Gateway of India

You are standing before Mumbai's most famous monument, the image that appears on postcards, in films and on T-shirts. Take a good look at the arch: it is 26 metres high and built of yellow basalt and concrete. It was designed by the Scottish architect George Wittet, who also designed the museum we will see later, in the Indo-Saracenic style: a mix of arches from Islamic tradition, lattice screens inspired by sixteenth-century Gujarati architecture and the proportions of a European triumphal arch.

1An arch for a king

It was built to commemorate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911, although it was not opened until 1924. This quay, Apollo Bunder, was then the entrance to India for anyone arriving by ship from Europe. Today it is the city's meeting point: families, balloon sellers, photographers who print your picture on the spot and couples strolling as evening falls.

2Bound for Elephanta

From the jetties, launches leave for Elephanta Island, about an hour's crossing away. There you will find caves carved into the rock with sculptures of Shiva, a World Heritage Site. It is a half-day trip: if you are interested, check the departure times at the quay. On clear days you will also see the big ships entering the port.

A practical tip: the sun here is fierce almost all year round. Come early in the morning or late in the afternoon, carry water and protect yourself from the heat.

A gate built to welcome a king that now belongs to everyone who strolls through it.

3What to look for

• The four turrets on top of the arch.
• The red dome of the Taj, right opposite.
• The launches setting off for Elephanta.