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Elephanta Caves

Elephanta Caves, Mumbai: Hours, Address, Elephanta Caves Reviews: 4/5

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Elephanta Caves

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Elephanta Caves
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1,945
#48 of 501 things to do in Mumbai
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
Elephanta Caves are situated on Elephanta Island about 7 kms from Mumbai’s mainland shore. The caves can be reached by an approx. 1-hour boat ride from Gateway of India.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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4.0
1,945 reviews
Excellent
651
Very good
804
Average
340
Poor
91
Terrible
59
Debapratim Chattopadhyay
Silvassa, India62 contributions
Majestic
Nov 2021 • Couples
An unique world heritage site, magnificent and beautiful. The caves are well maintained, toilet and resting areas are there, many eateries including MTDC hotel are there. The 1st cave is majestic, the rock cut statues and reliefs are beautiful. Also the 1.5 hour boat ride to the island is relaxing and enjoyable. Two things only which we observed could be improved, 1st - there was no numbering or way board for the caves, we have missed the Buddhist caves (cave 6 & 7) for that. Another is there were numerous shops lined the climbway upto the hill top, and those completely blocked the view if the hill and sea.
A must visit while in Mumbai.
Written December 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Maximilian M
Landshut, Germany95 contributions
Interesting place!
Nov 2021 • Couples
Interesting place with a long history!

That is one of the most interesting places you can visit in Mumbai! Highly recommend the boat trip to that place!
Written November 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mahesh Kulkarni
Mumbai, India1,807 contributions
Elephanta caves, Dt. Raigad, Maharashtra, india
Nov 2021 • Friends
Elephanta caves, Dt. Raigad, Maharashtra, India.

Following Mudras of Lord Shiva carved out during n from Chalukya Dynasty from a single rock are hosted here.

They are
1. Nataraj
2. Yogiraj
3. Andhakasur wadh
4. Kalyan sundar murti
5 Gangadhar shiv
6. Sadashiv - The Central Idol with 5 faces, only 3 in front, one on back and one at Top.
7. Ardh-narishwar
8. Saaripat play with Maa Parvati
9. Ravan Anugrah

The caves and all the idols are carved out of a single rock starting from Top to Bottom.

Volcanic lines can be seen on all idols in mild red colour thereby indicating that the rocks were engulfed in volcanic ash hundreds of years before and the caves came in 7th or 8th century.

It was believed by Portuguese n Brush Archeologists that the God idols are of some bad omen or demons but later with new Archeologists shading more light on idols, above 8 Mudras are agreed n then studies started n still underway.

All the 8 Mudra idols look at each other in diagonal positions. Lakulisha idol is also seen who was the founder of Pashupata Sect.
Fearing the huge sculptures and to erode the fear, Portuguese Soldiers practiced giri g and few bullets can be seen still embedded in the idols.

Few caves n idols can be clearly seen as
1st level sculptures i.e. done by new learners on relatively soft stones.

2nd level of artisans made broader outline of the sculptures in rock but only

3rd kevel if artisans were permitted to carbs out the finessed idols.

Rang chakr is also comparatively Intact where
Colour mixing n allied works were performed either for paintings done on ceiling or for localised performances.

Though the idols are torned n brutally fired at by Portuguese, the beauty and hand magic of the artisans can be witnesses after hundred of years today as well.

The heritage walk was conducted u der auspicious of फिरस्ती group from Pune and Mr. Anurag Vaidya Contact number 8308810194 and Mr. Daiwat - A Local Guide duly qualified from IIT M / contact number 9757253383, were our guides and commentators.

The group gives basic learnings through Mr. shantanu Paranjape, who is a qualified n practicing Chartered Accountant of 24 years based at Pune - contact number 8793261028, 7020402446 on
1. मंदिर कैसे पहावे - meaning what and how to see a / any temple.
2. Mythological aspects of small idols in big te.oles affixed outside the temple walls.
3. How temple idols and where are they installed.
4. Philosophy behind the sculptures, idols and statues of God's and allied Fans I.e. followers.
5. Different type of temple construction
6. Historical and mythological explanations to popular - but not 100 % true - religious beliefs and explain in details to the satisfaction of the audience.

Please get in touch with Mr. Shantanu and Mr. Anurag from Firasti for in-depth study and insights on ancient tales of great imoortance.

If you find the review of elephants caves of any help or assistance, do connect to convey thoughts to me
Mahesh Vinayak Kulkarni
9829277426
Goregaon East
Mumbai 400063
Written November 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sandy_JSR
Jamshedpur, India1,088 contributions
Interesting Ancient History
Aug 2020
We visited the Elephanta Caves in Mar'20. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the cave temples predominantly dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The caves nicely depict the Indian culture and ancient architectural techniques, though mostly depleted. It is around one-hour boat ride from Mumbai dock / Gateway of India to the Island. The return fare of boat ride is Rs. 205 per head. The boat ride was a refreshing experience with cool breeze and watching seagulls flying pretty close or quietly floating on the water.

Once reached the Island, there is an option of toy train @ 10 per head or walk to reach the main attractions, there is a fee of Rs. 5 per head to enter the site. There is around 120 steep steps leading to the cave, several small stalls selling different souvenir items and tiny restaurants are lined-up on both side of the stairs. The climb may be tedious however, if require, one can take rest in between to regain the breathing. The entry fee in the caves temple is Rs. 40 per head. The cave temples are associated with some interesting ancient history and to know the same, hiring a local guide @ Rs. 500 is recommended.

The Elephanta Caves contain rock cut stone sculptures of Lord Shiva and Hindu mythology, however most of the artwork is defaced and damaged by the Portuguese soldiers. Presently, it is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India to prevent further damage to the caves. Beware of monkeys and avoid carrying food stuff to avert encounter with them. A visit is recommended.
Written July 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Rani75
Mumbai, India128 contributions
Elephant Caves
Dec 2020
Old Heritage Place. One of the most interesting place in Mumbai.
It's a must visit for tourist.
The caves are located in the Ocean.
Written March 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Anjali kumari
Mumbai, India28 contributions
UNESCO world heritage
Dec 2019
A different type of place to visit in mumbai.Awesome view on boat.You can easily take a ferry from gateway of india.
Written September 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Deepak Mallyk
Bengaluru, India18 contributions
A good place to kill a day
Oct 2019
If you have a day to kill and you are new to Mumbai. You could probably plan a visit to Elephanta caves. This place is on an island, it can be only visited by boats operated from 'Gateway of India'. It means, in a visit to Elephanta caves you can cover Gateway of India, The Taj Mahal Hotel, and many places nearby. You can find a lot of foreigners visiting the caves. There are plenty of shops selling souvenirs, foods, and other refreshments on the way to the caves after reaching the island.

Stone carvings, the entire architecture is interesting too.

Preferred season and timing: The trip is going to be sultry in summers. I wouldn't recommend the peak summer months. Plan in the morning and it is not recommended to visit if you are starting from 'Gateway of India' around 4 pm, the caves could get closed by the time you travel on a boat and climb up to the caves.

Though I wanted to give a 5 star, I reduced one star because of the dirty water during the boat journey.
Written May 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jayesh Shah
Mumbai, India32 contributions
Nice
Apr 2020 • Family
It is a nice place for a picnic one can come here with a big group of people can spend amazing time over your love it
Written April 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
StuartRoss-on-Wye
Ross-on-Wye, UK86 contributions
Wonderful caves and sculptures.
Mar 2020
The boat trip to the island is relaxing and good. The walk uphill throgh the path lined with stalls selling all sorts is hard work but good. The sculptures in the caves are very interesting and there are lots of monkes to watch running around.
Written April 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Uru
Mumbai, India20 contributions
Elephanta caves
May 2019 • Friends
It was a much more amazing n cool trip i had enjoyed ever ...i was very much excited for that.....i loved this place a lot.....we clicked so many pic n made so may videos ....a memorable place it was....want to visit again with my family and friends
Written April 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Elephanta Caves is open:
  • Tue - Sun 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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