To reach the Elephanta Caves, you first need to get to Mumbai, as the caves are located on Elephanta Island in Mumbai Harbour. From Mumbai, you can take a ferry to reach the island. In this travel guide we will discuss how to reach elephant caves from different cities.
1. Firstly Reach Mumbai
If you’re arriving by air, land at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM). If you’re arriving by train, get off at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST) or Mumbai Central Station.
2. Get to the Gateway of India
The Gateway of India is the starting point for the ferry to Elephanta Island. You can reach the Gateway of India by taxi, bus, or local train (get off at Churchgate or CST and take a taxi or bus from there).
3. Take a Ferry to Elephanta Island
Ferries to Elephanta Island operate from the Gateway of India. The ferry ride takes about an hour (one way) and offers beautiful views of the Mumbai skyline.
4. Explore Elephanta Caves
After reaching Elephanta Island, you’ll need to walk a short distance and climb some steps to reach the caves. The caves area is under UNESCO World Heritage Site and are known for their rock-cut architecture and sculptures, primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva.
5. Then Return to Mumbai
After exploring the caves, you can take a ferry back to the Gateway of India.
How to reach Elephanta Caves from Mumbai
To reach the Elephanta Caves from Mumbai, you can take a ferry from the Gateway of India. Here’s a step-by-step guide
1. Get to the Gateway of India
The Gateway of India is a prominent landmark in Mumbai and is easily accessible by taxi, bus, or local train (get off at Churchgate or CST and take a taxi or bus from there).
2. Buy Ferry Tickets
At the Gateway of India, you’ll find ticket counters for the ferry to Elephanta Island. Purchase your tickets .
3. Board the Ferry
Board the ferry to Elephanta Island. The ferry ride takes about an hour and offers beautiful views of the Mumbai skyline and the Arabian Sea.
4. Arrive at Elephanta Island
Upon reaching Elephanta Island, you’ll need to walk a short distance and climb some steps to reach the caves. The walk to the caves is scenic, with lush greenery around.
5. Explore the Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are famous for their rock-cut architecture and sculptures, primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva. Spend some time exploring the caves and learning about their history.
6. Return to Mumbai
After exploring the caves, take the ferry back to the Gateway of India in Mumbai.
How to reach Elephanta Caves from Gateway of india
To reach the Elephanta Caves from the Gateway of India, you’ll need to take a ferry. Here’s how you can do it.
1. Get to the Gateway of India
The Gateway of India is a prominent landmark in Mumbai and is easily accessible by taxi, bus, or local train (get off at Churchgate or CST and take a taxi or bus from there).
2. Buy Ferry Tickets
At the Gateway of India, you’ll find ticket counters for the ferry to Elephanta Island. Purchase your tickets for the ferry ride.
3. Board the Ferry
Board the ferry heading to Elephanta Island. The ferry ride takes about an hour and offers scenic views of the Mumbai skyline and the Arabian Sea.
4. Arrive at Elephanta Island
Once you reach Elephanta Island, you’ll need to walk a short distance and climb some steps to reach the caves. The walk to the caves is enjoyable, with lush greenery around.
5. Explore the Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are renowned for their rock-cut architecture and sculptures, mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva. Spend some time exploring the caves and learning about their historical significance.
6. Return to the Gateway of India
After exploring the caves, take the ferry back to the Gateway of India in Mumbai.
How to reach Elephanta Caves by road
To reach Elephanta Caves by road, you’ll first need to get to the Gateway of India in Mumbai. From there, you can take a ferry to Elephanta Island, where the caves are located. Here’s the process.
1. Drive to the Gateway of India
If you’re coming from within Mumbai or nearby areas, you can drive to the Gateway of India. There are parking facilities available near the Gateway of India, but it’s advisable to check for parking availability and fees.
2. Park your vehicle
Once you reach the Gateway of India, park your vehicle in one of the parking lots nearby. Make sure to secure your vehicle properly.
3. Take a Ferry to Elephanta Island
From the Gateway of India, you can take a ferry to Elephanta Island. The ferry ride takes about an hour and offers scenic views of the Mumbai coastline.
4. Arrive at Elephanta Island
After reaching Elephanta Island, you’ll need to walk a short distance and climb some steps to reach the caves. The walk to the caves is pleasant, with lush greenery around.
5. Explore the Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are known for their rock-cut architecture and sculptures, primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva. Spend some time exploring the caves and learning about their historical significance.
6. Then Return to Mumbai
After exploring the caves, take the ferry back to the Gateway of India in Mumbai. From there, you can retrieve your vehicle and continue your journey.
After exploring the caves, take the ferry back to the Gateway of India in Mumbai. From there, you can retrieve your vehicle and continue your journey.
How to reach Elephanta Caves from CST
To reach the Elephanta Caves from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST) in Mumbai, you can take a taxi, bus, or train to the Gateway of India, and then a ferry to Elephanta Island. Here’s the guide.
1. From CST to Gateway of India
You can take a taxi or a bus from CST to the Gateway of India. Alternatively, you can take a local train to Churchgate station and then a taxi or bus to the Gateway of India.
2. Buy Ferry Tickets
At the Gateway of India, you’ll find ticket counters for the ferry to Elephanta Island. Purchase your tickets for the ferry ride.
3. Board the Ferry
Board the ferry heading to Elephanta Island. The ferry ride takes about an hour and offers scenic views of the Mumbai skyline and the Arabian Sea.
4. Arrive at Elephanta Island
Once you reach Elephanta Island, you’ll need to walk a short distance and climb some steps to reach the caves. The walk to the caves is enjoyable, with greenery around.
5. Explore the Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are known for their rock-cut architecture and sculptures, mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva. Spend some time exploring the caves and learning about their historical significance.
6. Return to the Gateway of India
After exploring the caves, take the ferry back to the Gateway of India in Mumbai.
How to reach Elephanta Caves by local train
To reach Elephanta Caves by local train, you’ll first need to get to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST) in Mumbai. From there, you can take a local train to Churchgate station and then proceed to the Gateway of India, where you can catch a ferry to Elephanta Island. Here’s a step-by-step guide
1. Take a Local Train to CST
Depending on your location in Mumbai, you can board a local train on the Central Line or Harbour Line that goes to CST.
2. Switch to Western Line
At CST, switch to the Western Line by crossing over to the other side of the station. Board a local train heading towards Churchgate station.
3. Get off at Churchgate
Churchgate is the last station on the Western Line. Once you reach Churchgate, exit the station and proceed to the Gateway of India. You can take a taxi or bus, or walk if you prefer (it’s about a 15-20 minute walk).
4. Take a Ferry to Elephanta Island
At the Gateway of India, you’ll find ticket counters for the ferry to Elephanta Island. Purchase your tickets and board the ferry.
5. Arrive at Elephanta Island
After reaching Elephanta Island, you’ll need to walk a short distance and climb some steps to reach the caves.
6. Explore the Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are known for their rock-cut architecture and sculptures, mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva. Spend some time exploring the caves and learning about their historical significance.
7. Return to Mumbai
After exploring the caves, take the ferry back to the Gateway of India in Mumbai.
An essential item to carry while visiting Elephanta Caves
When visiting Elephanta Caves, it’s a good idea to carry the following items
- Water: It can get hot and humid, so staying hydrated is important.
- Sunscreen: To protect your skin from the sun.
- Hat/Cap: To shield your head from the sun.
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: The walk to the caves involves some climbing and walking on uneven surfaces.
- Camera: To capture the beautiful sculptures and surroundings, but check if there are any restrictions on photography.
- Snacks: In case you get hungry during your visit.
- Light Backpack: To carry your belongings comfortably.
- Umbrella/Raincoat: If you’re visiting during the monsoon season.
- Valid ID: For ticket verification and security checks.
- Cash: For purchasing ferry tickets and any other expenses.
Famous things in Elephanta caves
1. Ancient Rock-cut Architecture
The caves are renowned for their intricate rock-cut architecture, showcasing skilled craftsmanship dating back to the 5th to 8th centuries AD.
2. UNESCO World Heritage Site
Elephanta Caves are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing their historical and cultural significance.
3. Sculptures of Lord Shiva
The caves house numerous sculptures and reliefs dedicated to Lord Shiva, including a remarkable 20-foot-high Trimurti, depicting Shiva in three aspects.
4. Historical and Religious Importance
The caves are considered sacred by Hindus and are an important pilgrimage site for followers of Shiva.
5. Location and Beauty
Situated on Elephanta Island in Mumbai Harbour, the caves offer a picturesque setting, with a ferry ride providing stunning views of the Mumbai skyline.
6. Cultural Heritage
The Elephanta Caves represent an important part of India’s cultural heritage, attracting visitors from around the world interested in history, art, and architecture.
People Also Ask
Ferry Cost to reach Elephanta Caves
The approximate cost for a trip was around 200-300 INR. However, these prices can change, so you also check at the ticket counter.
Railway station near to Elephanta Caves
The nearest railway station to Elephanta Caves is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST), formerly known as Victoria Terminus (VT), in Mumbai. From CST, you can reach the Gateway of India, which is the starting point for the ferry to Elephanta Island, where the caves are located.
Best time to visit Elephanta Caves
The best time to visit Elephanta Caves is during the November to February. During this time, the weather in Mumbai is more pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the caves and enjoying the ferry ride to Elephanta Island. Avoid visiting during the monsoon season (June to September) because of heavy rains and make the climb to the caves challenging.
Elephanta Caves worth it to travel
Yes, Elephanta Caves is definitely worth visiting. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its beautifully preserved rock-cut temples and sculptures, especially those dedicated to Lord Shiva. While visiting you can see ancient Indian art and architecture, making them a must-visit site for history and art lovers. Additionally, the ferry ride to Elephanta Island also a point of attraction while visiting to caves.
Elephanta Caves Ferry Timing
The first ferry from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island departs around 9:00 AM, and the last ferry back from Elephanta Island to the Gateway of India is around 5:30 PM. Ferry timings are subject to change, so it’s best to confirm the schedule closer to your visit date.
No of steps to climb for Elephanta Caves
There are approximately 120 steps to climb from the jetty to reach the Elephanta Caves. The climb is not too strenuous.
Availability of food stall at Elephanta caves
Yes, food is available at Elephanta Caves in Mumbai. There are small restaurants and food stalls near the caves where you can purchase snacks, drinks, and meals. However, the options may be limited, so it’s a good idea to carry some snacks or eat a meal before or after your visit if you have specific dietary preferences or requirements.
Elephanta Caves is famous for the god
Elephanta Caves are famous for their sculptures and rock-cut architecture dedicated primarily to Lord Shiva. The caves contain numerous carvings and sculptures of Lord Shiva in various forms, including a large and impressive three-headed bust representing the Trimurti, the three aspects of Shiva.
Distance from Mumbai to Elephanta Caves by boat
The Elephanta Caves are located on Elephanta Island in Mumbai Harbour, approximately 10 kilometers east of the Gateway of India. The boat ride from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island takes about an hour, depending on weather and sea conditions.
Elephanta Caves excellent for couples and families
Elephanta Caves is generally safe for couples to visit. It’s a popular tourist destination and is well-maintained with security measures in place. However, it’s always advisable to take normal precautions while traveling, such as keeping an eye on your belongings and being aware of your surroundings.
Time required to spend on Elephanta island
You can spend around 2 to 3 hours on Elephanta Island to explore the caves and enjoy the surroundings. This should give you enough time to see the main attractions, such as the sculptures and rock-cut architecture, and take in the scenic views.
Tour guide is worth for Elephanta Caves
While it’s maybe or not, necessary to have a tour guide to visit Elephanta Caves, having one can enhance your experience by providing you with detailed information about the history, significance, and architecture of the caves. A guide can also help you navigate the site more efficiently and ensure you don’t miss any important details. However, if you prefer to explore on your own, you can still enjoy and appreciate the beauty of the caves independently.
Cheapest day to go on a ferry
The ferry ticket prices to Elephanta Caves are generally the same every day, regardless of the day of the week. However, if you’re looking to avoid crowds and potentially have a more relaxing experience, weekdays (Monday to Friday) are usually less busy than weekends.
Toilet facility in Elephanta Caves
There are washrooms available at Elephanta Caves for visitors to use. However, facilities may be basic, so it’s a good idea to carry any essentials you may need.
What to see inside the Elephanta cave
Inside the Elephanta Caves, you’ll find a series of beautifully carved rock-cut temples dedicated to primarily Lord Shiva. The main cave, also known as the Great Cave, contains various chambers with impressive sculptures and reliefs depicting Hindu mythological stories and figures. The most famous sculpture in the caves is the Trimurti, a three-headed bust representing the three aspects of Lord Shiva. Other notable features include sculptures of Nataraja (Shiva in his cosmic dance form), Ardhanarishvara (Shiva as half-man, half-woman), and various forms of Shiva and Parvati. The caves also have several smaller shrines and chambers, each with its own unique carvings and sculptures.
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