The Gateway of India is an arch-monument built in the early 20th century in the city of Mumbai, India. It was erected to commemorate the landing of King-Emperor George V, the first British monarch to visit India, in December 1911 at Ramchandani Road near Shyamaprasad Mukherjee Chowk in Mumbai.

The foundation stone was laid in March 1913. The final design of the monument by architect George Wittet was sanctioned only in 1914, and construction was completed in 1924. After its construction the Gateway was used as a symbolic ceremonial entrance to India for important colonial personnel.

The Gateway is also the monument from where the last British troops left India in 1948, following Indian independence.It is located on the waterfront at an angle, opposite the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel and overlooks the Arabian Sea.

The Gateway's arch has a height of 26 metres (85 feet) with its central dome being 15 metres (49 feet) in diameter. The monument is built of yellow basalt and reinforced concrete. The stones were sourced locally while the perforated screens were brought in from Gwalior.

In the grounds of the gateway, opposite the monument, stands the statue of Shivaji. The statue was unveiled on 26 January 1961 on the occasion of India's Republic Day. It replaced a bronze statue of King-Emperor George V which stood at its place. The other statue in the locality of the gateway is that of Swami Vivekananda.

It's the starting point for ferries to the Elephanta Caves.

It is the unofficial icon of the city of Mumbai and is a reminder of its rich colonial history as Bombay. The first structure to welcome visitors entering the city by sea, it is popularly called 'Taj Mahal of Mumbai'.

Maharashtra

Ajanta Caves |  Gateway of India