At the Elephanta Caves – Mumbai Through My Eyes
Mumbai – The city of dreams which if you google can get you to many reasons why people call it that. I too had a dream when I first visited it and fell in love with the city. For the 2 years I was there I too gave my everything, worked day and night. And ended up not visiting my hometown for 2 years I was there. But no regrets because that is what made me I think now.
But the story is not about me today instead. I will take you to one of the amazing place you must visit when in Mumbai – The Elephanta Caves.
Elephanta Caves
It is a collection of cave temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, and are also included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. When there you will see the best examples of rock-cut architecture and sculptural art of medieval India. Which includes the magnificent 6.3 metres tall Trimurti colossal depicting the three-headed aspect of Lord Shiva – as Creator, Protector, and Destroyer.
The caves are divided into two groups – five Hindu caves and two Buddhist caves. During 1970 and 1987 massive renovation work was carried out on these caves. Which was when they got included in the UNESCO list for the historical value these caves hold.
Elephanta Caves are located about 7kms from Mumbai on the Elephanta Island in the Arabian Sea. Which was known as Gharapuri Island before the Portuguese took over Mumbai in 1534.
Visiting the Elephanta Caves
There are not many options for you to reach there except the ferries which go there. The caves open from 9 AM to 5 PM except for Monday when you can visit the Island but not the caves. The last ferry leaves at 5:30 which is more than enough time for you to visit all the caves there.
The ferry service is available from the Gateway of India where you get the tickets. Costing around Rs 300/person including the return ferry. As you can board any when you feel to return from the place. If you want to know the best time to visit the caves it would be anytime in morning. As there is no winter time in Mumbai and during the day hours you are definitely going to sweat at the caves. But there are resting areas and if you feel hungry you can grab a Vada Pav or even meals if you want. As everything is available there with souvenir shops, cloth shops, restaurants, and even a small train ride if you wish too.
As you leave the Gateway of India don’t forget to go on top of the ferry deck and admire the beauty of the Mumbai City. Which looks just amazing once you get a little far from the shore. The ride to the island is amazing too you are in the deep sea for almost an hour with so many ships around you most of the times.
After Reaching the Elephanta Island
After reaching the Elephanta Island you can either take a walk of 1km or the train which costs around Rs 10. I would suggest again that you just walk as you already sat on the boat for an hour for this.
But the major task comes when you have to walk those stone steps to the top. With all the shops and food joints on both sides. Will you sweat actually yeah it’s not that tough but it will fasten your breath for a while. After which you reach the entrance where you have to take the ticket for Rs 30 for Indians and visitors of neighboring SAARC and BIMSTEC countries and Rs 500 for everyone else.
After that, you can start with the main caves or the museum just next to it. Check out some of the snaps I took as I walked around the Elephanta Caves.
That’s all for my one day trip to the Elephanta Caves if you wish to watch the vlog which I made about the place check it out in the below video.