The Gateway of India is a basalt arch on the Mumbai waterfront at Apollo Bunder, built to mark the 1911 visit of King George V and Queen Mary. Designed by architect George Wittet, it was opened in December 1924 and has since become Mumbai’s best-known landmark.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Built to commemorate | Visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India, 1911 |
| Architect | George Wittet |
| Foundation stone | 31 March 1913 |
| Opened | 4 December 1924 |
| Height | About 26 metres (85 feet) |
| Style | Indo-Saracenic, with Gujarati architectural elements |
| Material | Yellow basalt and reinforced concrete |
| Location | Apollo Bunder, Colaba, Mumbai |
Why was it built?
In December 1911 King George V and Queen Mary arrived at Apollo Bunder in Bombay on their way to the Delhi Durbar. This was the first visit to India by a reigning British monarch. A temporary cardboard-and-plaster arch was reportedly set up to welcome them, and the authorities decided to build a permanent arch in stone to mark the occasion and to serve as a grand entry point for important visitors arriving by sea.
Design and construction
George Wittet, a Scottish architect who also worked on other Bombay landmarks, was chosen to design the monument. The foundation stone was laid on 31 March 1913 by the then Governor of Bombay, Sir George Sydenham Clarke. The final plan was approved in 1914, and construction started a little later. Land had to be reclaimed and a sea wall built, which took time. The work was completed in 1924.
The arch uses an Indo-Saracenic style, blending Indian and Islamic ideas with British design. The inspiration includes 16th-century Gujarati architecture, visible in the carved details and the jali (perforated stone) screens. The central dome is flanked by turrets, and the arch is built from yellow basalt with reinforced concrete, an early use of that technique for such a monument. The basalt is said to have come from nearby quarries, though sources vary on details.
The opening in 1924
The Gateway was opened to the public on 4 December 1924 by the Viceroy, Lord Reading (Rufus Isaacs). Ironically, the arch meant to welcome British rulers ended up as the place where British rule would symbolically end.
The last British troops leave
On 28 February 1948, six months after independence, the last British troops in India, the 1st Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry, marched through the Gateway in a ceremonial farewell. This moment has given the monument a very different meaning in Indian memory: the arch built for arrival became the arch of departure.
The Gateway and modern Mumbai
The Gateway sits opposite the famous Taj Mahal Palace hotel. After the terror attacks of November 2008, which included an attack on the hotel, the area drew large gatherings of mourners and public demonstrations, and security around the monument was tightened. Today, you will see checking at the entrance of the promenade, and the arch itself is surrounded by railings.
What to do around the Gateway of India
- Ferries to Elephanta Caves: boats leave from near the Gateway for the island with ancient rock-cut temples (a UNESCO site). Check the ferry operator and the caves’ timings, as the caves are normally closed on one weekday.
- Taj Mahal Palace hotel: admire the building from outside and walk along the promenade.
- Colaba Causeway: street shopping and cafes close by.
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue: stands near the Gateway.
- Museums and galleries: the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (Prince of Wales Museum) is a short distance away.
Visiting tips
- Entry: the open area around the Gateway is generally accessible with no ticket, but there is security screening. Check current rules (last checked October 2026; we could not confirm any change in access).
- Best time: early morning for fewer crowds and photos, or evening for the sea breeze and lights. Avoid the monsoon high-tide days when waves splash the promenade.
- Getting there: Churchgate or CSMT stations plus a taxi or bus; Colaba is the closest locality. The Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line) has a Colaba-side stop, though check the latest route.
- Be careful: beware of touts who sell boat rides or photo packages at high prices. Always confirm rates before agreeing.
Gateway of India timeline
| When | What happened |
|---|---|
| December 1911 | King George V and Queen Mary land at Apollo Bunder |
| 31 March 1913 | Foundation stone laid |
| 1914 | Final design by George Wittet approved |
| 1924 | Construction completed; opened on 4 December |
| 28 February 1948 | Last British troops leave through the Gateway |
| 2008 | Terror attacks on nearby targets; Gateway becomes a site of mourning and security tightening |
Common mix-ups
Many people think the Gateway was built at the time of independence or to welcome Indian leaders. In fact it was built before independence, for the British royal visit. Another common mistake is to confuse it with India Gate in Delhi, which is a war memorial. Mumbai’s Gateway is on the harbour, whereas India Gate stands on Kartavya Path in the capital.
Another interesting detail is that the monument was completed over a decade after the royal visit that inspired it, so the King never saw the finished arch.
A short walk in Colaba
After the Gateway, walk along the waterfront past the Taj Mahal Palace hotel and into the lanes of Colaba. You will pass cafes, bookshops, street stalls and old Art Deco buildings. Mumbai’s Art Deco and Victorian Gothic buildings in the nearby Fort and Marine Drive areas are a UNESCO World Heritage listing as a group. This makes the Gateway a good starting point for a heritage walk through south Mumbai.
Conclusion
The Gateway of India started as a royal welcome gate and became a symbol of both colonial power and the moment it ended. Standing in front of it, with the Arabian Sea behind you, you are looking at a short, vivid chapter of India’s modern history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who built the Gateway of India?
It was designed by Scottish architect George Wittet and completed in 1924.
Why was the Gateway of India built?
It was built to commemorate the 1911 visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India.
When did the last British troops leave through the Gateway of India?
The last British troops marched out through it on 28 February 1948.
How tall is the Gateway of India?
It is about 26 metres (85 feet) high.
Is there an entry fee for the Gateway of India?
The area is generally open without a ticket, but check current access rules.
