Mumbai Elephanta Caves Private Half-Day Tour including Guide
4.7
Mumbai Elephanta Caves Private Half-Day Tour including Guide
By Mystical Mumbai
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About
Located on an island off the coast of Mumbai, the Elephanta Caves are rock-cut temples, some dating back to the second century BC. Learn about the legendary Buddhist and Hindu UNESCO-World Heritage Site—known as the “City of Caves”—during this guided tour, which covers the main temples dedicated to Shiva as well as smaller, off-the-beaten-track shrines. And because it’s a private tour, enjoy plenty of personal attention. The ferry and admission to the caves are at own expense and there is an option to include a family lunch.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 10-99
Duration: 4h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: German, English, Spanish
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Highlights
- Informative guided tour of Elephanta Caves
- Enrich your visit with detailed commentary on the UNESCO-World Heritage Site
- Travel with your guide from Mumbai port for added convenience (tickets own expense)
- Explore smaller, more remote caves as well as the main attractions
- Governement approved Licence Guide (English, Spanish or German speaking depending on option selected
- Local Family's home Lunch (Only if Lunch Inclusive Option Selected)
- Elephanta cave Entry fees
- Ferry to Elephanta Island
- Elephanta Village Tax
- Toy Train Ticket
What's not included- Hotel pickup & dropoff by airconditioned vehicle (available for extra charge of USD 40 for 1-4 pax)
- Gratuities
- Any other meals or drinks
- Entry/Admission - Elephanta Caves
- Disembark with your guide on Elephanta Island after a short ferry ride from the Mumbai port. At this bonafide open-air museum, Hindu and Buddhist sculptures are displayed within cavernous shrines, well-preserved despite centuries of worship. Learn about the long tradition of Hindu worship that ended with the beginnings of Portuguese colonial rule, and explore smaller, off-the-beaten-track Buddhist caves away from the main sights. Wander at your own pace through the spectacular rock-cut architecture and come face-to-face with timeless icons, like a 20-foot sculpture of Trimurti, or the three forms of the Hindu cosmos. Listen to detailed commentary on the Hindu pantheon of gods, including Shiva, who occupies a place of honor in the largest cave. At the end of the tour, return to Mumbai or, if you've selected the option, head to a family lunch for a delicious meal.
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
- Regal Cinema, Colaba Causeway, opposite Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400005, India
Pickup details- Meeting point or pickup from your accommodation with extra charge
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.Airport pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included airports.- Mumbai Airport, Maharashtra 400099, Mumbai India
Port pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included ports.- Alexander Dock(Green Gate)
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 10591P8- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- Minimum age is 10 years
- No strict dress code is enforced at tour sites. However, please be advised to dress accordingly for places of worship; spaghetti straps and short shorts are not recommended
- A moderate amount of walking is involved; comfortable walking shoes, and sunglasses/sunscreen are highly recommended, as well as a hat or scarf for ladies
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- prices for English,Spanish and German are different
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 10591P8
From
$105.00
per adult (price varies by group size)
Select date and travelers
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Itinerary
- 1Disemark with your Tour Guide After an hour long boat ride to Elephanta Island from the Gateway of India, explore the magnificent caves. The outer caves were used as a place of Hindu worship until Portuguese rule was established. The caves further in are smaller and are Buddhist caves. The main cave, otherwise known as the Shiva Cave, contains numerous carvings throughout depicting various aspects of Lord Shiva including his wedding, his slaying of Andhaka and more. There will also be a sculpture of the Trimurti in the main cave that is approximately 20 feet tall. Other wings of the caves have shrines dedicated to Shiva’s sons, Kartikeya and Ganesh. Book and explore this UNESCO World Heritage site with a guide from Gharapuri, which is a small village on the south side of the island.Pass byGateway Of India Mumbai
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- sol_nep3170 contributionsDiscovering Karla cavesIt was an amazing visite ! The driver Mukesh and the guide Aarti were very nice, attentive and friendly. They shared with me life in India and informations about Karla caves. It worth it ! The caves are stunning. Thank you to Mukesh and Aarti for the great experience !Written March 15, 2025
- Paul C0 contributionsHighly recommendedMukesh was a fantastic driver and guide. He was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. We saw everything on our list and then some. We’re really glad we decided to book with this company. Highly recommended.Written March 12, 2025
- Medickinson0 contributionsAmazing and insightful tour that will teach you so much more than cookingAn incredible and insightful tour that not only teaches you new cooking skills but also gives you a glimpse of what it’s like to live as a young married mother in Mumbai. Aarti taught me so much (including how much of a wimp I am when trying to flip hot chapati on the cooker), and she was super patient when I could probably roll or knead the dough 😊 Being invited into a persons home is such a privilege and this tour really does immerse you into the life of a local. My driver Mukesh was also amazing, teaching me all about the landmarks we passed during our drive. I’d highly recommend this tour and these two guides specifically.Written March 8, 2025
- HHKarsten0 contributionsOkThe Tour guide and the driver were punctual and reliable. The car was ok. The tour was informative. Everything was ok…..Written March 5, 2025
- 52brie0 contributionsGreat Mumbai TourHad the pleasure of spending our day with Mukesh! He was amazing, professional and very knowledgeable about the city. He took us to the Open Laundry, Mahatma Gandhi’s house, cricket stadium, passed through slums and showed us around Mumbai. He was prompt at the airport in picking us up and had cold drinks waiting for us on such a hot day. He’s one to ask for when booking a tour whenever you’re in Mumbai, highly recommended.Written March 3, 2025
- EricC8830 contributionsGreat local diver / guideGreat driver and great service. Mukesh was great. Took us to several places he recommended and was happy to adjust as we wanted. Good English, friendly and helpful.Written March 1, 2025
- LeeH30480 contributionsEye-OpeningIt was eye-opening seeing Dharavi up close. It made me appreciate how crowded, difficult but also dynamic and productive the place is. The guide was informative though I wish it was a bit longer and more context was provided.Written February 26, 2025
- Connector278276441270 contributionsTour with AbhiAbhi was the best, tour was so interesting! I loved the place so much, couldn’t even imagine that would come back to slum Rada, MoscowWritten February 25, 2025
- alinaj9530 contributionsBest tourguideThe tour was really amazing went as a young women felt safe and was so interesting to see a insight of how the people work there and make business. Abhi was our great tourguide and he answered all the questions and gave really nice insight views. Really worth a visit ! (That comes from a person that was unsure about doing it bc it felt weird to take a visit at peoples home, but defiantly worth it!)Written February 24, 2025
- keirk20250 contributionsGood sightseeing Mumbai TourOur trip guide was Aarti. She was very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful in explaining the various locations, its history and significance. They were flexible with the location allowing us to see and explore the different places in Mumbai.Written February 23, 2025
- udaykA3340NI0 contributionsGreat company in IndiaI booked online and Excellent service , smooth communication and a great staff and highly recommended Mystical MumbaiWritten February 22, 2025
- 301adinad0 contributionsGreat private tour with a wanderfull guideWe had a full day private tour with a wanderfull guide, Aarti. She was very knowledgeable and friendly. She even took us to her house to show how her family is living and served us tea. We saw all big attractions in Mumbai and we had a very rich and powerful experience. We highly recommend the tour and especially Aarti! Thanks Aarti!Written February 21, 2025
- V4150RPkristenc0 contributionsShake off western standards & open your mindI had not planned in taking this tour, but due to an unexpected injury to another guide, was left with this option- and I am so glad that I did. My guide Bharti was born, raised, and continues to live in the Dharavi community. She is very knowledgeable about it’s history, its current commercial & residential offerings, speaks very good English and is fun, funny, and nice. This is an amazing community of industrious people that are recycling, repurposing, living in harmony with their neighbors. We ended our tour by having tea with her parents in their home. The best masala chai I have had after 20 days of travel in India. I highly recommend this tour, and Bharti in particular. Go!Written February 16, 2025
- Voyager2977900 contributionsAnother chance to see and learn about Mumbai.Fabulous experience. Our guide Raj was very knowledgeable. The separate guides we met in the synagogues were great and told us much about the history of Mumbai Judaism.Written February 13, 2025
- T7289NXanjak0 contributionsRaj GuidBest Guide tour I deed in India. When you visit India you have to do this tour. Thank you perfect and perfect English speaking guide.Written February 8, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.7
107 reviews
Excellent
91
Very good
11
Average
1
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Sutwil
Las Vegas, NV59 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
Many thanks to Dev for a wonderful day in Mumbai! He is so passionate about his interesting city and he made sure I saw some unique, intriguing sights. Dev communicated with me before and after the tour and made sure I was always comfortable. He shared great information so I learned quite a bit about the area.
Sameer was a great local guide for the Elephanta caves and I enjoyed hearing about his life on the special island. Mukesh was an excellent driver in Mumbai and was always courteous about making sure I was safe getting in and out of the car.
Sameer was a great local guide for the Elephanta caves and I enjoyed hearing about his life on the special island. Mukesh was an excellent driver in Mumbai and was always courteous about making sure I was safe getting in and out of the car.
Written October 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Namrata S
1 contribution
Apr 2023 • Solo
I had a wonderful day going to Elephanta Caves with private tour guides, Raj was excellent company all the way to the island and took great care of me throughout. Sameer, an island local, was my tour guide on the island, he showed me the beautiful carvings in the caves and explained each scene in in detail. He even took some really creative pictures for me! I had a great experience overall, definitely recommend!!
Written April 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ettore
5 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
Interesting and positive experience, guided perfectly by Anthony and Krupesh that supported us on each step of the tour.
Krupesh, local guide of the island, perfectly explained the details of each single cave with passion and kindness.
The caves are wonderful and well maintained, on the island there is the possibility to buy local souvenir.
Anthony guided us from the hotel up to the caves, giving us great explanation and suggestion!!!!!
Thank you!
Really suggested
Ettore
Krupesh, local guide of the island, perfectly explained the details of each single cave with passion and kindness.
The caves are wonderful and well maintained, on the island there is the possibility to buy local souvenir.
Anthony guided us from the hotel up to the caves, giving us great explanation and suggestion!!!!!
Thank you!
Really suggested
Ettore
Written October 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
“We are incredibly grateful that you took the time out to leave us a 5-Star review.”
Written October 31, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Keith C
4 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Three of my friends and I took a tour of Elephanta caves through Mystic Mumbai and I cannot recommend it enough. While the 7th century carvings are beautiful on their own, the tour guide spent time in every section explaining the history of Hindu gods and of the carvings themselves. He was insightful, and funny, and very good with pictures of us also. The tour company themselves was pleasant and quick to respond. We didn’t need to worry about arrangements for any aspect. As we were in a hotel near the airport (about an hour drive away from the dock), this was very important. If you are thinking about going to the Elephanta caves, please please please do yourself a favor and take this tour. It is worth the low price.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks a lot for spending time to write a review and comment.
See you soon!!!
Written January 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ksfdjf60
Boston, MA13 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
What a great day to Elephanta caves with Raj our guide and Mukesh our driver. Both locals who could provide wonderful insight to the city and the people. It was wonderful socializing with others on the ferry. Keep in mind all the steps- but even if you can’t - locals will carry you up and down the steps for a small fee. Would recommend. Great lunch at local restaurant.
Written December 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks a lot for your kind words and for sharing your 5-star review with the rest of our community.
Written February 7, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tgholkar
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Family
We thoroughly enjoyed the tour with our guide Sameer. He was a local from the island and gave us good info on the caves as well as life on the island for the local villagers. That gave a good context to the overall experience. We were part of a larger group but Sameer gave personal attention to each group and was patient to answer questions from everyone.
The organization and communication was a bit chaotic at the start of the tour at the meeting point. We didn’t know if we would have a private guide for ourselves or be a part of a larger group. Would help if the tour operator gives a little more info before hand. The tour operator was however available on the phone to sort it out. We ended up choosing to stay with the larger group with Sameer and not hire a private guide. There was some miscommunication regarding pricing as well but the tour operator sorted it out professionally. Would recommend to get the pricing confirmed in writing. It worked out well in the end and would highly recommend the tour.
The organization and communication was a bit chaotic at the start of the tour at the meeting point. We didn’t know if we would have a private guide for ourselves or be a part of a larger group. Would help if the tour operator gives a little more info before hand. The tour operator was however available on the phone to sort it out. We ended up choosing to stay with the larger group with Sameer and not hire a private guide. There was some miscommunication regarding pricing as well but the tour operator sorted it out professionally. Would recommend to get the pricing confirmed in writing. It worked out well in the end and would highly recommend the tour.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We are glad that you really enjoyed the tour and we would
really appreciate if you recommended this tour to your family and friends.
Written January 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Przem Pacucha
Loughborough, UK11 contributions
Jan 2022 • Solo
I booked this tour with very short notice 1h, but thy still managed to arrange everything. It is about 1 hour trip by boat to the island. I have received a very good guide from local man who knew everything about the tour and was very helpful. Guide English communication was good. The island and story behind is very fascinating and I recommend the tour if you have spare 4 hours. Bring also some spare cash for brilliant suvenires selling over by locals.
Written January 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for writing a review!
Written March 13, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Something125
Philadelphia, PA2 contributions
Jan 2020
I'm a huge history nerd, no matter what country or era. Visiting the Elephanta caves provides such a deep dive into over 2000 of history, from Mumbai's ancient origins to its recent colonial past. The caves themselves are quite spectacular, with ancient reliefs and carving that were painstakingly chiseled into existence over several generations. Even the walk up to the caves was an experience, with about a hundred vendors hawking their souvenir and treats with monkeys running around.
However what made the trip was the guide. Sadly I forgot his name, but that fact that he has done the tour for nearly 15 years should speak to itself. If you have only a day in Mumbai, I would highly recommend this tour.
However what made the trip was the guide. Sadly I forgot his name, but that fact that he has done the tour for nearly 15 years should speak to itself. If you have only a day in Mumbai, I would highly recommend this tour.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks a lot for writing an excellent review and compliment to our Team
Written January 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Briana G
3 contributions
Aug 2023
My partner and I had a fantastic time with guides Raj and Sameer during our private half-day tour through Mystical Mumbai.
Raj coordinated every part of the day seamlessly. He made the day easy for us, and answered all of our questions along the way. He was friendly, communicative, humorous, and immediately put us at ease.
Sameer was generous with his impressive knowledge regarding the historical, social, and religious contexts of the Elephanta Caves and their surroundings. We learned a ton, and had a wonderful time with him.
Overall, I would enthusiastically recommend this company (and these particular guides!) to anyone looking to explore Mumbai. We had a wonderful time, and will always remember this wonderful day from our time in India.
Raj coordinated every part of the day seamlessly. He made the day easy for us, and answered all of our questions along the way. He was friendly, communicative, humorous, and immediately put us at ease.
Sameer was generous with his impressive knowledge regarding the historical, social, and religious contexts of the Elephanta Caves and their surroundings. We learned a ton, and had a wonderful time with him.
Overall, I would enthusiastically recommend this company (and these particular guides!) to anyone looking to explore Mumbai. We had a wonderful time, and will always remember this wonderful day from our time in India.
Written August 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meg
Dallas, TX23 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
Just off the coast of Mumbai, Elephanta Island shed a lot of light on both the Hindu religion and the impact of the Portuguese on this island in particular.
The tour began with pickup from our hotel & a guide joined us on the 1 hour boat to get to Elephanta Island. When we arrived, a local guide showed us the caves and told us the important stories. (He’s also an expert photographer!) 90% of the jobs of the locals on the island are related to tourism, and 10% are fisher people, per our guide.
Great tour, nice boat ride, and awesome way to experience a nearby part of Mumbai!
The tour began with pickup from our hotel & a guide joined us on the 1 hour boat to get to Elephanta Island. When we arrived, a local guide showed us the caves and told us the important stories. (He’s also an expert photographer!) 90% of the jobs of the locals on the island are related to tourism, and 10% are fisher people, per our guide.
Great tour, nice boat ride, and awesome way to experience a nearby part of Mumbai!
Written November 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
“We are grateful that you took the time to leave us a review".
Written November 27, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
How long is the entire tour? I need to leave Mumbai to be in Pune by 5pm. Thank you- kros
Written September 8, 2022
We were back to Gateway by 4 pm. Should be fine if you get earlier tour.
Written September 9, 2022
Maisgueuh
Nantes, France
Hello,
We cancel right after book by mistake.
We still waiting for refund
what's happening ?
Written February 28, 2022
Are the Elephanta caves open for tourists now?
Written November 22, 2020
I learned that elephanta caves are shut because of repair....Therefore, lil unsurr whether the news is wrong or the available tour dates are errorneous
Written August 23, 2018
Can we get a pick up from the seaport in Mumbai ,? we are on the celebrity constellation
Written December 4, 2019
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.