Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Caves are a collection of cave temples predominantly dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, located on Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri, in Mumbai Harbour, 10 kilometers (6.2 mi) east of Mumbai in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The island consists of five Hindu caves, a few Buddhist stupa mounds that date back to the 2nd century BCE, and two Buddhist caves with water tanks.
The Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are renowned for their intricate rock-cut sculptures and carvings. The caves were constructed over a period of time, from the 5th to 7th centuries CE. The earliest caves are Buddhist, while the later caves are Hindu. The main cave, Cave 1, is the largest and most impressive of the Elephanta Caves. It is a pillared hall with a large central chamber. The walls of the cave are decorated with sculptures of Hindu deities, including Shiva, Vishnu, and Parvati.
The most famous sculpture in the Elephanta Caves is the Trimurti Sadashiva, a three-faced Shiva sculpture. The Trimurti Sadashiva is a masterpiece of Indian art, and it is one of the most iconic images of Hinduism.
Other notable sculptures in the Elephanta Caves include the Nataraja, a dancing Shiva sculpture, and the Yogishvara, a meditating Shiva sculpture. The Elephanta Caves also contain sculptures of other Hindu deities, such as Ganesha, Brahma, and Hanuman.
| Information Details | |
| Ticket price | Indians and visitors from SAARC and BIMSTEC countries: ₹40 |
| Online booking | Not available |
| Timings | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, every day |
| Location | Elephanta Island, Maharashtra, India |
| How to reach | By ferry from the Gateway of India in Mumbai |
| Other things to do | Visit the Cannon Hill, the Elephanta Island Museum, or take a boat ride around the island |
Ticket Price
The ticket price for the Elephanta Caves is as follows:
- Indians and visitors from SAARC and BIMSTEC countries: ₹40
- Foreigners: ₹600
- Children below 15 years of age: Free
Online Booking
Online booking is not available for the Elephanta Caves. Tickets can only be purchased at the ticket counter at the Gateway of India in Mumbai.
Timings
The Elephanta Caves are open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day.
Location
The Elephanta Caves are located on Elephanta Island, which is about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) east of Mumbai in the Indian state of Maharashtra.
How to Reach
The only way to reach Elephanta Island is by ferry. Ferries to the island depart from the Gateway of India in Mumbai. The ferry ride takes about an hour.
Tips for Visiting the Elephanta Caves
- The best time to visit the Elephanta Caves is during the winter months (October to March), when the weather is pleasant.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen, as the Elephanta Caves are located in a tropical climate.
- Be respectful of the religious significance of the Elephanta Caves.
- Do not touch or damage the sculptures or carvings.
Things to Do Around the Elephanta Caves
In addition to visiting the Elephanta Caves, there are a few other things to do on Elephanta Island:
- Visit the Cannon Hill: Cannon Hill is a hilltop park that offers stunning views of the Elephanta Caves and the Mumbai skyline.
- Visit the Elephanta Island Museum: The Elephanta Island Museum houses a collection of artifacts from the Elephanta Caves, including sculptures, carvings, and pottery.
- Take a boat ride around the island: Boat rides are available around Elephanta Island. This is a great way to see the island from a different perspective and to take in the views of the surrounding area.
FAQs – Elephanta Caves
Q: What are the Elephanta Caves?
The Elephanta Caves are a collection of rock-cut cave temples predominantly dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. They are located on Elephanta Island, which is about 10 kilometers (6.2 mi) east of Mumbai in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are renowned for their intricate rock-cut sculptures and carvings.
Q: How do I get to the Elephanta Caves?
The only way to reach Elephanta Island is by ferry. Ferries to the island depart from the Gateway of India in Mumbai. The ferry ride takes about an hour.
Q: What is the ticket price for the Elephanta Caves?
The ticket price for the Elephanta Caves is as follows:
- Indians and visitors from SAARC and BIMSTEC countries: ₹40
- Foreigners: ₹600
- Children below 15 years of age: Free
Q: Can I book my tickets for the Elephanta Caves online?
No, online booking is not available for the Elephanta Caves. Tickets can only be purchased at the ticket counter at the Gateway of India in Mumbai.
Q: What are the timings for the Elephanta Caves?
The Elephanta Caves are open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day.
Q: What is the best time to visit the Elephanta Caves?
The best time to visit the Elephanta Caves is during the winter months (October to March), when the weather is pleasant.
Q: What should I wear when visiting the Elephanta Caves?
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as there is a lot of walking involved. You may also want to bring a hat and sunscreen, as the Elephanta Caves are located in a tropical climate.
Q: What are some of the things to see at the Elephanta Caves?
The Elephanta Caves are home to a number of impressive rock-cut sculptures and carvings. Some of the most notable include the Trimurti Sadashiva, a three-faced Shiva sculpture, the Nataraja, a dancing Shiva sculpture, and the Yogishvara, a meditating Shiva sculpture. The Elephanta Caves also contain sculptures of other Hindu deities, such as Ganesha, Brahma, and Hanuman.
Q: Are there any other things to do on Elephanta Island besides visiting the Elephanta Caves?
Yes, there are a few other things to do on Elephanta Island, such as visiting the Cannon Hill, a hilltop park that offers stunning views of the Elephanta Caves and the Mumbai skyline, and the Elephanta Island Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from the Elephanta Caves, including sculptures, carvings, and pottery. You can also take a boat ride around the island to see it from a different perspective and to take in the views of the surrounding area.
Q: What are some of the tips for visiting the Elephanta Caves?
Here are some tips for visiting the Elephanta Caves:
- The best time to visit the Elephanta Caves is during the winter months (October to March), when the weather is pleasant.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as there is a lot of walking involved.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen, as the Elephanta Caves are located in a tropical climate.
- Be respectful of the religious significance of the Elephanta Caves.
- Do not touch or damage the sculptures or carvings.