Elephanta Caves Tour

Elephanta Caves

Elephanta Caves are located on Elephanta Island or Gharapuri (literally “city of caves”) in Mumbai Harbor east of Mumbai in Maharashtra, India.

The Elephanta Caves are primarily a collection of cave temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. They are acknowledged as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

The island, which lies a little to the west of Jawaharlal Nehru Harbour, is home to five Hindu caves, some Buddhist stupa mounds that date to the second century BCE, and two Buddhist caves with  water tanks.

Elephanta caves have rock-cut rock sculptures. They exhibit a syncretism of Buddhist and Hindu beliefs and iconography, and the majority of them are in high relief.

The caves are cut from solid basalt rock. The majority of the artworks, with a few exceptions, were destroyed or severely damaged. The direction of the main temple and the relative position of other temples are placed in the mandala pattern. These sculptures depict Hindu mythology.

According to legend, they date from the middle of the fifth and ninth centuries. Scholars attribute these to various Hindu dynasties. These are generally dated between the 5th and 7th centuries. Most scholars consider them to have been completed by around 550 CE.

The colonial Portuguese, who discovered elephant statues in caves, named them Elephante—which became Elephanta. They established a settlement on the island. The main cave (Cave 1, or Great Cave) was a Hindu place of worship until the arrival of the Portuguese. Following then, the island was no longer used as a center of devotion. The British Indian government initiated the initial steps in 1909 to stop additional harm to the caverns. The monuments were restored in the 1970s. It is now supervised by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The island covers an area of ​​10 km2 (3.9 sq mi) at high tide and 16 km2 (6.2 sq mi) at low tide. A little village called Gharapuri is located on the island’s southern coast.

Gate of India to Elephanta Caves Distance

Elephanta Caves and Gateway of India are 13 miles apart. The best way to reach Elephanta Caves is from Gateway of India, which takes 1 hour by ferry.

Elephanta Caves Ferry Timings and Price

Elephanta Caves Ferry Timings and Cost

Ferry service to Elephanta Caves runs daily except Mondays. Depending on the season, exact times may change significantly, so it’s a good idea to check the most recent schedule before you go. Generally, there are regular departures throughout the day between Gateway of India in Mumbai and Elephanta Caves.

The round-trip ferry fare is ₹260 and an additional ₹10 is required for an upper deck seat. Entry tickets cost ₹40 for Indian citizens and visitors from SAARC and BIMSTEC countries, ₹600 for visitors from other countries and free for children below 15 years.

Elephanta Caves Ferry Timings

Following is the ferry timetable for Elephanta Caves in Mumbai:
gateway of india to elephanta caves ferry: First ferry leaves at 9 am and last ferry at 2 pm.
The first ferry departs Elephanta Caves to the Gateway of India at 12:30 PM, while the last ship leaves at 5:30 PM.
The ferry voyage takes approximately one hour.

Visiting Timings: Elephanta Caves are open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Jetty to caverns: Following the boat voyage, there is a 30-minute hike to the caverns, an hour or more of cave exploration, and a 30-minute walk down to the jetty.
Ferry Service Closure: Ferry service and Elephanta Caves are closed on Mondays.
Weather: Variations in the weather may occur in the timings.

Elephanta Caves Boat Timings

Ferries from the Gateway of India to the Elephanta Caves depart every half-hour. At 3:30 p.m., the last boat departs for Elephanta.

Elephanta Caves to Gateway of India: Ferries depart every 30 minutes. The last one at 5.30 pm.

Peak Season (November to February):

Additional ferries may be added to meet increased demand.
Ferry fares
The ferry fare to Elephanta Caves is reasonable and includes a return journey. The exact price may vary slightly, but you should pay roughly:

Tips for a Smooth Ferry Ride

Buy tickets in advance: To avoid long queues, especially during peak tourist seasons, buy your ferry tickets in advance online or from authorized sellers.

Examine the weather: Review the forecast before to your travel. In case of heavy rains or rough seas, the ferry service may be temporarily suspended.

Carry water and snacks: There are limited food and drink options on the island, don’t forget to bring essentials like sunscreen, hat, comfortable shoes, snacks and water.

Wear comfortable shoes: Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes. because you’ll be exploring the caves outside for a while. Some of the temples in the caverns are uphill, and the caves themselves are situated on a hill.

Honor the customs of the locals: Elephant Caves is a holy site; so, please dress modestly and conduct yourself with decency.

Explore the island: A boat trip to the island is a great experience. The upper deck is where you may feed the seagulls.

Shop: On the way to the caves there are shops selling souvenirs, bags and metal/shell jewellery.

This wonderful historical and cultural experience can be enjoyed by planning your ferry trip in advance and knowing the timings and prices. Enjoy hassle free.

Elephanta Caves Entry Fees

Adults: INR 200-250
Children: INR 100-125

Entrance Fees to Elephanta Caves:
Indian Visitors: Rs. 40
Foreign Citizens: Rs. 600
Children below 15 years: No entry fee

Note: Without previous warning, prices are subject to change. Prior to your visit, it is always advised to verify the most recent rates online or with the boat operators.

 

Elephanta Caves Review

Elephanta Caves is a World Heritage Site and a must-see attraction in Mumbai. The caves are located on Elephanta Island, accessible by ferry from the Gateway of India. The Arabian Sea and the Mumbai skyline may be seen during the hour-long ferry voyage.

To get to the caves, guests must ascend a flight of stairs after arriving on the island. The caves are decorated with beautiful sculptures and carvings depicting gods, goddesses, mythological settings, and animals. The most famous sculpture is the three-headed statue of Lord Shiva in the main cave.
Some recommend taking a guided tour of the caves. Others advocate visiting during the cold months and bringing a water bottle.

On Elephanta Island, there is a good distance between the pier where the boats dock and the start of the archaeological complex. If you don’t want to walk, you can take a small train, which costs just Rs. 10 (approx. US$ 0.20) only for the return ride.

Description

There are two sets of solid basalt rock rock-cut caverns on the island. The island’s western hill contains five enormous caverns noted for its Hindu sculptures. The main cave, known as Cave 1, is located on a 1.0 km (0.62 mi) hill overlooking the Mumbai harbour. Next to Cave 1, in a southeasterly direction, are Caves 2 through 5. Geographically, Caves 6 and 7 are on the edge of the eastern cliff, but they are located roughly 200 meters (660 feet) northeast of Caves 1 and 2.

The two hills are connected by a causeway. Because of their historical colonial era designations, Ancient Stupa and the Portuguese Hill, the eastern hill is also known as Stupa Hill, and the western hill is known as Canon Hill era canons they hosted respectively.

All the caves are rock-cut temples with an area of ​​5,600 m2 (60,000 sq ft). In their most elaborate form, they consist of a main room, two side rooms, courtyards and small shrines, but all are not fully developed. The largest cave is number one, reaching a depth of 39 meters (128 feet) from the front entrance to the rear.

The temple complex is primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is depicted in widely known sculptures that illustrate the legends and Vedanta of Shaivism. However, the artwork also respectfully displays themes from the Shakti and Vaishnava traditions of Hinduism.

Explore the Elephanta Caves 

Nataraja: The Cosmic Dancer

A panel facing Yogeswara on the west side of the portico next to the north gate depicts Shiva as Nataraja, “universal dancer” and “lord of dancers”. Nrittamurthy is another name for this well-known illustration. Despite its extensive destruction, it is 4 meters (13 feet) broad and 3.4 meters (11 feet) tall.It is located low on the wall.

Lord Shiva’s body and hands are shown in the extremely messy Lalita mudra, which represents the conquest of all space, soaring power and complete body weightlessness.
His face resembles that of Tatpurusha,

It is the manifestation of Lord Shiva who preserves and sustains all creation. This depiction of Nataraja has eight arms. Fragments that remain suggest that he holds an ax wrapped around a coiled snake, and in the other hand, he holds a folded cloth, perhaps representing Maya’s veil. All creative endeavors and creations are preserved by the manifestation of Lord Shiva.

It has fewer representations of God, other deities, and onlookers than other panels in the cavern. Brahma, Vishnu, Lakshmi, Saraswati and Parvati appear, their faces expressing enchantment. Also present are Shiva’s sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya, with Kartikeya holding Shiva’s staff. A hermit and a sage are also depicted, family life and hermit monastic life, secular and spiritual, woven through the choreographic symbolism of the same panel.

The dancer and destroyer aspects of Shiva are concentrated in the north-west part of the cave, while the yoga and creator aspects are found in the north-east. This 6th century Nataraja shares architectural elements with those found in temples in Western South Asia such as Gujarat and the Upper Deccan region.

Yogishvara: Lord of Yoga

A panel on the east side of the portico near the north entrance depicts Shiva in yoga. This form of Lord Shiva is known as Yogiswara, Mahayogi or Lakulisa.

Stella Kramrisch notes that Shiva in this panel is the “primordial yogi”, a master of discipline, master of the yogic arts, and a master who demonstrates how yoga and meditation lead to the realization of ultimate reality.

Most of the arms and legs are broken and the relief is damaged. Shiva is seated in padmasana, an elegant pose that the artist from the sixth century is familiar with. He sits on a lotus with a branch emerging from the ground and his legs are symmetrically crossed. There are two nagas facing the lotus, expressing devotion in the namaste posture.

Various Vedic and mythological gods and goddesses, as well as monks and saints, approach the great yogi, though a ray of light surrounds him, keeping them away as if they admire but do not want to disturb his meditation.

While there are some variances, the yogi object in this Hindu cave is comparable to those found in Buddhist caves. Yogi Shiva, or Lakulisa, wears a crown, his chest is shown leaning forward as in the breathing exercises found in Hindu yoga texts, and his face and body express different energies. Kramrish notes that this Shiva Yogi appears in medieval Indian poetry as the “Lord of the Caves” or Guhesvara. According to Charles Collins, the depiction of Shiva in Elephanta Cave 1 as a yogi is in line with early and first-millennium CE mythology.

Sadashiva: Trimurti

The Trimurti is regarded as the most significant sculpture in the caves and a masterpiece. It is carved in relief on the south wall of the cave opposite the north entrance along a north-south axis. It is also known as Sadashiva and Mahesamurthy. The 7 meter high image depicts the three-headed Lord Shiva representing Panchamukha Shiva.

The three heads represent the three essential aspects of Shiva: creation, protection and destruction. Another interpretation holds that the three heads stand for knowledge and compassion. The right half face (west face) shows him holding a lotus bud, which depicts the promise of life and creativity. This face represents the feminine aspect of Shiva and the creator, Brahma, Uma, or Vamadeva. This young man with a mustache has a left half face, or eastern face. It is the terrible Aghora or Bhairava, the creator and destroyer of chaos, Shiva, also known as Rudra-Shiva, the destroyer. The central face, the benign and meditative Tatpurusha, resembles Vishnu, the preserver. This form of Shiva is “the master of the positive and negative principles of existence and the preserver of their harmony”.

In Shaivism, the creator, preserver, and destroyer are represented as the three-headed Shiva. They symbolize Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma, the three equal elements found in Shaivism.

Gangadhara

Trimurti Shiva with Ardhanarishwar (a half-Shiva, half-Parvati mix) on its left and Gangadhara Purana on its right. To the right of the Trimurti is an image of Gangadhara

Shiva and Parvati are standing. Lord Shiva brings the river Ganga down from heaven and as she descends her immense power is effortlessly engulfed in Lord Shiva’s hair. The artists carved a small three-bodied deity symbolizing Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. Mother Parvati stood beside Lord Shiva with a smile. The artwork stands 5.207 meters tall and 4 meters wide.

The Gangadhara image is much damaged, especially the lower half of Shiva seated with Parvati, shown with four arms, two of which are broken. A cup with a three-headed female figure (with broken limbs) hangs from the crown, representing Hindu scriptures’ three primary rivers. An alternative interpretation of the three-bodied deity in the Gangadharamurti plaques is that it represents the reproductive powers of the rivers in the form of Mandakini, Suradhani and Bhagavati. In this grotto scene, Shiva is carved and bejeweled while the gods gather to witness the cosmic source of earthly abundance. The gods and goddesses shown are identified by their vahanas (vehicles) and symbols, including Brahma (left), Indra (left), Vishnu (right), Saraswati, Indrani, Lakshmi and others.

Shiva is depicted with a hood over one arm, close to his left shoulder. Shiva is shown clutching the partially shattered arm of Parvati, whose head is wrapped with hair. A tattered decorative drapery covers his lower torso. To Shiva’s left is carved Parvati, wearing a jewel-encrusted hairstyle and garment. A gana (dwarf jester) stood between them, confused and panicked as to whether Shiva could control it.

A powerful river goddess. At the lower left of the panel, the great mythical monarch Bhagiratha is kneeling in a devotional pose. He strove to bring a river of prosperity to his country kingdom, but was unaware of the destructive forces that came with it.

Elephanta Caves Ferry Booking Online

Online Booking of Ferry Ticket to Elephanta:
You can book online ferry tickets for Elephanta Caves from Belapur Jetty in advance. But, the ferry from Gateway of India to Elephanta is a first-come, first-served model.

SERVICE AVAILABILITY FOR FERRY If the weather does not cooperate with ferries, services might be postponed or cancelled. Verify Mumbai’s overall weather; during the monsoon, in particular, the sea might be choppy due to high tides.

Ardhanarishvara Elephanta Caves

What is Ardhanarishwar?

Ardhanarishwar is a composite deity in Hinduism. The Hindu god Ardhanarishwar stands for the peaceful coexistence of masculine and feminine forces. Parvati, the fertility goddess, can also be thought of as representing togetherness. The left half of the figure represents Shiva, the destroyer, while the right half represents Parvati, the wife of Shiva and on her own right the powerful goddess. It represents the connection between feminine and masculine forces. Similarly represents the duality and unity of existence.

Importance of sculpture

The Ardhanarishwara sculpture holds a significant value in Hindu mythology. It indicates:

Gender Equality: The goddess challenges traditional gender roles and promotes the idea that both masculine and feminine energies are necessary for creation and preservation.

Ornate details: The sculpture is sculpted with intricate details including jewellery, clothing and facial expressions.

Divine Unity: Shiva and Parvati’s union represents the universe’s ultimate unity, as well as all beings’ interconnectivity and ultimate harmony.

Transcending duality: Ardhanarishvara transcends the duality of gender and demonstrates the interconnectedness of all beings.

Harmony and Balance: The sculpture represents the balance and harmony between opposing forces in nature and within us.

Note : 

Respect the Caves: Please refrain from harming or destroying the sculptures, and be careful of the historic architecture.

Belapur to Elephanta Caves Ferry Timetable

Important Considerations:

Ferry Duration: The ferry ride between Belapur and Elephanta Caves takes around 45-60 minutes.
Peak Season: Ferries are packed on weekends and holidays, which are also the busiest travel times. It is advisable to book your tickets in advance or arrive early to avoid long queues.
Weather Conditions: Ferry services may be affected by adverse weather conditions. Check with the authorities before your trip to make sure the boats are operating.

Ferry services from Belapur to Elephanta Caves
Tourists can easily travel between Belapur and Elephanta Caves with the help of several ferry operators. For the most recent information, it is always advisable to verify with local authorities or boat companies as the precise timetable may vary somewhat.

There are regular ferry services between Belapur and Elephanta Caves. These services are usually provided by the Mumbai Port Trust (MPT).

Plan and book in advance. Speed ​​boat ride (up & down) costs ₹825. Visit Elephanta at the Gateway of India if you have the time and want to save money. If you want to get there faster, take the Elephanta Ferry at Belapur Jetty and don’t spend ₹825 per head.

How to reach Belapur Ferry Terminal

By Rail: Belapur is well connected by local trains. Take a train from your location to Belapur Railway Station.
By Bus: There are various bus services to Belapur. Check local bus schedules for options.
By own vehicle: If you have your own vehicle, you can drive to Belapur and park in the designated parking spaces near the ferry terminal.

Elephanta Caves Ferry Timetable

Morning: Boats usually leave Belapur around 9:00 AM with multiple ferries.
Afternoon: The last ferry from Belapur to Elephanta Caves usually leaves around 3:00 PM. Similarly return ferries from Elephanta Caves to Belapur are available at 12:00 PM.

Note: Depending on the day of the week and the tourist season, the frequency of ferries may change.

Ferry Schedules to Elephanta
Elephanta Ferry Route Days Schedule
Elephanta offers three services (9.15 AM, 11.15 AM, and 2.15 AM) from the CBD Belapur Jetty on Saturday and Sunday.
Elephanta to CBD Belapur Jetty 3 services on Saturday and Sunday (1 PM, 4 PM, and 5.30 PM)

Elephanta Caves Ferry Booking Online

How to Book Ferry Tickets

• Online Booking: Many ferry operators offer online booking facilities. You can check their websites for availability and book your tickets in advance.
• At the Ferry Terminal: You can also purchase tickets directly at the ferry terminal in Belapur.

Best Time to Visit Elephanta Caves

The Elephanta Caves in Mumbai are best visited between November and February, when temperatures are milder. Visiting during the hot and humid months of June makes tourists very tired due to the long walk to the caves.

Elephanta Caves Built by Rashtrakutas

Elephanta Caves Built by Which Ruler

The Rashtrakuta rulers built the Elephanta Caves in western India between the 5th and 6th centuries. They were constructed by making incisions into the steep, towering basalt rock walls. These caverns, which are devoted to Lord Shiva, are cut into the tall walls of basalt rock. These caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

UNESCO has recognized 34 caves in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra state as World Heritage Sites.

Here are some other facts about Elephanta Caves:
These caves were first occupied by Hinayana Buddhists.
Mumbai Bay’s Elephanta Island is home to several caverns.
The Shaivite Hindu faith is shown in the well-known rock engravings found in these caves.
Mahesha-murthy cave is considered to be the most important cave.
The main cave is known for its sculptures depicting Lord Shiva in various forms and actions.
The main cave is close to the Sitabai Temple, a spacious prayer hall.
The caves are closed on Mondays and are open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Elephanta Caves Boat Ticket Price

Elephanta Caves round-trip ferry tickets from Mumbai’s Gateway of India will set you back INR 200 for adults and INR 150 for children as of January 2024. For example, you could have to pay an extra INR 10 to seat on the boat’s upper deck.

Elephanta Caves Nearest Railway Station

The closest train stations to Elephanta Caves in Mumbai, India are Churchgate Railway Station and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST):
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST): A well-connected suburban train station
Churchgate Railway Station: A prominent South Mumbai station
From any station, you can walk or take a taxi to Gateway of India.

Elephanta Caves’ closest train station is Churchgate Railway Station. Take a local train to Churchgate and hire a taxi to Gateway of India. Once on the island, you have the option of walking down or taking the toy train to the attractions. It is a 20 minute walk from the train station.

Hotels in Elephanta Caves

Finding the Perfect Stay Near Elephanta Caves:
Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer a breathtaking glimpse into India’s rich history and culture. If you are planning to visit this iconic destination, you need to find a comfortable place to stay. Here is a guide to hotels and accommodations near Elephanta Caves:

1. Mumbai:

Luxurious Hotels: Colaba, Fort, and Nariman Point are some of the affluent neighborhoods in Mumbai that offer a luxurious stay. These regions have roomy, opulent hotels with top-notch amenities and convenient access to transportation to Elephanta Island.
Budget-friendly options: If you’re on a budget, Mumbai has plenty of affordable hotels and guesthouses. There are several options available in areas like CST, Dadar, and Bandra to meet a range of preferences.

2. Gateway of India:

Conveniently situated near the Gateway of India, the departure point for ferries to Elephanta Island, are hotels near the ferry terminal. There are many hotels and guesthouses in the area, offering easy access to the ferry terminal and a lively atmosphere.

3. Elephanta Island:

On-Island Accommodation: Although there aren’t many hotels directly on Elephanta Island, you can find some basic accommodation near the caves. For those who would prefer to escape Mumbai’s bustle and experience the island’s peace, these are the best options.

Tips for choosing a hotel:

Think about your spending: Establish your budgetary limit and pick a hotel that satisfies it.

Check Proximity to Ferry Terminal: If you are planning to visit Elephanta Caves multiple times, the proximity of Gateway of India Ferry Terminal will save you time and hassle.

Examine reviews: To learn about the hotel’s amenities, quality, and contentment from past guests, check internet reviews.

Book in advance: Especially during peak tourist seasons, it is advisable to book your hotel in advance to ensure availability and get the best rates.

By following these tips and considering your preferences, you can find the perfect hotel or accommodation to make your Elephanta Caves experience comfortable and enjoyable.

Conclusion

Elephant Caves offer a unique and unforgettable experience. With their stunning architecture, rich history and serene atmosphere, Mumbai is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Mumbai. By taking a ferry from CSMT, you can easily reach these ancient wonders and immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of India.

 

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