About Gateway of India
A 26-metre basalt arch on Mumbai's waterfront, raised to welcome King George V in 1911. Thirty-seven years on, in 1948, the last British troops marched out of India through it. Today: Mumbai's postcard monument and the launch jetty for the Elephanta Caves ferry.
History
Commissioned in 1911 to commemorate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary at Apollo Bunder — the first British monarch to set foot in India — the Gateway was designed by Scottish architect George Wittet in the Indo-Saracenic style, blending Hindu and Muslim elements with Roman triumphal-arch proportions. Construction took 13 years (1911–1924) and cost ₹21 lakh. On 28 February 1948, the last regiment of the First Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry marched through the Gateway in reverse, boarding ships back to Britain — the end of the Raj, staged at the same arch that had celebrated its apex. It was also the point from which Mahatma Gandhi was received back from South Africa in 1915, and the site of the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks in 2008 at the adjacent Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Today, it is one of the most photographed monuments in India.
Best Time to Visit
November to February
Currency converter
Live INR rates, refreshed hourly. Type any amount you see on a ticket, menu or fare board to convert it.
Plan your visit
Stay, fly, or ride to Gateway of India, Maharashtra
Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Traveller photos
Photos from people who’ve been
Be the first to add a shot of how it really looks.
Got a photo from your visit? Add it here.
Uploading anonymously is fine — but sign in so your photos move with you across devices.
Loading photos…
Traveller reviews
What others say about Gateway of India
Sign in to leave a review for Gateway of India.
Sign inLoading reviews…
Travel Tips
- Go at sunrise for dawn light on the basalt and an empty promenade — the area is packed by 10 a.m.
- Elephanta Caves ferry: tickets at the jetty, every 30 min, last return 5:30 p.m.
- Combine with the Taj Palace Hotel (just opposite) for high tea at the Sea Lounge and the Colaba Causeway for shopping
- Security is heavy post-26/11 — bring ID, avoid backpacks
Famous Food in Gateway of India
Temples & Heritage Sites
- Mumba Devi Temple — the goddess who gave Mumbai its name, near Crawford Market
- Siddhivinayak Temple — India's most visited Ganesh shrine, Prabhadevi
- Global Vipassana Pagoda — world's largest stone dome meditation hall, 42 km north
How to Reach Gateway of India
Gateway of India is located in Maharashtra, India at coordinates 18.922°N, 72.8347°E. You can reach Gateway of India by air (nearest airport in Maharashtra), train, or road. Use YatraJunction's free fare calculator to compare live train, bus and flight prices, and to build an AI-powered itinerary tailored to your budget and travel dates.
Planning Your Visit to Gateway of India
Gateway of India lies in Maharashtra, India, and ranks among the state’s most-visited heritage destinations. The nearest major city and transport gateway is Mumbai, roughly 18 km away — most travellers route through Mumbai by air or rail before continuing on to Gateway of India. Time your trip for November to February for the most comfortable weather.
Visitors from United States are eligible for India’s e-Tourist Visa — apply online a few days before you fly. all on-site costs are in Indian Rupees (₹); use the currency converter above to see each ticket tier in your home currency.
Attractions closest to Gateway of India
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best time to visit Gateway of India?
- The best time to visit Gateway of India is November to February.
- What are the top travel tips for Gateway of India?
- Go at sunrise for dawn light on the basalt and an empty promenade — the area is packed by 10 a.m.. Elephanta Caves ferry: tickets at the jetty, every 30 min, last return 5:30 p.m.. Combine with the Taj Palace Hotel (just opposite) for high tea at the Sea Lounge and the Colaba Causeway for shopping. Security is heavy post-26/11 — bring ID, avoid backpacks.
- What food is famous in Gateway of India?
- Famous dishes in Gateway of India include: Vada Pav at Ashok Vada Pav, Kirti College (Mumbai's iconic street food, 5 km away), High Tea at the Sea Lounge, Taj Mahal Palace (opposite the Gateway), Bombay Duck at Trishna, Kala Ghoda, Kyani & Co. Irani café (est. 1904) — bun maska and chai.
- Where is Gateway of India located?
- Gateway of India is in Maharashtra, India, at 18.9220° N, 72.8347° E. The nearest major city and transport hub is Mumbai, about 18 km away.
- What are the best places to visit near Gateway of India?
- Top attractions near Gateway of India include Bhimashankar (about 76 km away), Trimbakeshwar (about 134 km away), Mahabaleshwar (about 141 km away) — all easy to combine on a Maharashtra trip.
Discover India
Planning a trip to India?
Most of our editors live and travel across India. Here are some of the destinations and stories worth bookmarking before you go.
