Elephanta Caves, Mumbai
| Location | Elephanta Island, Gharapuri, Mumbai Harbour, Mumbai (Map) |
| Entry Fee & Timings | Elephanta caves open from 09:30 am and 05:30 pm all days in week, Entry fee for Indian Rs 40 and for Rs 600 per person. |
| Place Type | Lakes & Waterfalls, Nature Sites and Parks |
| Place visit with | Family, Kids, Parants, Friends, Solo, Siblings, Youngsters |
| Best time to visit | January, February, March |
About Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Caves were built in the 6-8th century. The history of Elephanta Caves is also associated with the Portuguese. It is said to have been occupied by the Portuguese in about the 16th century, while the Portuguese built a giant elephant located at Rajghat here. Elephanta Caves were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Seeing the idols here, this island was named Elephanta.
Located about 11 km from Mumbai, the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra, these caves are famous all over India for their grand sculptures. Elephanta Caves are a mixture of several different caves, the second part of which includes caves related to Hinduism and the rest of caves related to Buddhism.
Architecture of Elephanta Caves
The famous Elephanta Caves are spread over an area of 60 thousand square feet. There are a total of 7 caves in its complex, out of which 5 caves are related to Hinduism, while the other two caves are related to Buddhism.
Interesting facts about Elephanta Caves
- Mahesh Murti Cave is the most prominent cave among Hindu caves, in which various forms of Lord Shankar have been engraved in a very spectacular manner in 26 pillars.
- The most interesting thing about Elephanta Cave is that idols of many different deities of Hinduism have been installed here. The temples located in Elephanta Cave spread over an area of 60,000 square feet are carved out of hills.
- The island on which Elephanta Caves are sited was originally called Gharapuri. It was the Portuguese who renamed it as Elephanta, after they got a large stone elephant near their landing place.
- There are seven cave excavations, dating back to 6th-7th centuries A.D. that form a part of Elephanta Cave complex
- Elephanta Caves are assumed to date back to time of the Silhara Kings.
How to reach Elephanta Caves
By Road: One can opt for local transport facilities like bus or taxi to reach Elephanta Caves.
By Train:- Mumbai is the major railway junction and trains from all parts of India are connected to Mumbai. If you are coming to Mumbai by any express train then you can get down at CST, Bandra or Lokmanya Nagar Junction.
By Boat Services: One can take ferry or boat ride from Gateway of India to reach Elephanta Caves. It is a one hour journey by sea. There are two types of boats – Deluxe and Economy.
Nearby famous places
- Marine Drive
- Gateway of India
- Juhu Beach
- Siddhivinayak Temple
Elephanta Caves FAQs: 𝒜. It is located at Elephanta Island, Gharapuri, Mumbai Harbour, Mumbai.
𝒜. Entry fee and timings information of the Elephanta Caves: Elephanta caves open from 09:30 am and 05:30 pm all days in week, Entry fee for Indian Rs 40 and for Rs 600 per person..
𝒜. You should visit Elephanta Caves during January, February, March months for best experience.
𝒜. It is located at Elephanta Island, Gharapuri, Mumbai Harbour, Mumbai.
𝒜. Entry fee and timings information of the Elephanta Caves: Elephanta caves open from 09:30 am and 05:30 pm all days in week, Entry fee for Indian Rs 40 and for Rs 600 per person..
𝒜. You should visit Elephanta Caves during January, February, March months for best experience.