Trip: Gateway of India Taj Mahal in the elusive city

Nitul Gajjar

Reen Drive, Juhu Chowpatty, Dharavi, Taj Hotel, Mumbai Devi, Siddhivinayak Mandir, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Essel World, Victoria Terminus etc. are the major attractions of Mumbai city. Most of these places are preferred by everyone visiting Mumbai. But a trip to Mumbai is incomplete without visiting a place. This place means 'Gateway of India'. No matter where else one has visited, everyone's trip to Mumbai is incomplete if they don't get a chance to visit the 'Gateway of India'. Originally built by the British, this 'Gateway of India' has become the identity of the city of Mumbai today. If you don't come here and stand near the 'Gateway of India' and take photos, then the trip to this Mayanagari seems incomplete. This 4th December marks 100 years of this historical monument of Mumbai. The gateway was built in 1924 in honor of British King George V and Queen Mary during their visit to Mumbai. The king and queen entered the city through this gate, adjacent to the port of Apollo. The 26 meter high 'Gateway of India' was designed by British engineer George Wittet and took over a decade to build. At that time, the construction cost of 'Gateway of India' was 21 lakh rupees. However, later due to lack of funds, the construction of the road from the 'Gateway of India' to the city was disrupted and left pending. After 1924, many Viceroys and other high British officials used to enter India through this gate. When the British liberated India, the last remaining soldiers in the country also boarded the ship after passing through the 'Gateway of India'. Today this monument has become a popular destination. Located at the end of Chhatrapati Shivaji Marg in South Bombay, the 'Gateway of India' attracts millions of visitors every year. The Taj Hotel located opposite this monument is also a center of attraction for visitors. Apart from this, the view of the Mumbai skyline from the coast near the 'Gateway of India' makes this place more attractive and interesting. The 'Gateway of India' is a fine example of the Indo-Saracenic architectural style. This magnificent arch-shaped structure is also influenced by the Muslim architectural style, while its decoration reflects the Hindu style. A mixture of yellow basalt and concrete has been used in the construction of the 'Gateway of India', due to which this monument has stood firm for so many years even against the salty air of the sea. The dome of the 'Gateway of India', nicknamed the Taj Mahal of Mumbai, is 83 feet high and 45 feet in diameter. On both sides of this monument there are huge auditoriums. It can accommodate up to 600 people. Special lighting has been arranged at this place for the night time, due to which the view of 'Gateway of India' flourishes more. Behind this 'Gateway of India' are circular stairs, which extend to the Arabian Sea. Being under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India, the monument is very well preserved even today. Visitors to the 'Gateway of India' can enjoy sitting on the beach overlooking the vast ocean, having breakfast and taking photos with the Taj Hotel or the 'Gateway of India' in the background. The 'Gateway of India' is of great importance in the city of Mumbai. Originally there are ferry services from Apollo port to various islands around Mumbai. Ferry service from Mumbai to Bandra, Elephanta, Mandwa, Alibaug etc. can be availed only from 'Gateway of India'. Apart from this, many sightseeing places of Mumbai are also located near the 'Gateway of India'. Just in front of Mumbai's famous Taj Hotel. Apart from this, the recently unveiled huge statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the 'Chhatrapati Shivaji Vastu Museum' are also located nearby. Another sightseeing spot near the 'Gateway of India' is Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. The construction of this railway station at a distance of only three kilometers is very interesting and spectacular. Located near the 'Gateway of India' located in the most posh areas of South Mumbai like Colaba, there are plenty of food and drink options available. Near here is 'Leopold Cafe'. Apart from this, there are many restaurants near the 'Gateway of India' as a good dining option. An ice cream parlor of 'K Rustam & Company' is located near here. Since the 1950s, this place has been a popular ice cream spot for everyone from Bollywood celebrities to big businessmen. Here, ice cream is served between wafer biscuits. Apart from this, different flavors of ice cream are available in this place. This makes the parlor a must visit place. }

Know before going… So 'Gateway of India' is a place to visit all year round. But during monsoons you will have the privilege of witnessing the raudra form of the sea here. Other than that, the evening time is considered the best time to visit the 'Gateway of India'. Á The best way to reach the 'Gateway of India' is by train to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. Apart from that one can also come here by road. The 'Gateway of India' is about an hour away from Mumbai airport. Á Some areas around the 'Gateway of India' are only accessible on foot, so be prepared. Á Apollo Port is an important point for the city's ferry service. From here boats are available to go to Elephanta Caves. Apart from this, evening cruises also depart from this port. In which one can enjoy the meal while watching the sun setting over the sea.