Elephanta caves
Elephanta Caves is the collection of cave temples dedicated to Hindu god Shiva. These caves are located on Elephanta Island in Mumbai Harbour. This is 10 kilometres to the east of the Mumbai City. Elephanta Caves are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The whole complex was built in an area of 60,000 square feet. It has seven caves divided into two groups of alcoves. The first large group has five Hindu caves and the second smaller group has two Buddhist caves. The architecture of the caves dates back to the 5th and 8th centuries, but there is no written record of the origin either in Hindu or Buddhist records.
Best Time To Visit Elephanta caves
Winter months are the best time to visit the Elephanta caves. Best months are from from November to February. Morning hours are better. Avoid peak monsoon as there will be unpredictable sea and ferry schedules.
How to Reach Elephanta caves?
From any pount in Mumbai, take a local train to reach Churchgate or CST station. Then walk to reach Gateway of India. If you do not want to take local train, hire a taxi to directly reach the Gateway of India. Here, you have to hire a ferry to the Elephanta Caves.
The first boat leave from the Gateway of India at 9:00 AM and the last one is on 2:00 PM. Take care of this timing. The ferry cost is between INR 130 to 150 depending on the type of ride you choose.
