In March 2024, I stayed in Mumbai, India. My accommodation was in front of Bandar Railway Station (BANDAR RAILWAY STATION) on the local railway line. I knew this area was not the center of Mumbai, as there were no high-rise buildings around. I wanted to ride the local train rather than just visit the Gateway of India, so I went to the center of Mumbai.
Mumbai’s Local Train
In Delhi, you couldn’t enter the station platform without going through a security check, but in Mumbai, I could go to the platform even without a ticket. I’m not sure if Delhi was just an exception. Every evening, I enjoyed watching the crowded station platforms and soaking in the atmosphere. What surprised me was that the trains didn’t have doors.
When a doorless train entered the platform, people would start disembarking even before it had fully stopped. Similarly, many people would jump aboard even as the train was already moving. I had always wanted to experience what it was like inside a moving train.
To ride the train, you buy a ticket. At this station, you go to a separate ticket office, queue up at a manned counter, state your destination, and they issue your ticket. Unlike in Japan, platform numbers aren’t clearly marked; you have to identify your platform by looking at the first letter of your destination and the departure time displayed for each platform. The journey from Bandar Station to Churchgate Station took about 30 minutes.
Inside the train, I witnessed a very strange sight. As I sat in my seat, two clearly cross-dressing men came from the front of the carriage, lightly tapping each passenger on the head one by one. I watched, wondering what they were doing, and about one in three passengers who were tapped on the head handed them money. I wonder if they were some kind of sorcerers or a type of beggar.
Mumbai’s Tourist Landmark: The Gateway of India
About 20 minutes on foot from Churchgate Station, the Gateway of India stands at the port facing the Arabian Sea. This is a massive commemorative monument completed in 1924. It’s one of Mumbai’s leading tourist attractions, drawing many domestic and international tourists with their families. The surrounding area also features old, grand buildings, making it a popular spot for記念 photos.
What is Mumbai’s Gateway of India?
The Gateway of India in Mumbai is a commemorative monument built in Mumbai (formerly Bombay), India, during the British Raj. Located on the coastal area overlooking the Arabian Sea, it features a distinctive 26-meter high basalt arch. It was built in a unique Indo-Saracenic architectural style, showcasing a beautiful design that blends Indian and Islamic cultures.
History and Background
Construction began in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India and was completed in 1924. Initially, it served as the landing point for Viceroys and Governors arriving in India. Later, it became the venue for important British and Indian ceremonies. Today, it is a prominent tourist attraction in Mumbai, visited by many tourists.
