Elephanta Caves
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Ahoy there, young explorers! Journey back in time to Elephanta Caves, once known as 'Gharapuri,' near Mumbai! Imagine ancient artists carving amazing stories into rock centuries ago. These caves, dedicated to Lord Shiva, are filled with giant statues and incredible artwork. It's a fantastic adventure into India's rich history and art! A must visit tourist place in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
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Top Activities in Elephanta Caves
- 1
Explore The Main Cave And Admire The Trimurti Sculpture
- 2
Hire A Guide To Learn More About The Caves
- 3
Learn About The History And Significance Of The Caves
- 4
Take A Ferry To The Island And Enjoy The Scenic Views
- 5
Take Photos Of The Beautiful Sculptures And Architecture
- 6
Visit The Smaller Caves And See Other Sculptures
Detailed Information
Best Time to Visit
October-May
When to visit place on the day
Morning
Approximate expense
₹1,000 per person
History
Believed to have been sculpted between the 5th and 8th centuries, the Elephanta Caves showcase a blend of Hindu and Buddhist rock-cut architecture. Though their creators remain uncertain, some scholars attribute them to the Kalachuris, while others suggest the Konkan Mauryas or Rashtrakutas. The caves suffered significant damage under Portuguese rule, with sculptures defaced and used for target practice. Restoration efforts began in the mid-20th century, leading to their designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The main cave, Cave 1, is renowned for its impressive depictions of Shiva, including the iconic Trimurti, a three-faced bust representing three essential aspects of Shiva: creation, preservation, and destruction. Despite the damage, the remaining sculptures and the overall architecture continue to inspire awe and provide valuable insights into India's rich artistic and religious history.
Recent Google Reviews
It was a great experience. If you have motion sickness, you need to take medicine before you hop off on the boat from India Gate. You can take a toy train on the island, it's really fun. Overall loved the place. If you are lucky enough you'll get to see many birds on the way, and you can feed them ( mostly in winter)
A well maintained UNESCO site. Need to take a ferry ride for about 50 minutes from gateway of India. Then the trek starts. Have to climb stairs a long way. There are refreshment shops, hotels and souvenir shops all along the stairway. It takes almost 45 mins to climb to the top. At the top there are 5 caves in total with only 2 having some very beautiful carvings of Hindu gods which is worth all the journey. Sculptures in other caves are either stolen or completely destroyed. Overall a good place to explore history.
A nice place to visit on the weekend. Beware that the ferry ride will take between 60-90 minutes and then you'll have to walk for another 30-60 minutes till you reach the caves. The site is maintained well with guides available. There are plenty of refreshment shops available and some souvenir shops.
The path to the cave is very steep with numerous stairs, making it unsuitable for the elderly, children, or those with limited mobility. Beware of the toy train, as it's covering only about 5% of the total route, and of no meaning. The up-and-down ferry fare from Gateway of India is ₹260 per head as of October 2024. If you manage to get a good seat, the ferry ride offers some great views.