About Gateway of India
The 26-metre basalt arch on Mumbai's waterfront built to welcome King George V in 1911 and, 37 years later, the exit point through which the last British troops left India in 1948 — now the postcard monument of Mumbai and the launch jetty for Elephanta Caves.
History
Commissioned in 1911 to commemorate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary at Apollo Bunder — the first British monarch to set foot in India — the Gateway was designed by Scottish architect George Wittet in the Indo-Saracenic style, blending Hindu and Muslim elements with Roman triumphal-arch proportions. Construction took 13 years (1911–1924) and cost ₹21 lakh. On 28 February 1948, the last regiment of the First Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry marched through the Gateway in reverse, boarding ships back to Britain — the end of the Raj, staged at the same arch that had celebrated its apex. It was also the point from which Mahatma Gandhi was received back from South Africa in 1915, and the site of the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks in 2008 at the adjacent Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Today, it is one of the most photographed monuments in India.
Best Time to Visit
November to February
Travel Tips
- Go at sunrise for dawn light on the basalt and an empty promenade — the area is packed by 10 a.m.
- Elephanta Caves ferry: tickets at the jetty, every 30 min, last return 5:30 p.m.
- Combine with the Taj Palace Hotel (just opposite) for high tea at the Sea Lounge and the Colaba Causeway for shopping
- Security is heavy post-26/11 — bring ID, avoid backpacks
Famous Food in Gateway of India
Temples & Heritage Sites
- Mumba Devi Temple — the goddess who gave Mumbai its name, near Crawford Market
- Siddhivinayak Temple — India's most visited Ganesh shrine, Prabhadevi
- Global Vipassana Pagoda — world's largest stone dome meditation hall, 42 km north
How to Reach Gateway of India
Gateway of India is located in Maharashtra, India at coordinates 18.922°N, 72.8347°E. You can reach Gateway of India by air (nearest airport in Maharashtra), train, or road. Use YatraJunction's free fare calculator to compare live train, bus and flight prices, and to build an AI-powered itinerary tailored to your budget and travel dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best time to visit Gateway of India?
- The best time to visit Gateway of India is November to February.
- What are the top travel tips for Gateway of India?
- Go at sunrise for dawn light on the basalt and an empty promenade — the area is packed by 10 a.m.. Elephanta Caves ferry: tickets at the jetty, every 30 min, last return 5:30 p.m.. Combine with the Taj Palace Hotel (just opposite) for high tea at the Sea Lounge and the Colaba Causeway for shopping. Security is heavy post-26/11 — bring ID, avoid backpacks.
- What food is famous in Gateway of India?
- Famous dishes in Gateway of India include: Vada Pav at Ashok Vada Pav, Kirti College (Mumbai's iconic street food, 5 km away), High Tea at the Sea Lounge, Taj Mahal Palace (opposite the Gateway), Bombay Duck at Trishna, Kala Ghoda, Kyani & Co. Irani café (est. 1904) — bun maska and chai.
