Elephanta Island

Elephant Island

Elephant Island is located in the middle of Mumbai harbor, 9 km northeast of the Gateway to India. It is interesting for its rock-cut temples, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These caves are worthy of crossing the river.

General Information

Indian/foreign Rs. 10/250;9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. wt-wt-ws

On Elephanta Island, a whole labyrinth of cave temples have been carved into the basalt rock, their decorations widely regarded as some of the finest examples of temple carvings in all of India. The main temple is dedicated to Shiva; an intriguing network of courtyards, halls, columns and temples, plus a huge 6-meter-high statue of Sadhashiva, depicting the three-faced Shiva as the destroyer, creator and preserver of the universe. The huge central bust of Shiva with his gdasasas closed for meditation is probably the most serene sight to be found in India.

The temples are believed to have been created between 450 and 750, when the island was called Gharapuri (Gharapuri; “place of caves”). The Portuguese named it Elephanta because of a huge stone elephant near the shore, which partially collapsed in 1814 and was moved by the British to Jijamata Udyan.

It’s worth hiring an English-speaking guide (free if you have a deluxe boat ticket); tours of the island start every hour at thirty minutes near the ticket office. Beware of tour guides who meet you back at the pier and try to impose their services. An English-speaking guide, which is included in the ticket price, will meet you near the caves. If in doubt, demand a government-issued guide ID.

If you’re exploring the Elephanta Caves on your own, grab the book “A Guide to the Elephanta Caves” by Pramod Chhandra at one of the stalls along the stairs. There is a small museum with many informative posters with photos from the caves.

How to get there

Dinghies (economy/suite Rs 105/130) sail to Elephanta Island every half hour from the Gateway to India, starting from 9 am to 3:30 pm, Tuesday-Sunday. You need to buy a ticket at the ticket offices along Apollo Wharf. The trip lasts just over an hour.

From the ferry dock at the very end of the concrete pier, you have to walk (about 3 minutes) or take the mini train (Rs. 10) to the stairs (visit for Rs. 75) that go up to the caves. There are stalls with handmade items along the stairs and it is guarded by pesky monkeys. Wear comfortable shoes.