Elephanta Island near Mumbai, Maharashtra, is home to the Gharapurichi Leni Caves, better known as the Elephanta Caves. Elephanta Caves has some polished rock surfaces, but there are also some bare, untreated rocks. The two primary groupings of caves here are the best examples of carved caverns.
Elephanta Island features a spectacular dance event hosted by the Maharashtra Tourism Department (MTDC) every February.
History of Elephanta Caves:
The Elephanta Caves may be found on the island of Elephanta, a mere ten kilometers from the Gateway of India in Mumbai Harbor. To learn more, continue reading.
The five Hindu & two Buddhist caverns, collectively known as the Elephanta Caves, were erected between the 5th and 8th centuries C.E.
They have remained standing through centuries of occupation, invasion, and neglect to attract millions of visitors to Mumbai today.
How to Plan Elephanta Caves:
- Consider boat schedules while planning your journey.
- Only certified guides are allowed to provide tours of the Elephanta Caves.
- Store food in your bag to keep it out of the hands of monkeys.
- Keep yourself well-hydrated by drinking lots of water.
- Put on some comfortable sneakers.
- For eye protection from the sun, put on a hat and some sunglasses.
- Use a sunscreen cream to protect yourself from the sun.
Things You Need To Know Before You Visit:
- The island about which Elephanta Caves located sited was formerly named Gharapuri. The Portuguese christened it Elephanta, as they obtained a big stone elephant nearby their landing point.
- Many seven-cave excavations, going back to 6th-7th century A.D., constitute part of the Elephanta Cave complex.
- Elephanta Caves are considered to date back to the period of the Silhara Kings.
- Some traditions say that the great warrior Prince of the Chalukya Dynasty – Pulkesin ll erected the Lord Shiva temple to commemorate his victory.
- The rock-cut temple complex encompasses an area of 60,000 sq ft (5,600 m2), including a central chamber, two lateral rooms, courtyards, and smaller shrines.
- Elephanta Caves are formed from solid rock.
Timings of Elephanta Caves:
Between October to March, the temperatures are mild, and the skies are mostly clear, making this the ideal time of year to explore the caverns. In addition, the Elephanta Island event takes place in February in Mumbai. A two-day cultural event features performances by local musicians and dancers.
In the rainy season, Elephanta Caves are just as intriguing. If it rains or the seas aren’t ideal for a short voyage, the ferry services may be suspended.
So, plan a trip to the cave during the winter months of November through February. Take a ferry early in the day to avoid the crowds and have time to explore the caverns.
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How to Reach Elephanta Caves:
You must take the ferry from the Gateway of India terminal to reach Elephanta Island. A round-trip fare of around INR 150 is charged by the boat. Gharapuri or even Elephanta Island may be called after an hour-long journey across the bay to Mumbai Harbour. To get to Grand Cave, you may walk or ride a toy train one kilometer from the port to the foot of the western slope. Passengers on the toy train pay INR 10 each. To get to Cave 1, you’ll have to make your way up 120 stairs.
Elephanta Caves Metro Station
You can’t take the metro to the Gateway of India area. Instead, you can catch buses 111 or 112 from Mumbai CST or Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk to reach the Gateway of India. Then, take a ferry from there to go to Elephanta Island.
Elephanta Caves’s Nearest Bus Stop
From Mumbai CST or Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk, two city buses take you to the Gateway of India: 111 and 112. The boat from the Gateway of India terminal will take you to Elephanta Island.
Railway Station Closest To The Elephanta Caves
A boat trip takes you from the Gateway of India to the Elephanta Caves, located about an hour distant. Churchgate, a prominent south Mumbai location, is the closest train station to the Gateway of India. Churchgate, Mumbai’s oldest and busiest station, houses the Western Railways’ headquarters.
Trains, buses, and taxis all link here with the rest of the city. Taking a cab from the train station to the Gateway to India is a two-kilometer journey.
Elephanta Caves’ Nearest and Most Convenient Airport
In addition to excellent domestic and international connections, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport is handled as the country’s capital and other major metropolises.
You may fly daily from Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Jaipur, Gujarat, or Kolkata to Mumbai. Indi Go, Airlines, Air France, Air Asia, & Qatar Airways are just a few local and international airlines flying to and from the city.
Reasons You Should Visit the Elephanta Caves of Mumbai:
Toy Train To Elephanta Entrance
From Gateway Harbor in Mumbai, it takes around an hour and a half to go to the stunning Elephanta Caves. The Harbor is where your boat will dock. From here, you may board a little toy train to the trailhead and begin your hike.
Taking A Ferry Ride Is An Exciting Adventure
The journey begins at the Gateway of India with a boat or ferry trip. You board the boats, the first of which depart at 9 a.m. and return from the caverns at 5 p.m. On Mondays, the caverns are closed.
Is A Trip To Elephanta Caves Worth Visit?
Elephant caverns have come up in conversation among several of my international friends as a potential tourist destination worth considering.
There are many grumblings about monkeys and beggars. However, the fact that this destination attracts over a million tourists each year comes as no surprise. Awe-inspiring architecture attracts tourists from all over the world.
Finally
If you follow the correct times for your visit to the Elephanta Caves, you will have a great experience. This is based on my own direct experience. It is a good idea to look into the Elephanta caves schedule before boarding the boat, as it’s a one-day excursion from Mumbai for everyone. More may be seen, eaten, experienced, and learned in Elephanta Caves if you depart from the Gateway of India dock early enough.
Check more information on Mumbai:
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- 10 Best Road Trips from Mumbai by Car
- 10 Places to See Near Mumbai in November
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