Elephanta Caves

Overview | How to Reach | Sightseeing | Hotels | Map | Photos

Elephanta caves are a network of sculpted caves located on Elephanta Island or popularly known as Gharapuri Caves which literally means city of caves in Mumbai harbor 10 KMs east to the city of Mumbai in the state of Maharashtra. This island is situated in the arms of the Arabian Sea.

Elephanta Caves in Maharashtra

Elephanta Caves in Mumbai consists of two groups of caves the one being the first one of which is a large group of five Hindu caves and the second one is a small group of two Buddhist caves. The Hindu group of caves is based on Shaivism or on Lord Shiva. These caves contain elaborate and beautiful sculptures of Lord Shiva and mother Parvati.

These islands on which the Elephanta Caves are situated were known as Gharapuri and were a place of worship for the Hindus until the advent of the Portuguese in 1534. It is they who named it the Elephanta Caves owing to the gigantic structure of an Elephant in the center.

Elephanta Caves are carved out of solid basalt rock. The age of these caves is estimated to be as old as the 5th to 8th century B.C. Elephanta Caves were in a state of complete neglect and if we look at the condition of the temple then this fact can be easily understood.

It was only in the 1970s that its proper maintenance of the Elephanta caves was started after a long and prolonged period of complete neglect. Now it is maintained by the archaeological survey of India and has also been announced as a world heritage site by UNESCO in the year 1981.

Elephanta Caves Timings

Elephanta Caves timings are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The caves are closed on Mondays.

Best Time to Visit Elephanta Caves

The best time to visit the Gharapuri Caves is between November and March. The ferries from Gateway of India, Mumbai are not operational during monsoon months, i.e. June to August.

Other Destinations Near Elephanta Caves

Mumbai City

Matheran Hill Station

Karnala Bird Sanctuary

0 thoughts on “Elephanta Caves

  • February 14, 2018 at 11:43 pm
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    Take a ferry from the gateway of India (return ticket price 200 rs.) it will take almost 1 hour to reach the Elephanta by Arabian sea, there’s a bar & restaurant at Elephanta caves so u can have chilled beer/ continental at high price of course. A number of monkeys u can see there, handcrafted ornaments & sculptures etc u can buy.
    u can enjoy the mini train journey there as well, take the DSLR camera to capture the beautiful paintings of Ajanta as there are not sufficient lights in the cave.

    Reply

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