Gateway of India
This Bold and Magnificent structure was built during the 20th century to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai on December 1911. The Gateway of India was made from yellow Kharodi basalt and concrete. However, the king and the queen both could only see a cardboard model of the structure as the construction did not start until 1915.
One cannot leave Mumbai without seeing this prized monument as it is of great historical importance. Today this amazing landmark serves as a “monumental memento” of Britishers. The gateway was a symbol of majesty and power of the British Empire during their reign.
The construction of this landmark was completed only in 1924.The architecture style of this very structure was inspired by Indo-Saracenic style and Scottish architecture since the architect of this structure hailed from Scotland.
This gateway of India is about 34 m in height and its dome is about 48 feet in diameter. The halls, which are attached to it, can accommodate around 500 people. Approximately 4 years were required to build it. Opposite to this landmark stands the statue of great Maratha king-Shivaji. Tourists, backpackers and travelers congregate in this place due to which a brisk business is done by street hawkers.
As this landmark faces towards Arabian Sea, you can enjoy its cool soothing breeze. The best time to visit this monument is in post monsoon season as the climate is stable and rains are scanty.
The grand Taj Mahal hotel is just a stone’s throw away from this place. This place looks fabulous when it is lit a night.
Marine Drive: Mumbai’s Pearl Necklace
This masterpiece is located near South Mumbai. It is basically a C- shaped, six lane concrete road which runs along the coast of the sea. It’s about 3.5 km long.
Marine Drive is well known as queen’s necklace as when it is viewed at night, the street lights which runs across the long road, resembles a pearl necklace. This road links nariman point, Malabar hills and babulnath. Marine drive is made up on the reclaimed lands from sea.
The official name of the road is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose road. At the north of the marine drive, Chowpatty beach is located where it is thronged with locals and tourists alike. In Chowpatty beach you can relish on food such as bhel puri, pani puri, Pav-bhaji etc.This esplanade is lined up with beautiful palm trees which are well maintained. When you go further down the path you reach Walkeshwar which is home to governor of India.
The real estate price in this boulevard is very high. The buildings were made by wealthy parsis sport deco look which was quite trending in 1920s and in 30s.Among the hotels which dot this road lies the majestic 5-star hotel-Oberoi. Hence due to these reason this road is preferred travelling road between the central business district at Nariman point with rest of Mumbai.
Film starts like Nargis, Raj kapoor and many more lived nearby in 1950s.
This boulevard is one of the popular tourist places in Mumbai. Marine drive has featured in many Bollywood movies.
The best time to visit this place is in the night when you can see this road fully lit up. The view of the tall buildings is simply breath-taking.