Gateway Of India, a monument built during the 20th century to commemorate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary at Apollo Bunder is probably the most photographed landmark in Mumbai. With tourists flocking to the spot like ants to honey, we can understand why one can become averse to just visiting the monument. So, to keep things interesting, we have chalked down five reasons to give Gateway of India, Mumbai, a go again. Next time your friend is pestering you about things to do in Mumbai, send them this link and say, “here’s all the information about Gateway of India!”. Who knows, a beautiful day may come out of it.
7 Reasons We Keep Going Back To Mumbai's Most Iconic Spot
The information in this post might be outdated
Hog On The Best Food Or Grab A Pint
Home to some of the finest eateries, Gateway Of India, on one hand, is flanked by swish and iconic fine dines like The Table, Jia (an Asian eatery), Pa Pa Ya and classic watering holes like Alps, Leopold, Mondegar and Marina Upper Deck on the other. So whether you want to grab a beer and soak in all the Mumbai or want to sit down for a good meal – it’s all here.
How Far Are These: Most of these are approximately 10-15 minutes away from Gateway Of India.
Go Shopping!
We cannot emphasise the importance of Colaba Causeway’s presence in our lives enough. Often cited as the goldmine of great finds, you can literally find anything from junk jewellery to dresses on a budget to affordable home decor!
How Far Is It: It's just a five-minute walk from the Gateway of India.
Live By The Sea
In case you want to live the high life and stay beside the sea, Colaba has tons of seaside homestay and hotels where you can live without a care in the world. Obviously, we cannot not mention the iconic and the grand Taj Mahal Palace. If not a night's stay, simply sip tea and enjoy the sunset. Trust us, this experience is worth it.
Looking for something within a tight budget? You have to try Abode. It has the most spectacular boutique hotel in Mumbai called Abode and it has a bathtub in the middle of the bedroom. Let that sink in.
Sail Away
Throw your next party or experience ultimate luxury by sailing on the Arabian Sea by renting a yacht. There are multiple travel organizers like Yacht Tours, Adevnture Geek etc. which will let you rent a yacht for one or two hours. So, whether you're a tourist or simply want to celebrate with someone special, this is worth your time.
Approximate Price Range: INR 4,000 for two hours (well, this is a rough estimate and might differ based on the travel company you choose)
Get Clicking
Last point – it’s the undisputed spot for capturing breezy sunsets or a breathtaking sunrise. Whether it’s tourists getting pictures clicked in front of the Gateway Of India or photographers vying for a hero shot to feature in their portfolio – you will find them all here. Next time, you’re Googling ‘Gateway of India images’, remember, you can always go and shoot it!
Catch Up On The Movies
Designed by Charles Stevens and built during the cinema boom of the 1930s, Regal Cinema still holds impeccable charm. Maybe grab a quick dinner and enjoy a late-night show with a bucket of popcorn. With a good mix of Bollywood and Hollywood movies, catch up on the latest releases here.
How Far Is It: It's at the start of the Colaba causeway. So, approximately a 10 minute walk from the Gateway of India.
Fun Fact: The Regal Cinema was the third venue to host the Filmfare Awards.
Admire Contemporary Art
Bang opposite Regal Cinema is this famous art gallery called The National Gallery Of Modern Art (or NGMA). This one's one of the most spacious art galleries in Mumbai started with the aim to curate, preserve and protect modern art since the past 150 years. The gallery is housed in a colonial building with three floors of artwork, consisting of mostly paintings and sculptures.
How Far Is It: Again, just a 10-minute quick walk from the monument.