Today from Andheri via Eastern express freeway in an hour time we reached the iconic, historic spot of Mumbai- Gateway of India. With history starting from 2nd December 1911 which was built to commemorate arrival of King George V and Queen Mary Of Teck, its architecture is one of the finest seen with a blend of, indo islamic style. Designed by Sir George Wittet the construction completed in 1924. Facing the Arabian Sea filled with stone lattice, built at 26m height, this spot is a popular hangout spot of Mumbai.
Parking space is quite tough here. Many times you might have to take a full round and park far away. Luckily we got a parking facing the sea. Based on timings payment is done and phone numbers are noted. By the stipulated time you need to get back, else the ticket collector gives you a reminder call.
The place we parked faced the sea, so we stopped by and clicked few pics. This spot is a selfie spot too. There is a huge sea with boats rowing, one side stands the monument while the other side is full of historic buildings that are iconic. Early sunrise and sunset make these buildings stand so beautiful that the architecture outline is much visible. Since I visited during the evening, I could capture the sinking sun amidst the buildings.
We walked to the monument from our parking. On the way we stopped at - Pandrawalla samosa. Samosa sold for Rs.15 only. This person prepares hot samosa, and serves them with green chutney. They are so piping hot, that amidst the tongue burn you can’t be without relishing the snack. According to me the best ever samosa I had in my entire travel life.
We walked further reaching the food bazaar side of Gateway of India. On the way you cross Taj palace, stop by to click pics. Especially the design of the building which stands so unique amidst the setting or rising sun. Another place where you can click pics of this building is, from the Gateway of India premises.
Crossing Kulfi, golgappa, fruit, bhelpuri wallas you enter the premises of Gateway of India. Either you taste all these and enter the monument, else on your return you eat. I didn’t eat, but tasted kulfis. Food here is sold at a very less price that ranges between 20rs to 100rs. There is a shop selling all Mumbai famous food like vada pav, dabeli, momos and kala katta too. If you are comfortable with the cleanliness around you can choose to eat there, else pack them and in the monument premises find a spot to sit and eat food.
A huge building with lovely architecture, facing the sea welcomed me. The space around the monument is huge, that you have enough places to stand, view and click pics. Weekends are filled with tourists, while weekdays might show less crowd though never crowd less.
From the monument on the left sight, you will find a statue of Swami Vivekananda. This statue is surrounded by gardens. From this monument if you go straight you reach the boating ride spot. There are normal boats, small boats, two boat riders while the latest are sailing boats. These rides are for an hour or two that you reach the farthest point of the sea and on return you get to see the lovely monument view. I saw a helicopter ride above. There is a live ticket counter else via Book my show you could book, show the ticket in the counter and get your seat.
Before exit there are two main things you should see. One is the war equipment piece used in those days, and other is the statue of Maratha King Shivaji. From here exit is nearby. Again you walk back via the way you came, and find your car.
A very popular hangout, weekend spot of Mumbai, where lot of workshops, heritage walks are conducted. This spot is the meeting place for the heritage walk and disperse point too. Even open bus tour stops near the monument for viewing, while many board from here. Colaba causeway, Churchgate, Marine drive and Girgaum chowpatty are around. One of my favourite, regular visit place of Mumbai which has more to teach and for me to learn.
