Elephanta Caves is a must-see destination for history buffs or archaeology afficionados who would like to see true excavations pertaining to the ancient histories of India. From the Gateway of India, your tour will ride a ferry to the island where the Elephanta Caves are found. You will climb 120 steps to the plateau where these caves can be entered. There are seven major excavations in the area, and you'll be able to explore the history behind the artifacts and structures found therein. There is a spacious hall supported by huge pillars, which are characteristic of architecture of the 6th and 7th centuries. A massive three-headed Shiva sculpture stands therein, which is one of the major attractions in the caves. You will be able to explore 3 caves, each with a unique feature: one is a large Hindu Cave, the other is a Buddhist cave, and the final one is a cave dedicated to the God Shiva. You will discover a beautiful cultural heritage site and gain deeper understanding of India's religious history.
Itinerary:
• 9:30am meet up with guide outside Pizza Express restaurant and proceed to Gateway of India
• 10:00am ferry ride on the Arabian sea from Gateway Of India to the Elephanta Caves (duration: 1 hour)
• 11:00am on arrival to the island, walk or take a short toy train from the jetty to where you need to climb 120 steps to the plateau where the caves are located
• 11:30am see the large three-headed Shiva sculpture. Explore the 3 caves - the large Hindu cave, Buddhist cave and the main Shiva cave
• 1:00pm after exploring, the guide will drop you back to the ferry point and see you off from there on the return hour long ferry ride back to Gateway Of India
• 2:15pm tour ends at Gateway Of India
