How to visit Elephanta Cave Temples | Mumbai

Elephanta Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site that rises majestically out of the Arabian Sea 10km east of Mumbai harbour with ancient Hindu and Buddhist cave temples. You can visit the impressive Elephanta Cave Temples by taking a ferry across from Mumbai. 

A Brief History Of Elephanta Caves

Why and when the caves were created, and by whom is a mystery that makes Elephanta Island a fascinating place to visit. I love that a visitor’s imagination can run wild and add a personal touch to the years and years of wonder and debate.

The architecture, depictions, and inscriptions within the caves suggest that the cave temples were built in the mid-6^th century BC under the rule of King Krishnarraja. The Buddhist Stupas on the east hill can be tentatively dated to the 2^nd century BC.

Elephanta Island has been controlled by many dynasties and kingdoms over the centuries. It was named Gharapuri (Village of Caves) by the Marathi people and that continues to be its local name.

In colonial times the Portuguese invaded the island. The island was renamed ‘Elephanta’ by them as they were inspired by the massive elephant sculpture that once stood like a guardian over the sea.

Portuguese soldiers have been accused of the wanton and willful destruction of the caves. Rumours and stories are rife that the ornate relief carvings were once used as target practice.

In the 1970s, thankfully, the Indian Government decided to restore Elephanta Island. It was a fantastic decision that has allowed a great many locals and tourists to enjoy all the culture, history, and mystique Elephanta has to offer.

What To See At The Elephanta Cave Temples

The island is home to huge caves hewn out of basalt rock and decorated with scenes of an ancient society and culture.

These caves are simply breathtaking. Lovers of history will adore studying the ancient texts, spiritual philosophy, mythology, and epic tales depicted in the wall carvings. It’s like reading a giant storybook.

Exploring Elephanta Island

• The routes around the cave sites are well-marked. It’s mostly shaded by leafy trees with pretty spots to appreciate views of the lush foothills and the sea beyond.
• The west hill (Cannon Hill) rises gradually from the sea and is home to the Great Cave (Cave 1) with its Shivite depictions of ancient life and the epic stories of the Hindus. Caves 2-5 are close by.
• Cannon Hill is named after the imposing black cannons which were once Mumbai’s first defence against invasion and piracy. They are also one of the best places on the island to take awesome panoramic photos.
• The rim of the east hill (Stupa Hill) shelters the Buddhist caves and stupas of caves 6 and 7.
• There is a ruined Buddhist stupa on the east hill which is largely unexplored.
• There is a walkway between the east and west hills.
• Be careful as you climb the stairs to the main entrance. The monkeys that lurk in the shadows are naughty!

The Grand Cave, Elephanta Cave Temples

• The Grand Cave (Cave 1) was an active place of Hindu worship until the Portuguese colonials arrived.
• It is a staggering 40 metres from the cave entrance to the back wall.
• Despite the damage to the carvings the impact of the three main sculptures in the Grand Cave is still stunning.
• The ‘Sadashiv’ is the focal point and elaborately depicts Lord Shiva’s three personalities. The Creator, The Preserver and The Destroyer.
• Every aspect of a Hindu’s worship of Shiva is represented in the Grand Cave and it is a real feast for the eyes.
• The sculptures are beautiful, sensual and full of the power of the emotions depicted on the faces of the Gods and Goddesses.

Cannon Hill – Caves 2-5

• Cave 2 is slightly up the hill from The Grand Cave and is unfinished. There are rock pillars, a portico, a hall and three smaller rooms behind it.
• Cave 3 is the second most impressive of the Elephanta caves. The large pillars at the entrance are very grand and there are lots of ornate carvings inside.
• Cave 4 has a large open veranda which is a great place for a picnic lunch in the shade. The door arch is beautifully carved and leads to a large shrine area with a Shivalinga at the centre.
• Cave 5 is another unfinished cave and is the least accessible as the path is rough. It’s a good place to imagine how the bigger caves looked in ancient times when they were originally being excavated and carved.

Stupa Hill – Caves 6-7

• The eastern hill (Stupa Hill) is connected to the west by a walkway that passes a pretty, tree-lined lake.
• The two caves on Stupa Hill are decorated with Buddhist themes and architectural influences.
• A Stupa sits at the top of the east hill and there are also several ornate water cisterns.

Elephanta Cave Temples: Travel Essentials

Elephanta Caves Guided Tours

If you are heading to Mumbai, consider a professional guide for a half-day trip or to include a full-day trip to see the highlights of the city, click here to book your Elephanta Caves Tour!

Going Independently To Elephanta Cave Temples

The Journey From Mumbai

If you want to head to Elephanta Caves on your own, the journey begins at The Gateway of India, a large arch monument on the waterfront in Mumbai. Here are some details about the ferry!

• A ferry to Elephanta Caves leaves the Gateway every half hour from 9 am to 2 pm.
• Return ferries leave from Elephanta Island every half hour from 12.30 pm to 5.30 pm.
• The ferry ride, on a cute little blue and white striped boat, takes an hour.
• A 30-minute walk or much quicker toy train ride (10 rupees) is required from the ferry to the caves.
• Allow an hour at the very least to explore the caves.
• The ferry costs 150 rupees for a return trip with an extra 10 rupees charged if you want to sit on the top deck and enjoy the full drama of the Mumbai coastline.

The central government sanctioned a project to make an 8km long ropeway connecting Mumbai to Elephanta Caves which will take 15 minutes and will be the first over-the-ocean ropeway in the country. The estimated completion date was set for 2022, but it seems the project may have been delayed since there hasn’t been any news of its completion.

Entrance Fee To Elephanta Caves

• Tourists – 600 rupees.
• Locals – 40 rupees.
• Under 15’s – Free.

Opening Times Of Elephanta Caves

• Visiting hours are between 9.30 am and 5.30 pm
• Elephanta Caves are closed all day Monday

Best Time To Visit Elephanta Caves

• If you’re not fond of travelling on the water then, if possible, avoid visiting the caves in the monsoon months of June-August as boat schedules may be interrupted by the weather and the water will be rough.
• November-February will offer the most pleasant weather for happily wandering around the caves.
• February is the month of the two-day Elephanta Festival. It’s a fantastically colourful and musical occasion that showcases the atmosphere, history, and culture of the caves.

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