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5. Gateway of India

Commonly known as the Taj Mahal of Mumbai, the Gateway of India was built in Mumbai during the British Raj as an entrance to this magnificent city. It was the first structure that visitors arriving by sea to this country would see. It is a majestic arch built in yellow basalt that overlooks the Arabian Sea, and lies at the end of the Chhatrapathi Shivaji Marg in South Mumbai. It was built between 1911 and 1924 in the Indo-Saracenic style as a commemoration of the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai. It was a symbol of the power of the British Empire and the colonization of India, but ironically in 1947 it served as an epitaph- the last of the British to leave India sailed away from here. Adjoining the arch are several jetties from where motor boats takes tourists to nearby sights like the Elephanta Caves, and also to cities like Alibaug and Mandwa. Tourists are also offered rides on the Victoria, a horse drawn gilded carriage, which takes you along Apollo Bunder and the Oval Maidan. Located nearby is one of the oldest hotels of India, the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower.