indo-Sarcenic style to commemorate the visit King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay. Gateway of India is one of the finest example of colonial architectural heritage in India. This grand structure stands at the Apollo Bunder, a popular meeting place in Mumbai. The gateway of India was designed by the British architect George Wittet and was opened for general public in the year 1924.

The gateway of India was built to celebrate the colonial triumph and honor the visits of King George V and Queen Mary. The construction of the Gateway of India in Mumbai was finished in 1924 and the gateway was opened by the then Viceroy, the Earl of Reading on December 4th, 1924. But after the Raj ended in 1947, ironically the gateway of India became a kind of an epitaph as the last of the British ships ceremoniously departed India towards England, through this archway. Now, this colonial symbol has been indianised and changed to a major tourist attraction in Mumbai.

The Gateway is built with yellow Kharodi basalt and reinforced with concrete. The central dome has a diameter of 48 feet and it is 83 feet from the ground at its highest point. The entire harbour front was realigned in order to be in line with the walkway that was planned to go right down to the center of the town. The Government of India mainly funded the construction of the gateway. It cost Rs.21 lakhs in those days. Due to the lack funds the approach road to the Gateway was never built and the Gateway stands at an angle to the road leading to it. The construction was completed in 1924 and was opened on December 4th 1924 by the Viceroy, Earl of Reading. The last British troops to leave India after its independence was the First Battalion of Somerset Light Infantry. They passed under the Gateway in a ceremony On February 28th 1948.
The Gateway of India is a sight to behold in the changing light of the sun. The light of the rising and setting sun gives it different shades of gold, russet and pink to the enormous arch.

Air:- The International Airport is located at a distance of 28 Kms from the city centre. Domestic and International flights are available to Mumbai.

Rail:-Churchgate and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus are the major railhed near the Gatweay of India.

October to March