About Gateway Of India :
One of the most prized possessions of the country, the Gateway of India is situated on the waterfront in South Mumbai. Anyone coming to Mumbai from this harbor is greeted by the huge monument, which stands as a testimony to the imperial bygone era of the city. As you pass through the gate from the city side, the first scene that looms into view is that of the waterfront of South Mumbai. A popular harbor, it is used by a large number of people for traveling to the other parts of Bombay, especially the Elephanta Island. The architecture of the Gateway of India comprises of a huge arch, which is approximately 26 m in height. The entire structure has been made by using yellow basalt and reinforced concrete. It has mainly been constructed as per the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. One can also find the features of the Muslim architectural styles that were very much popular in Gujarat in the 16th century. The top of the monument stands adorned with a central dome, which has a diameter of 15 m. The construction of the Gateway of India led to the displacement of the harbor and it had to be completely realigned. The monument was constructed in the early 20th century, at the astronomical price of 21 lakh rupees. The major burden of the cost was undertaken by the Government of India. However, even the 21 lakh rupees could not prove sufficient and the idea of constructing an approach road from the monument had to be discarded. The construction work of Gateway of India was undertaken by Gammon India Limited, established by J C Gammon.
History Of Gateway Of India :
The main idea behind the construction of the Gateway of India was to celebrate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay. Sir George Sydenham Clarke, the then Governor of Bombay, laid down the foundation stone of the monument in March 1911. However, his plan was approved in 1914 and the reclamations at Apollo Bundar got completed in 1919. Designed by George Wittet, an architect, Gateway of India took approximately 4 years (1920 to 1924) to get fully completed.
First Major Event On Gateway Of India :
The first major event that took place at the Gateway of India was the passing of the First Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry. They were the last troops of the British to leave India after independence. The ceremony was conducted on 28th February 1948.
General Information about Gateway Of India :
Location: Mumbai
State: Maharashtra
Capital: Mumbai
Language: Marathi, Hindi, English
Temperature: Max 42˚C, Min 27˚C (summer), Max 26˚C, Min 14˚C (winter)
Best Season: September to March
How to Reach Gateway Of India :
By Air:
Mumbai can be reached through numerous flights. The international terminal Sahar, renamed as Chatrapatti Shivaji International Airport operates round the clock. Hotel bookings and pre-paid taxis are available at the terminal. The domestic terminal Santa Cruz is about 5km apart and can easily be reached through regular shuttle buses between the two terminals. The domestic airport is well connected and can be used to visit most parts of Western and Southern India.
By Rail:
Mumbai is a prominent railway hub of the country. It is the headquarters to two railway zones, central and western. While Central Railways handles services to the east and south, Western Railways has services to the north from Church gate and Central stations. The main railway station Chatrapatti Shivaji Terminus (CST) formerly known, as Victoria terminus (VT) is located in the heart of the city. Local and outstation trains ply from here. Other railway stations are Dadar, Church gate and Kurla. Bookings are to be made in advance to avoid the last minute rush, as trains are the most used mode of transport. The extensive system of suburban electric train network is the most sought after transport means in Mumbai for city travel.
By Road:
Mumbai is well connected by a network of roads to the rest of India by and state highways. Mumbai has one of the best public bus systems of any major Indian city called BEST buses. Mumbai has a huge fleet of metered black-and-yellow taxis as well.
How to travel in Mumbai:
The Metro Trains of Mumbai add a different dimension to your travel in Mumbai and are also easily available. Mumbai has one of the best public bus systems of any major Indian city. Called BEST buses, their red double-decker buses are an experience to cherish. One can also try suburban electric trains that connect most places in the city, or the large and efficient fleet of metered black-and-yellow taxis.