The gateway of India can be called the symbol of Mumbai. Almost all the guidebooks and travelogues carry the picture of this majestic structure in their articles about Mumbai. It is one of the main tourist attractions in Mumbai and thousands of tourists from all over the country and the world visit it every single day all through the year. The site has been used in numerous Indian movies and commercials and is also the venue for cultural performances, especially during the recently started Mumbai Festival. It is also the starting point for the trip to the Elephanta islands, famous for rock cut caves.

The gateway of India was planned to commemorate the arrival of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay to attend the Delhi Durbar of 1911. The foundation stone was laid by Sir George Sydenham Clarke, the Governor of Bombay in March 31, 1911. Construction was completed in 1924. The chief engineers were J C Gammon (Bombay) Pvt Ltd, while the design was provided by George Wittet. The gateway was formally inaugurated on 4th December 1924.

The magnificent structure is located at the Apollo Bunder (port). From the number of tourists that visits the spot every day throughout the year, it is evident that the Gateway of India is one of the topmost Mumbai tourist attractions. The chief elements used in the construction of the gateway are yellow basalt and reinforced concrete. The central dome is the main part of the massive structure and measures 15 meters in diameter. The gateway rises to a maximum height of 26 meters.

Tourism in Mumbai is symbolized by the gateway of India. Every tour operator offering a city tour would make it a point to bring you here. The approach to the gateway is marked by a beautiful garden. The place starts bustling with activity from early morning, when joggers and morning walkers are seen in large numbers. The flock of pigeons is a typical scene associated with the gateway. Later in the day, as tourists start to come in taxis, cars and tourist coaches, the place starts to hum with photographers, guides and vendors selling balloons, toys and a wide range of food.

If you have time, you must make the trip to the Elephanta caves. Ferries ply from the gateway to the caves all day long. The one way tour takes about an hour and as the waves of the Arabian Sea gently rock the boats, the sight of the impressive gateway against the backdrop of the Mumbai skyline makes a marvelous picture.

The gateway of India should be visited by all tourists to Mumbai, and they can visit other important tourist attractions in Mumbai that are located nearby, including the Prince of Wales Museum, Jahangeer art gallery, and the Marine Drive.

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