Elephanta caves are one of the worth seeing places near Mumbai. They are located on the island called Gharapuri, Mumbai. The meaning of Gharapuri in the Marathi language is the city of caves. The main attractions of Elephanta caves are the ancient Indian sculptures. Trimurti is one of the most important sculptures. You can guess its importance as it is used as the logo for the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation.
In Shorts:
Location: Gharapuri, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Total Time required: 4-5 hours
Best time to visit: Winter season from November to March
It’s a kid-friendly, family-friendly historical place
Starts from: Gateway of India
Who constructed Elephanta caves?
Contemporary scholars consider that King Krishnaraja of the Kalachuri dynasty constructed these caves between the 5th and 6th centuries. Archaeological Survey of India and UNESCO suggest that the completion of the Shiva Temple takes place in the mid-6th century and other artistic things were made in the Gupta Empire Era.
Elephanta caves are predominantly the Shiva Monument. Hindu Kalachuri king constructed these caves. There are various pieces of evidence, inscriptions, and construction style that prove it. The dating of the Elephanta cave can be accurately done by comparing it with the dating of other cave temples in the Deccan plateau such as Ajanta caves.
How do you get to Elephanta Island?
Elephanta Caves are located in Gharapuri, Maharashtra. Commonly recognized as Elephanta Island is located at the South-East side of Mumbai, Maharashtra. To get to these caves, you need to take a ferry from the Gateway of India. It will take around an hour to reach to Gharapuri Island. The charges of the ferry are minimal. You can buy tickets at the Gateway of India and there is no need for a prior booking for the ticket.
What is the importance of Elephanta Caves?
Elephanta caves are one of the best examples of ancient Indian Culture. There are total of seven caves and it’s one of the worth visiting places near Mumbai. There are many statues of Lord Shiva and sculptures of Hindu deity.
When should you visit?
You can visit this place round the year at any time but I will suggest you visit it during the winter season. November to March is the best time to visit Elephanta caves. Avoid monsoon season because the ferry schedules get disrupted due to the unpredictable sea. You will need 4 to 5 hours to see all the places on Elephanta Island starting from the Gateway of India. Choose the morning hours as there will be less crowd.
Are Elephanta caves open in monsoon?
Yes, these caves are open in monsoon season. But I will recommend you to avoid the monsoon season. Because the sea is unpredictable. The only way to go to Elephanta Island is by boat.
Read more: Top 10 Best Treks near Pune and Mumbai to visit in 2021
Is it safe for solo travellers?
Elephanta caves are safe for everyone. You just need to keep in mind some basic things. There are lots of monkeys so keep your food items covered. You should go in the morning as there will be less crowd.
Is outside food allowed here?
You can’t take your food items inside the caves. There are different types of food stall on the way to the caves. In addition, you can’t stay here overnight. If you want to rest for some time there is a hotel service provided by Maharashtra Tourism Department.
Frequently Asked Questions:
There are a total of seven caves in out of which Cave No. 1 is a primary cave which consists of the Shiva Linga.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Aurangabad Circle maintains and manages these Caves.
Elephanta Caves Photos:
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Can we go to Elephanta Caves from New Mumbai?