The Gateway of India

                     

                                                  The Gateway of India & Elephanta Caves


                         

                In each country, there are certain monuments which are examples of the history of that respective country. The gateway of India is one of India's most unique landmarks situated in the city of Mumbai in Colaba, south Mumbai. The ancient structure was built in 1924, located at the tip of Apollo Bunder. The gateway of India is the main gate of India where the Arabian sea ends and the land of India started.

              The Gateway of India is a monument that marks India's chief ports and is a major tourist attraction for visitors who arrive in India for the first time. At one point in time, this monument represented the grandeur of the British Raj in India. The total construction cost of this monument was approximately 21 lakhs and the whole expense was borne by the Indian government. A favorite spot for tourists, nowadays, this monument attracts vendors, food stalls, and photographers.

                   The gateway of India is also famous due to a nearby attraction i.e. International Taj hotels and Elephanta caves.it is located 2.5 km from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal and 2.4 km from Churchgate Railway station. The Taj Mahal Hotel is India's most prestigious and luxurious hotel and is situated close to the Gateway of India. Various foreigners are preferred to stay in the Taj hotel due to its rating(five-star) and royalty so if you planning to visit India don't miss having a royal experience of the place.

       

Elephanta Caves

         Very close to the gateway of India, there are an ancient Caves named as "Elephanta". Visit an Elephanta cave is a must if you are in Mumbai. 

How to reach Elephanta Caves via Gateway

        Reach the last two stations of South Mumbai either CST( Chhatrapati Shivaji MaharajTerminal) old name VT ( Victoria Terminus) or Churchgate station (only local train). Then take a local bus or taxi to reach the gateway. Or take a local cab to reach Gateway the most popular landmark of Mumbai. From here journey to Elephanta begins. This sea cruise takes one hour to covers a distance of 13 KM from Gateway to reach Elephanta.

       

 The name Elephanta came from the big status of Elephant which is now shifted to Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Garden ( Victory Garden ) in Mumbai. The island of Elephanta is originally known as Gharapuri. Once you get down from cruise you need to climb stairs to reach the caves The cave complex consists of 7 caves. Out of which 5 caves at the lower side and the cave No 1 is exclusively carved with the various manifestation of Lord Shiva. On the statues, you can see the Chalukyan influence. The depiction of mountains and clouds and the hairstyles of women are reminiscent of Gupta art.

     The main Shiva-dedicated temple is an intriguing latticework of courtyards, halls, pillars, and shrines; its magnum opus is a 6m-tall statue of Sadhashiva, depicting a three-faced Shiva as the destroyer, creator, and preserver of the universe, his eyes closed in eternal contemplation.

            When you keep a glance at that mighty Arabian sea it seems like telling you that "Me, THE SEA, I am a witness of  independence of India and caves seem to say that, "I am your first home "

            At last, I would say that "The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek"