About Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Caves are on Elephanta Island, known locally as Gharapuri, in the harbour east of Mumbai. The main attraction is the Great Cave, a large rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, with several smaller caves nearby. The caves are inscribed by UNESCO as the Elephanta Caves World Heritage Site and are one of the most visited heritage sites near Mumbai. Today they are an ASI-protected monument, and regular daily worship is not performed, though devotees gather here on Maha Shivaratri.
The caves are generally dated to around the 5th to 6th century CE, but historians differ on which dynasty created them, with the Kalachuris among those most often suggested. The name Elephanta was given by Portuguese sailors after a large stone elephant found on the island; that statue now stands in a museum garden in Mumbai. The caves suffered damage over the centuries, but many great sculptures survive.
The Great Cave is a large pillared hall cut into the hillside. Its most famous sculpture is the Sadashiva, often called the Trimurti, a huge three-faced bust of Shiva showing his creative, protective and fierce aspects. Around the hall are big panels showing Shiva as Ardhanarishvara, Gangadhara bringing the Ganga down to earth, the marriage of Shiva and Parvati, Shiva as Nataraja and Ravana shaking Mount Kailash. A square linga shrine with four doorways, guarded by tall door-keepers, stands within the hall. Visitors reach the caves by ferry and a climb of more than a hundred steps.
Elephanta Caves timings
The caves are usually open from about 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM and are closed on Mondays. Ferries run from the Gateway of India during the day. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Elephanta Caves
By air
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, is about 25 km from the Gateway of India ferry point.
By train
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Churchgate are about 2 km from the Gateway of India.
By road
Reach the Gateway of India in south Mumbai by taxi, then take a ferry of about an hour to Elephanta Island. A toy train and steps lead from the jetty to the caves.
Festivals at Elephanta Caves
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
- Elephanta Festival (held in some years)Feb
- Shravan Mondays (observed at Mumbai Shiva temples)Jul/Aug
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- No formal dress code as it is a protected monument; modest clothing and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- Entry
- ASI entry ticket (separate rates for Indian and foreign visitors), plus a separate ferry fare. The caves are closed on Mondays.
- Remember that the caves are closed on Mondays, and check the time of the last return ferry.
- Take an early ferry to avoid crowds and the midday heat on the climb.
- Carry water and wear good shoes; there are more than a hundred steps to the caves.
- Watch your belongings around the monkeys on the island.
- Avoid visiting in heavy monsoon weather, when ferries may not run.
Places to visit near Elephanta Caves
- Gateway of IndiaFerry point and Mumbai landmark, about 10 km away by sea
- Mumba Devi TempleTemple of Mumbai's patron goddess, about 13 km away
- Babulnath TempleOld Shiva temple on a hill in south Mumbai, about 14 km away
- Shree Siddhivinayak Temple, PrabhadeviFamous Ganesha temple of Mumbai, about 20 km away
Frequently asked questions
What day are the Elephanta Caves closed?
The Elephanta Caves are closed on Mondays. On other days they are usually open from about 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
How to reach Elephanta Caves from Mumbai?
Take a ferry from the Gateway of India, which takes about an hour, and then walk up the steps from the jetty to the caves.
Is worship performed at the Elephanta Caves?
Regular worship is not performed, as it is an ASI-protected monument, but devotees gather here on Maha Shivaratri.
What is the Trimurti at Elephanta?
It is a huge three-faced sculpture of Shiva as Sadashiva, showing his creative, protective and fierce aspects.
Are the Elephanta Caves a UNESCO site?
Yes. The Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Is there a dress code at Elephanta Caves?
No formal dress code as it is a protected monument; modest clothing and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
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