Mumbai's grand seafront arch — the city's most famous landmark. Facing the harbour.
Gateway of India is in Mumbai. Entry is Free for Indian visitors. It opens open 24 hours; liveliest in the evening. Open all week. The best time is Early morning or evening. Away from the midday sun.
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Completed | 1924 |
| Designed by | George Wittet |
| Style | Indo-Saracenic |
| Height | about 26 m |
| Location | Colaba, Mumbai |
The Gateway of India stands on Mumbai's harbour. It was finished in 1924 in basalt. It marked a royal visit of 1911.
The last British troops left India through it in 1948. Today it is Mumbai's great meeting point. Ferries to Elephanta leave from beside it.
The arch faces the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Crowds, boats and vendors fill the plaza. It is free and open at all hours.
Sources: Gateway of India — Wikipedia · Maharashtra Tourism.
A honey-brown ceremonial arch on the waterfront.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Style | Indo-Saracenic, in basalt |
| Height | About 26 metres |
| Built | Completed 1924 |
| Faces | The Arabian Sea harbour |
Key facts and figures — every data point links to its source.
| Detail | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation stone | 31 March 1913 | Wikipedia |
| Completed / opened | 1924 | Wikipedia |
| Arch height | 26 m (85 ft) | Wikipedia |
| Central dome | 15 m across | Britannica |
| Architect | George Wittet | Wikipedia |
| Style | Indo-Saracenic | Wikipedia |
| Material | Yellow basalt & concrete | Wikipedia |
| Commemorates | 1911 royal visit | Wikipedia |
| Last British troops | left through it, 1948 | Wikipedia |
| Dome diameter | 15 m | Britannica |
| Design sanctioned | 1914 | Wikipedia |
| Turrets | four, lattice-screened | Wikipedia |
| Faces | Mumbai Harbour | Wikipedia |
| Built for | viceroys arriving by sea | Wikipedia |
| Stone | local yellow basalt | Wikipedia |
| Now | a lively public plaza | Wikipedia |
| Mumbai's | best-known landmark | Wikipedia |
| On | the Apollo Bunder waterfront | Wikipedia |
| A hub for | boats and crowds | Wikipedia |
The foundation stone was laid in 1913. The arch was completed in 1924. George Wittet designed it.
The arch rises 26 metres high. Its central dome is 15 metres across. Yellow basalt builds it.
It marks a 1911 royal landing. King George V and Queen Mary arrived. It faces the Arabian Sea.
The last British troops left through it. That was in 1948. Ferries to Elephanta depart beside it.
The arch draws on Gujarati design. Latticed screens soften the stone. Four turrets frame the dome.
It was long a ceremonial doorway. Viceroys arrived here by sea. Now crowds gather at its steps.
It framed arrivals from the sea. Grand ships once docked here. Today ferries and crowds fill it.
The arch is Mumbai's great symbol. It stands on the harbour's edge. Crowds gather from dawn to night.
It once welcomed ships from Britain. Viceroys stepped ashore here. The last troops left through it.
Now it is a lively plaza. Ferries leave for Elephanta. The Taj hotel frames the view.
Crowds throng it every evening. Vendors sell snacks and trinkets. Boats bob at the jetty.
It frames a classic photo. The Taj hotel stands opposite. The sea stretches beyond.
Sources: Gateway of India — Wikipedia · Maharashtra Tourism.
Room by room, and detail by detail.
Sources: Gateway of India — Wikipedia · Maharashtra Tourism.
| When | What happened |
|---|---|
| 1911 | A royal visit is commemorated. |
| 1913 | The foundation stone is laid. |
| 1924 | The Gateway is completed. |
| 1948 | The last British troops depart. |
| 1915 | Reclamation of the site begins. |
Sources: Gateway of India — Wikipedia · Maharashtra Tourism.
Fees and timings change from time to time. Confirm on the official site before you go.
| Visitor | Ticket |
|---|---|
| Everyone | Free |
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Open 24 hours; liveliest in the evening. |
| Weekly closing | Open all week. |
| Best time to visit | Early morning or evening, away from the midday sun. |
| How long to allow | Allow thirty to forty-five minutes. |
Sources: Gateway of India — Wikipedia · Maharashtra Tourism.
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Area | Apollo Bunder, Colaba |
| Nearest station | CSMT or Churchgate, then a taxi |
| Mode | Best for | Book / source |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Air | Reaching Mumbai from afar | IndiGo |
| 🚆 Rail | Trains across India | IRCTC |
| 🚕 Taxi / app cab | Door-to-door comfort | Uber / Ola |
| 🛺 Auto-rickshaw | Short local hops | meter / app |
Taxis reach Apollo Bunder easily. Ferries to Elephanta depart alongside.
Plan around India's seasons. Early morning or evening, away from the midday sun.
| Season | Weather | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| 🍂 Oct–Mar | Cool, dry, pleasant | Best time to visit |
| ☀️ Apr–Jun | Hot on the plains | Go early; carry water |
| 🌧️ Jul–Sep | Warm, monsoon showers | Fewer crowds, green views |
Base yourself in Mumbai to visit with ease. It has stays for every budget. Book ahead in the cool season. Compare hotels on Booking.com. Find homes on Airbnb. See our Mumbai guide for the best areas.
Midday sun and crowds are harsh.
Ignore unofficial boat sellers.
Arrive at opening time. You beat crowds, and heat.
A good guide brings the history alive.
Shade can be limited here.
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| 🎫 Entry (Indian) | Free |
| 🎫 Entry (foreign) | Free |
| 🧑🏫 Local guide | ₹300–800 for a tour |
| 📷 Camera / video | Often a small extra fee |
| 🚕 Transport | ₹100–500 by auto or cab |
Costs are indicative. Confirm official rates on site.
Pair Gateway of India with sights close by. Together they make a full, rewarding day. Start early to beat the crowds and heat.
No. It is a free public monument.
It is open 24 hours, best in the evening.
It was designed by George Wittet, completed in 1924.
Yes. Ferries depart from beside it.
Early morning or evening, away from the midday sun.
Allow thirty to forty-five minutes.
Yes. Mumbai's grand seafront arch — the city's most famous landmark. Facing the harbour.
You can also visit Elephanta Caves, Marine Drive, Mumbai guide.
Stay in Mumbai. See our Mumbai guide.
Keep exploring around Mumbai.
