India Gate vs. Gateway of India: A Complete Comparison

The India Gate and Gateway of India are two iconic monuments built by English architects in India in the early 20th century. Most tourists and some locals don’t know the differences between the two historical sites.

The main difference between India Gate and Gateway is that India Gate is a war monument built between 1921 and 1931 by Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens found in New Delhi, India’s capital. Meanwhile, the Gateway of India is in Mumbai, India’s commercial capital, and is a commemoration monument.

CategoryGateway of IndiaIndia Gate
Cost Range for 1 Week$182 (€153) per person$91 (€76) per person
TransportationTrains, Taxis, car rentals, Uber, Tuk-tuksTrains, Taxis, car rentals, Uber, Tuk-tuks
Notable AttractionsArabian Sea waterfront, Colaba Causeway, Marine Drive, Nehru Science Centre, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji TerminusRajpath boulevard, Red Fort, by the river Yamuna, Raj Ghat Gandhi Memorial Park,  Sadhu in Gurudwara Bangla Sahib temple
WeatherWinter, Summer, and June to September Monsoon Spring, Summer, July to Mid-September, Monsoon and Autumn
Food and DrinkWestern style Pizza joints, and local Masala and ChaatWestern style Pizza joints, and local Masala and Chaat, 
Activities for KidsElephanta cave temples, Nehru PlanetariumChildren’s Park, Dilli Haat market.
Nature AttractionsSanjay Gandhi National Park, Elephanta cave temples Lodhi Gardens, Children’s Park

Overview: Gateway of India Vs. India Gate

India Gate vs. Gateway of India: A Complete Comparison

The Gateway of India dates back to the British Raj, the era when Britain had colonized India. Unlike the India Gate, a war memorial, the Gateway of India memorializes King George V and Queen Mary’s visit to India in 1911.

They got to India via Bombay or the port of Mumbai. At the time of the visit, the royal couple only found a cardboard model of the gateway.

The India Gate commemorates the deaths of the British Indian Army soldiers, who lost their lives during the First World War and the Afghan Wars. The 1914 to 1921 war’s toll on the British Indian Army was 82,000 soldiers

India Gate vs. Gateway of India: A Complete Comparison

Most of these soldiers lost their lives away from home in East Africa, France, Mesopotamia, Gallipoli, and Flanders. The monument has inscriptions of 13,300 service members, officers, and soldiers from the United Kingdom. 

Sir Lutyens, the India Gate creator, an English architect, designed many English war memorials, including the Cenotaph in Whitehall. The traditional architectural stylist is the brain behind the classic New Delhi design, hence the name Lutyens Delhi. 

Besides the iconic India Gate, you will also find Victorian-era landmarks such as The Prince of Wales Museum and Flora Fountain at the ‘City of Cities.’ 

The India Gate’s style is a triumphal arch reminiscent of the Roman style Arch of Constantine. After the Bangladesh Liberation war of 1971, the Gate gained an additional smaller monument at its base. The Amar Jawan Jyoti or the Flame of the Immortal Soldier is a black marble plinth structure that stands to honor the Unknown Soldier.

Cost of Stay

Despite Mumbai’s position as the financial capital of India, it is an affordable tourism site. Most visitors to the Gateway of India from the UK or US will find Mumbai a budget dream. As Mumbai is, New Delhi is also quite affordable, as are most locations in India. 

The adventurous young backpacker should expect to spend a minimum of $30 to $50 (€25-€45) per day on transport, accommodation, entry fees to the most popular sites, and meals. 

The mid-range traveler will spend $50 to $90 (€45-€80) per day. Luxury travel will cost you $90 to$175 (€80-€150), including boutique luxury stays.

Best Affordable Hotels

The backpacker will find very affordable budget hotel private rooms and backpacker hostels dormitories. 2000 Rs per night ($26 or €22) should cover the cost of a double bed and other amenities in simple three-star hotels in Indian cities. 

When visiting the India Gate in New Delhi, you’ll find Hotel Amax Inn and Hotel Hari Piorko are below the $15 (€12) per night mark. According to TripAdvisor, a visit to the Delhi luxury circle such as the ITC Maurya, The Lodhi, or Leela Palace will cost about $200 (€168) a night. Mid-range hotels like the Taj Palace or Park Inn By Radisson will cost two adults between $35 (€29) and $80 (€67) per night. 

Should you want to visit the Gateway of India in Mumbai, you can stay in budget hotels such as the Hotel Al Madina Palace or the Ocean Dormitory. As per the Mumbai TripAdvisor page, these backpacker havens are a respective 2.4 miles (3.8km) and 13.7 miles (22kms) away from the monument. 

Their cost per night is below the $13 (€11) mark. Mid-range hotels such as the Hotel Residency Fort and the Ambassador Mumbai are in the $60 (€50) and $120 (€101) range per night for two adults. Luxury at the Taj Mahal Palace can go as high as $250 (€211) per night.

Main Attractions

Should you visit the Gateway of India next to the Arabian Sea waterfront, there will be a ton of fun activities awaiting you. First, the monument is a fantastic nature lover, food stalls, photographers, and vendors’ spot. 

Main Attractions

From its charming yellow basalt and concrete Indo-Saracenic structure steps, you can easily take a boat to the Elephanta cave temples. Alternatively, spend the day mastering your sunrise and sunset photographic skills and sightseeing. 

Some of the most attractive sights near the monument include the Colaba Causeway, Marine Drive, Nehru Science Centre, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. New Delhi’s India Gate might be in one of the most chaotic Indian cities, but it is the most colorful in South Asia. 

The majestic arc’s location is easy to access during the day and is a favorite hangout and picnic spot. Leading visitors to the India Gate monument is the Rajpath Boulevard, the perfect place to enjoy a walk and enjoy your Lovely Chuski from the ice cream parlors that sell these ice-cold delights. 

At the monument, take some time and pay respects to the Amar Jawan Jyoti. You should visit some other sights near the India Gate, including the Red Fort, by the river Yamuna. 

You can also drop by the Raj Ghat Gandhi Memorial Park, which marks the 1948 cremation spot of Mahatma Gandhi’s remains. It has a beautiful lawn and an eternally burning flame as well. The Sadhu in Gurudwara Bangla Sahib temple and the Taj Mahal Hotel are also close by. 

For some street shopping, visit the Janpath Market for embroidered cushions, jewelry, wove carpets, and cashmere scarfs by their droves. For relaxation, take a 30-minute walk to the 90-acre Lodhi Gardens for the best of Delhi’s exotic flowers, lush greenery, and enchanting ponds.

Activities for Kids

Some amazing activities for kids at India Gate in Delhi include visiting the Children’s Park nearby. The popular spot for children has an assortment of activities with a beautiful sunset view. 

The Dilli Haat market is also a fantastic eating and shopping spot. Kids will love the Elephanta cave temples accessible by boat from the Arabian Sea waterfront next to the Gateway of India.

Food and Drink

India has exciting and affordable cuisine for visitors to explore. You should keep an eye out for hygiene. Eat at spots that have many people to reduce risk. You will have an array of western-style Pizza joints and local Masala and Chaat in most food courts.

Weather

October and November are the best months to visit Delhi, having the perfect temperatures. That said, there are more tourists at the Gate at this time. An alternative period for a visit is between February and March. 

The best time to visit the Gateway of India is between October to March, post the monsoon weather, when it is perfectly splendid.

Transportation

Trains are a predominant means of transport in India. You can use local buses or the popular auto-rickshaws (tuk-tuks) as an alternative. However, a comfort traveler could hire a car and driver and explore the cities.

Customs

To get to India, you need a valid travel visa and passport to enter and exit with ease. With a tourist visa, you can stay in India for a maximum of six months before renewal.

Conclusion: India Gate Vs. Gateway of India

Conclusion

Which is the better site to visit? Delhi’s India Gate is more spacious and open to the public both during the day and night. It is also much easier to access than Mumbai’s Gateway of India. Delhi also has glorious weather and the Taj Mahal as a bonus. But Delhi has a higher crime rate than Mumbai, so stick to the popular tourist spots.

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