How can I go to Elephanta Cave from Mumbai?
How to Reach Elephanta Caves. To get to the Elephanta Island, you need to take a ferry from the Gateway of India jetty. The ferry charges around INR 150 for a two-way trip. Career across the bay towards Mumbai Harbour for an hour and then you will arrive at Gharapuri or the Elephanta Island.
How far are the Elephanta Caves from the shore of the mainland Mumbai?
Elephanta Caves are situated on Elephanta Island about 7 kms from Mumbai’s mainland shore. The caves can be reached by an approx. 1-hour boat ride from Gateway of India.
What is the best time to visit Elephanta Caves?
Winter months from November to February are the best time to visit the caves. Avoid peak monsoon season (June to August ) as the sea becomes unpredictable and ferry schedules get disrupted. Morning hours are better to visit this destination.
Is Elephanta Caves open or closed?
Elephanta Caves in Mumbai is open throughout the year, except on Mondays. It takes an hour for an Elephanta Caves ferry to reach the island from Mumbai. The first ferry leaves the Gateway of India jetty at 9 AM, and the last one is at 2 PM. You will get the return tickets from Gateway of India itself.
Is it worth going to Elephanta Caves?
So to answer the question: yes, it’s definitely worth it, primarily for Cave 1. The carvings there, even in their damaged state, are exquisite. It was also pleasant, if only for a couple of hours, to escape the constant noise of horns honking that forms the backdrop to life in Mumbai.
Is Elephanta Caves safe to visit?
Boat ride as well as visit to Elephanta Caves is quite safe but just avoid monkeys and beggars.
Is it safe to go to Elephanta Caves?
Can we stay at Elephanta Caves?
Overnight stay at Elephanta Caves is not permitted. If you want to rest during daytime, The Maharastra Tourism Department Hotel is a good choice. They also serve food and drinks. If you want to stay overnight, then you have to stay with the locals and that is not advisable.
How many steps are there in Elephanta Caves?
To reach the main cave, a visitor or pilgrim has to walk up 120 steep steps from the beach or take the tourist toy train. At the main entrance are four pillars, with three open porticoes and an aisle at the back.
What are Elephanta Caves in Mumbai?
Elephanta Caves are a collection of cave temples located in Gharapuri or Elephanta Island in Mumbai. A Hindu king from the Kalachuri dynasty built the Elephanta Caves. Situated at a distance of 10 km from Gateway of Mumbai, this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was declared so in 1987 after the restoration of the caves in the 1970s.
How do I reach Elephanta from Mumbai’s Gateway?
This sea cruise takes one hour to covers a distance of 13 KM from Gateway to reach Elephanta. Reach the last two stations of South Mumbai either CST ( Chatrapati Shivaji Terminal ) old name VT ( Victoria Terminus) or Churchgate station (only local train). Then take a taxi , local bus to reach Gateway.
The Archaeological Survey of India along with Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage maintain the breathtakingly beautiful Elephanta caves spread over 60,000 sq. feet area. These caves are open on all days from 9AM to 5PM except on Mondays and the best time to visit is from October to March.
What are the best places to see on Elephanta?
One of the main places to see on this island would be the Elephanta Caves. Upon entering the caves, a massive hall supported by large pillars and a large ‘Mahesamurti’ statue will greet you. This remarkable, three-headed Shiva sculpture is the main attraction of this island.