Gateway Of India, Mumbai / गेटवे ऑफ इंडिया, मुंबई

Gateway Of India

Some Interesting Facts :

1. The Gateway Of India is  India’s most unique landmark, situated in Mumbai, and is located at Apollo Bunder in South Mumbai, on the shore of the Arabian Sea.

2. This architectural marvel scores over any other monument in Mumbai. The foundation stone of the structure was laid on March 31st, 1913, but it took more than 13 years to get completed.

3. A Scottish architect built this symbol by the name of George Wittet to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary.

4. During British rule, it was used as the entry gate for visitors who can from the west.

5. This is the monument from where the last British troop left India for England in 1947.

6. The monument faces Mumbai Harbor and the Arabian Sea.

7. The arch of the gateway has a height of  26 meters, i.e., 85 feet, and its central dome of 15 meters, i.e., 49 feet in diameter.

8. The monument was built with yellow basalt and reinforced with concrete. The stones used for the monument were obtained locally, but the perforated screens were sourced from Gwalior.

9. The monument stands very close to the famous Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, which was built in 1903.

10. In collaboration with  Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), Philips Lighting India took up the project of illuminating the gateway by installing LED lights which have 16 million shades. This was done in 2014 with a cost of 2 crore rupees.

11. Undoubtedly the pride of Mumbai, this structure will always stay close to the heart of Mumbai. This monument stands right opposite the famous Taj Mahal Hotel.

12. Why it is called Gateway of India ? - The Apollo Bunder was earlier used as a jetty, but was later renovated to serve as the ‘Gateway To India’. It has got its name since the monument was used as the entrance gate for the British Viceroys.

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