Gateway of India

The Gateway of India stands on the waterfront at Apollo Bunder in Colaba, looking out over Mumbai Harbour. It was built to commemorate the arrival of King George V and Queen Mary in December 1911, the first visit of a British monarch to India. The foundation stone was laid in March 1913, the design by the Scottish architect George Wittet was approved the following year, and after several years of land reclamation and sea wall work the arch was opened to the public in December 1924.

The monument is a 26-metre arch of yellow basalt and reinforced concrete in the Indo-Saracenic style, combining a European triumphal arch with details drawn from 16th-century Gujarati architecture, including carved stone jali screens. The central dome is about 15 metres across. The Gateway also marks the end of an era: on 28 February 1948 the last British troops to leave India, a battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry, passed through the arch on their way to the ships.

There is not much to do here beyond walking around the arch and watching the harbour traffic, but it is the natural starting point for a day in South Mumbai. The Taj Mahal Palace hotel stands directly opposite, and the jetties beside the Gateway are where commercial ferries leave for Elephanta Island and for ports across the harbour such as Mandwa and Alibaug. The Gateway is a protected monument and security around the plaza was tightened after the 2008 attacks, so expect barriers and checks.

A visit takes 20 to 30 minutes on its own and suits everyone, including families and first-time visitors. Early morning is the calmest time, before day trippers and photographers arrive in numbers, while late afternoon gives softer light over the water. You will be offered photographs, souvenirs and harbour boat rides; agree any price before you set off. The paved promenade is level, although weekend crowds can make it slow going with a pushchair or wheelchair.

Most people arrive by taxi, which is the easiest way to reach Colaba from the rest of the city. Combine the Gateway with a walk up Colaba Causeway, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya museum and the galleries of Kala Ghoda, all within a short walk, or plan your visit around an Elephanta ferry departure.