The Gateway of India is a monument in Mumbai , India. It is located on the waterfront in Apollo Bunder area in South Mumbai. The Gateway of India was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay in December 1911. It was used as a landing place for British governors and other distinguished personages. In earlier times, the Gateway was the monument that visitors arriving by boat would have first seen in the city of Bombay.

Its design is a combination of both Hindu and Muslim architectural styles, the arch is in Muslim style while the decorations are in Hindu style. The Gateway is built from yellow basalt and reinforced concrete.The central dome is 15 metres (49 ft) in diameter and is 26 metres (85 ft) above ground at its highest point. The whole harbour front was realigned in order to come in line with a planned esplanade which would sweep down to the centre of the town. The cost of the construction was Rs. 21 lakhs (2,100,000), borne mainly by the Government of India. Due to lack of funds, the approach road was never built, and so the Gateway stands at an angle to the road leading up to it.

The foundation stone was laid on 31 March 1911, by the Governor of Bombay Sir George Sydenham Clarke. Between 1915 and 1919 work proceeded on reclamations at Apollo Bundar (Port)for the land on which the gateway and the new sea wall would be built. The foundations were completed in 1920, and construction was finished in 1924. The Gateway was opened on 4 December 1924, by the Viceroy, the Earl of Reading.
The last British troops to leave India, the First Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry, passed through the Gateway in a ceremony on 28 February 1948.

You can also plan a pleasant escape to the spectacular Elephanta Caves from the Gateway of India. These caves are home to rock cut temples dating back to 5th Century. You can board a ferry and enjoy a 10kms ride though the Arabian Sea to these mystical caves that are dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are luxury boats which takes visitors around the harbour for couple of hours.Opposite to Gateway stands the Royal Taj Mahal Hotel and Taj Towers which adds to its beauty. In front of Gateway of India, there is a statue of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.