GATEWAY OF INDIA, MUMBAI

 Gateway of India, Mumbai

Even though Mumbai is famous for its Bollywood actors and movies, the most famous attraction in Mumbai is The Gateway of India. It is a popular gathering spot for locals, travellers, street vendors and photographers and is known as the Taj Mahal of Mumbai. The majestic monument was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay. With so much fun and excitement this place is not to be missed with family or on your tour of India.

              Mumbai is the dream home of several ambitious aspirants, boots of vicious minds, and a vivid lifestyle.

It is not just about beaches, pubs, cafes, caves, and clubs. This island has a history so interesting that you would never see Mumbai as a crowded city but as a historical marvel.

Let us explore one of the historical wonders of Mumbai which has attaracted millions of tourists from around the world.   

Boats as seen from the Mumbai Harbour in Mumbai, India

FACTS :

• The Gateway of India is  India’s most unique landmark, situated in Mumbai, and is located at Apollo Bunder in South Mumbai, on the shore of the Arabian Sea.

• This architectural marvel scores over any other monument in Mumbai. The foundation stone of the structure was laid on March 31st, 1913, but it took more than 13 years to get completed.

• A Scottish architect built this symbol by the name of George Wittet to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary.

• During British rule, it was used as the entry gate for visitors who can from the west.

• This is the monument from where the last British troop left India for England in 1947.

The departure of British Troops from India – 28 February 1948

 

• The monument faces Mumbai Harbor and the Arabian Sea.

• The arch of the gateway has a height of  26 meters, i.e., 85 feet, and its central dome of 15 meters, i.e., 49 feet in diameter.

• The monument was built with yellow basalt and reinforced with concrete. The stones used for the monument were obtained locally, but the perforated screens were sourced from Gwalior.

• The monument stands very close to the famous Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, which was built in 1903

• In collaboration with  Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), Philips Lighting India took up the project of illuminating the gateway by installing LED lights which have 16 million shades. This was done in 2014 with a cost of 2 crore rupees.

• Undoubtedly the pride of Mumbai, this structure will always stay close to the heart of Mumbai. This monument stands right opposite the famous Taj Mahal hotel.

HERE IS A VIDEO SHOWING THE SKY VIEW AS SEEN BY DRONE:

NEARBY TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

• The Famous Elephant Caves is located close to the Gateway of India. Boat service is available from here to Elephant Islands, which is also known as Elephanta Caves.

• Famous leaders  Shivaji Maharaj and Swami Vivekananda statue is seen at the entrance of the India monument.

• The most famous and Prestigious luxurious Taj Mahal Hotel is situated opposite the structure.

• It is very close to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station, which was formerly know as Victoria Terminus. It is a historic terminal train station and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Distance around 3 km.

• You can take a boat from here which will take you to Alibaug, another famous tourist attraction near Mumbai. The ride is around 1 hour.

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya at walking distance.

• Jehangir Art Gallery at walking distance.

• Colaba Causeway Market at walking distance.
• Marine drive around 4 km. 
• Flora fautan .At a walking distance.

WHEN TO VISIT:

Gateway of India can be visited any time all year round. I would suggest visiting during the early morning and evenings. The heavy crowd is seen during weekends and public holidays; you should try to visit during weekdays. There are no entry fees for visiting the Monument.

HOW TO REACH HERE:

2.5 km from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal (CSTM) and 2.4 km from Churchgate railway station. From here you can take a taxi to reach the monument.

This famous monument is easily accessible by road from any part of Mumbai. It is not very far from Mumbai International Airport.

FERRY RIDES :

You can magnify your experience at this monument by taking the Ferry ride, which starts at the foot of the Monument.

From here, private Jetties and government-run (MTDC) ferry service take you to Elephanta Caves which is declared as World Heritage by UNESCO. Recently even uber speed post service has commenced. Also, the M2M boat service has started to take passengers to Alibaug, it can even carry bikes and cars. READ MORE..

• Ferry Charges: ₹ 150 for adults and ₹ 125 for kids
• Cruise Charges: ₹ 5000

Inside view of the monument

Inscriptions on the top of the Monument

Statue of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj outside the monument

A grand statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was inaugurated on 26th  Jan 1961 and is installed opposite the monument. It signified Maratha’s pride and glory. 

Statue of Swami Vivekananda outside the monument

Another statue of Swami Vivekananda is installed opposite the monument which marks the journey from Mumbai to Chicago for attending the Parliament for World Religions event.

Boats and Ferry for Passengers are taken from next to the monument to Elephanta caves.

MAP FOR GATEWAY OF INDIA

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MYSORE PALACE, MYSORE

 Mysore Palace, Mysore

The Mysore Palace is a famous historical monument in the city of Mysore in Karnataka. Commonly described as the City of Palaces, this is the most famous tourist attraction in India after the Taj Mahal. It is a sight not be missed with its spacious halls, lovely art paintings and Indo-Saracenic style architecture. Best time to visit is at night due to the astonishing illuminated lights covering the whole monument.

Mysore Palace or Mysore Maharaja Palace is one of the largest and most spectacular monuments in the country. Also known as Amba Vilas, it is located in the heart of the city of Mysore. The palace was initially built by the Wodeyar kings in the 14th century. Unfortunately, as it was made of out wood it got burnt down in 1897 during a royal wedding. The current palace construction was commissioned in 1897 and was completed by 1912. Designed by the famous British architect, Henry Irwin, it was built for the twenty-fourth Wodeyar Raja. It was the residence of the Wodeyar Maharaja’s of the Mysore State.

The current palace is built in Indo-Saracenic style and blends together Hindu, Muslim, Rajput and Gothic styles of architecture. The palace itself is a three-storey stone structure which has a series of square towers with arches covered with domes. There is also a large open space in front with an open courtyard in the center which is covered by a gold plated dome about 145 feet off the ground. A striking sculpture of Gajalakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, good luck is located above the central arch with her elephants. The palace is surrounded by a large garden. The palace houses a collection of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world.

Mysore palace during the day

Mysore palace at night

The palace also has several unique rooms. These include the public durbar, where the king would host major ceremonial gatherings. There’s also the Kalyana Mantapa, a spectacular octagonal shaped hall where all royal weddings, birthdays and ceremonial functions were celebrated. The Private Durbar, the Gombe Thotti and the portrait gallery are also worth a visit.

Golden throne

                                                        

                                                                   Mysore palace interior

The palace is now converted into a museum that is home to souvenirs, paintings, jewellery, royal costumes and other items which were once possessed by the Wodeyars. However, the erstwhile Royal family continues to live in a portion of the Palace. It’s a rainbow of stained glass and mirrors. The lavishly decorated rooms are hidden behind elegantly decorated and intricately carved doors. Musical instruments, costumes, children’s toys and portraits are displayed on the ground floor while the upper floor has a small collection of weapons. It is said that the palace displays the largest collection of gold objects quantity wise.

                                                                    Silver door

                                                                     Beautiful dorm

The Mysore palace complex has a selection of 12 Hindu temples. They have been built over a vast expanse of time with the oldest being built in the 14th century. The latest one was built in 1953. Someshvara Temple, dedicated to God Lord Shiva and Lakshmiramana Temple, dedicated to God Lord Vishnu are some of the more famous temples.

                                                     

Temple

The Mysore palace complex has a selection of 12 Hindu temples. They have been built over a vast expanse of time with the oldest being built in the 14th century. The latest one was built in 1953. Someshvara Temple, dedicated to God Lord Shiva and Lakshmiramana Temple, dedicated to God Lord Vishnu are some of the more famous temples.

Temple

The palace is illuminated with ninety seven thousand bulbs at night on Sundays and during the holiday season of Dasara. It is truly a sight to behold.

During Dushera

HAWA MAHAL "PALACE OF WINDS"🌬🍃

HAWA MAHAL , JAIPUR

Information About Hawa Mahal

Situated at Badi Choupad, Pink City of Jaipur, Hawa Mahal was built in 1799. It has 953 windows on the outside walls. The honeycomb shaped and beautifully carved windows allow breeze to blow through the palace and makes it a perfect summer palace. It was built as an extension to the City Palace nearby. See below for more information about Hawa Mahal.

Hawa Mahal in the 1890s

In 1799, the Kachhwaha Rajput ruler, Sawai Pratap Singh, grandson of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh ordered Lal Chand Usta to construct an extension to the Royal City Palace. The Purdah system at the time was strictly followed. Rajput royal ladies should not be seen by strangers or appear in any public area. The construction of Hawa Mahal allows the royal ladies to enjoy from every day street scenes to royal processions on the street without being seen.

When was it built: 1799

Who built it: Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh

Where is it located: Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Why was it built: For the royal women to enjoy the events and festivals in the street

Architectural Style: Blend of Hindu Rajput architecture and the Islamic Mughal architecture

Visit Timing: Daily, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm

How to Reach: The city of Jaipur is well-connected with other Indian cities by air, rail and road and also with some international cities by air. The Jaipur International Airport is situated at Sanganer, a southern suburb at a distance of 13 kilometres from Jaipur.

Hawa Mahal or the 'Palace Of The Winds' located in the heart of the beautiful Pink City of Jaipur in Rajasthan, India, is one of the most famous tourist attractions and a prominent landmark of the city that is renowned for its rich cultural and architectural history. Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh of the Kachhwaha Rajput dynasty, this beautiful structure is predominantly a high screen wall made of pink and red sandstone that facilitated royal women to get an eyeful of the street festivals and busy city life while remaining out of the view of public. This five-storey building in the shape of a crown of Lord Krishna with 953 jharokhas or windows and a beautifully decorated façade resembling a honeycomb of a beehive that gives one a feel of the rich heritage of the Rajputs.

History & Later Developments

Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, grandson of the great Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh who built Jaipur, constructed the Hawa Mahal in 1799. He was so impressed with the Khetri Mahal built by Maharaja Bhopal Singh in the town of Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan that he embarked on constructing the Hawa Mahal that today stands as a remarkable gem of Rajput style of architecture. It was built as an extension of the Royal City Palace and leads to the zenana or women's chambers. One of the main reasons of constructing this beautiful mahal decorated with fine lattice windows and screened balconies was to facilitate the royal Rajput women, who otherwise followed the strict Purdah system and refrained from appearing in public, in  getting a glimpse of the daily events, royal processions and festivals taking place on the streets. This way they could enjoy their sense of freedom while maintaining their customs. 

Architecture & Design of Hawa Mahal

The architect of this unique five-storied pyramidal palace with a height of 15 m from its elevated base was Lal Chand Ustad. The design of the building showcases an excellent blend of Hindu Rajput architecture with that of the Islamic Mughal architecture. The former style is palpable from the fluted pillars, floral patterns and domed canopies while the arches and stone inlay filigree work are manifestations of the latter style.

Keeping in line with other famous landmarks of the city, which is aptly tagged as the ‘Pink City’, this monument was built with red and pink sandstones. Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh’s devotion towards Lord Krishna is manifested from the design of the structure of the palace that resembles the crown of the Lord. Although not exactly a palace, it looks like one from the street. The façade of the building intricately carved with beautiful motifs is cognate to that of the honeycomb of a beehive. Several potholes of the structure each having small lattice windows, chiselled sandstone grill and decorated domes give the building a look of a mass of semi-octagonal bays. There are a total of 953 elaborately carved jharokhas or windows, some of which are made of wood. These jharokhas were build in such a manner that air circulates naturally through them creating Venturi effect (doctor breeze) thus air conditioning the entire structure during the hot summers. Each jharokha has a small chamber where one can sit and view the street. Fountains at the middle of each chamber complimented well with the light wind flowing through the jharokhas thus enhancing the cooling effect of the chambers.

The brilliantly conceived design, style and construction of the mahal made it the favourite resort of Maharaja Jai Singh and became famous as his masterpiece. An imperial door from the city palace side leads to the entrance of the Hawa Mahal. Three two-storied buildings enclose a large courtyard on three sides with the Hawa Mahal located on its eastern side. The courtyard presently houses an archaeological museum. The interior of the mahal consisting of chambers as also passages and pillars leading to the top storey is however quite plain and simple compared to the ornamented exterior. The width of the top three storeys is that of a single room while the first two storeys have courtyards. There are no stairs in the building and top storeys can be reached only by ramps.

       

A Visit to the Hawa Mahal

The Hawa Mahal that attracts national and international tourists visiting Jaipur is located in the southern part of the city on Hawa Mahal Rd, Badi Choupad. It can be visited on all days from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, however it is best viewed early in the morning when the golden rays of the Sun fall on this royal building giving it a more elegant and gorgeous look. The ancient artefacts preserved in the museum of the mahal give one a glimpse of the rich past, the cultural heritage and the exuberant lifestyle of the Rajputs. One can avail a taxi or book a car to reach the destination. As summers in Rajasthan are too hot, the best time to visit Jaipur is from October to March when the weather of the city becoms pleasant.

THE GOLDEN TEMPLE, AMRITSAR

 Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), Amritsar 

The holiest shrine and pilgrimage place located in Amritsar is The Golden Temple known as the Harmandir Sahib. This is the most famous and sacred Sikh Gurdwara in Punjab, India, adorned with rich history and gold gilded exterior. If you are interested in culture and history, be sure to visit this popular attraction in India.

                     

                                                 The Golden Temple

The Golden Temple, located in the city of Amritsar in the state of Punjab,is a place of great beauty and sublime peacefulness. Originally a small lake in the midst of a quiet forest, the site has been a meditation retreat for wandering mendicants and sages since deep antiquity. The Buddha is known to have spent time at this place in contemplation. Two thousand years after Buddha's time, another philosopher-saint came to live and meditate by the peaceful lake. This was Guru Nanak (1469-1539), the founder of the Sikh religion. After the passing away of Guru Nanak, his disciples continued to frequent the site; over the centuries it became the primary sacred shrine of the Sikhs. The lake was enlarged and structurally contained during the leadership of the fourth Sikh Guru (Ram Dass, 1574-1581), and during the leadership of the fifth Guru (Arjan, 1581-1606), the Hari Mandir, or Temple of God was built. From the early 1600s to the mid 1700s the sixth through tenth Sikh Gurus were constantly involved in defending both their religion and their temple against Muslim armies. On numerous occasions the temple was destroyed by the Muslims, and each time was rebuilt more beautifully by the Sikhs. From 1767 onwards, the Sikhs became strong enough militarily to repulse invaders. Peace returned to the Hari Mandir.

                  

                                                           Hari Mandir, Amritsar, India (Enlarge)

The temple's architecture draws on both Hindu and Muslim artistic styles yet represents a unique coevolution of the two. During the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839), Hari Mandir was richly ornamented with marble sculptures, golden gilding, and large quantities of precious stones. Within the sanctuary, on a jewel-studded platform, lies the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture of the Sikhs. This scripture is a collection of devotional poems, prayers, and hymns composed by the ten Sikh gurus and various Muslim and Hindu saints. Beginning early in the morning and lasting until long past sunset, these hymns are chanted to the exquisite accompaniment of flutes, drums, and stringed instruments. Echoing across the serene lake, this enchantingly beautiful music induces a delicate yet powerful state of trance in the pilgrims strolling leisurely around the marble concourse encircling the pool and temple. An underground spring feeds the sacred lake, and throughout the day and night pilgrims immerse themselves in the water, a symbolic cleansing of the soul rather than an actual bathing of the body. Next to the temple complex are enormous pilgrims' dormitories and dining halls where all persons, irrespective of race, religion, or gender, are lodged and fed for free.

Amritsar, the original name of first the ancient lake, then the temple complex, and still later the surrounding city, means "pool of ambrosial nectar." Looking deeply into the origins of this word amrit, we find that it indicates a drink of the gods, a rare and magical substance that catalyzes euphoric states of consciousness and spiritual enlightenment. With this word we have a very clear example of the spirit, power, or energetic character of a particular place becoming encoded as an ancient geographical place name. The myth is not just a fairy tale. It reveals itself as a coded metaphor if we have the knowledge to read the code: The waters of Amritsar flowing into the lake of the Hari Mandir were long ago - and remain today - a bringer of peacefulness.

                                             

Sikh pilgrims at the Golden Temple, Amritsar, India (Enlarge)

                                    Golden Temple Aerial View by Helicopter

   

THE TOP 10 FAMOUS MONUMENTS TO VISIT IN INDIA

                     THE TOP 10 MONUMENTS OF INDIA

India is a country of several of several hundred of historical monuments with each holding their own special significance. Rich in culture and diversity, India is home to some of the finest historical monuments in the world. Most recognised by the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the famous Indian monuments include the beautiful Taj Mahal, the sacred Golden Temple and the cultural site, Hawa Mahal. Discover and experience the magnificent insights into India’s rich heritage and ancient architecture. Read on for our list of the top must see historical monuments in India below.

 

      1)                          Taj Mahal, Agra

Enlisted in the Seven Wonders of the World, The Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful and famous buildings located in the city of Agra. This white marble monument was built by a Mughal Emperor called Shahajahan in memory of his beloved wife. Due to its amazing architecture and the history behind it, this world heritage site has become very popular to visit by all travellers and romantics from all over the world.

The Taj Mahal , is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the right bank of the river Yamuna in the Indian city of Agra. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (reigned from 1628 to 1658) to house the tomb of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal; it also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. The tomb is the centrepiece of a 17-hectare (42-acre) complex, which includes a mosque and a guest house, and is set in formal gardens bounded on three sides by a crenellated wall. Construction of the mausoleum was essentially completed in 1643, but work continued on other phases of the project for another 10 years. The Taj Mahal complex is believed to have been completed in its entirety in 1653 at a cost estimated at the time to be around 32 million rupees, which in 2020 would be approximately 70 billion rupees (about U.S. $956 million). The construction project employed some 20,000 artisans under the guidance of a board of architects led by the court architect to the emperor, Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. The Taj Mahal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for being "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage". It is regarded by many as the best example of Mughal architecture and a symbol of India's rich history. The Taj Mahal attracts 7–8 million visitors a year and in 2007, it was declared a winner of the New 7 Wonders of the World (2000–2007) initiative.

                                         

                                                             

                                                    Taj Mahal Inside View 

The interior chamber of the Taj Mahal reaches far beyond traditional decorative elements. The inlay work is not pietra dura, but a lapidary of precious and semiprecious gemstones. The inner chamber is an octagon with the design allowing for entry from each face, although only the door facing the garden to the south is used. The interior walls are about 25 metres (82 ft) high and are topped by a "false" interior dome decorated with a sun motif. Eight pishtaq arches define the space at ground level and, as with the exterior, each lower pishtaq is crowned by a second pishtaq about midway up the wall. The four central upper arches form balconies or viewing areas, and each balcony's exterior window has an intricate screen or jail cut from marble. In addition to the light from the balcony screens, light enters through roof openings covered by chattris at the corners. The octagonal marble screen or jali bordering the cenotaphs is made from eight marble panels carved through with intricate pierce work. The remaining surfaces are inlaid in delicate detail with semi-precious stones forming twining vines, fruits and flowers. Each chamber wall is highly decorated with dado bas-relief, intricate lapidary inlay and refined calligraphy panels which reflect, in little detail, the design elements seen throughout the exterior of the complex.

                Taj Mahal is made from white Makrana marble, which is quite shiny and the most famous marble in the world, which holds the most important role in changing colours of Taj mahal.

The elaborate and encryption on the walls is an example of its luxurious and thoughtful architecture.

Taj mahal colors vary from time to time
For every hour of the day and for every climate condition the Taj has it’s on shading esteems, from the soft dreaminess at Sunrise and the tremendous whiteness at high noon to its chilly splendor in the moonlight, when the arch, thin of substance as the breeze, hangs, among the stars like a wonderful pearl, yet one of these results can be equivalent to those few fleeting moments when it assumes the enchanting tint of some soft, vibrant rose, solely illuminated by the brief Indian afterglow.

Different shades and changing colours of Taj mahal throughout the day:

Taj Mahal Before The Sunrise

When the first rays of the sun are ready to come to the tomb, before that time, some light is working to awaken the Taj Mahal and the night is dark on top of it. And it looks like a shadow which in itself is very quiet and magnificent.

Taj Mahal After The Sunrise

The best and wonderful time to visit the Taj Mahal is at Sunrise. At this time the Taj Mahal seems to be bathed in the redness of the sun. Not just because the morning light changes the dome of the Taj Mahal to soft, golden color, but also because it is the time when fewer and fewer tourists arrive, and if you arrive early, you get some perfect portraits too.

Some people like to see it from close and some people like to see the Taj Mahal from a distance, that the Taj Mahal appears to be light yellow and pink from far away when the morning sunrises.

Taj Mahal In the Afternoon

When the sun is on the head, the Taj Mahal appears quite white and bright. It is outstanding amongst other times to take brilliant bright pictures of the Taj Mahal, it seems quite white and magnificent at that time.

Don’t forget to carry an umbrella and a water bottle in summer time, especially in the month from (April-September).

Taj Mahal At Sunset

The Taj Mahal becomes just like the time of the sun rising in the morning. But at this time, the yellow color is spreading its unique hue on the Taj Mahal, which looks quite beautiful and cool.

This is the time that you want to take it in your eyes. And you can remember it throughout your life.

At this time, the Taj Mahal reduces considerably. And you can take a good and wonderful picture at this time. And keep them forever

Taj Mahal At Full Moon

On the full moon day, the Taj Mahal becomes very beautiful and charming. On this night, people come from far and wide to see the Taj Mahal and are fascinated by its enchanting beauty. This is the time when the moon can be seen talking to the Taj Mahal.

At night, the Taj Mahal opens every month 2 nights before and 2 nights after the full moon. If you want to see the Taj Mahal at night, then you have to take a ticket 1 day before full moon night.