Elephanta Caves Maharashtra

The Elephanta Caves are a cluster of caves situated at Gharapuri on the Elephanta Island in the Mumbai Harbour. This island situated on a projection of Arabian Sea comprises of two cave groups, the first group includes five Hindu caves and the second one two Buddhist caves. The Hindu caves comprise of the stone rock-cut sculptures devoted to the Hindu God, Lord Shiva and represents the Hindu sect Shaiva. The caves are carved out of basalt solid rock. The rock –cut cave architecture dates back to the period of 5th-8th century. The Cave 1 or the Great or Main cave was the haven of worship of Hindu deities. After the Portuguese began to rule, the caves were damaged to a considerable extent. These caves were repaired and are preserved now as UNESCO World Heritage Site from the year 1987 and now it is looked after by the ASI or Archaeological Survey of India.

History of the Attraction

The historians have dated the Elephanta Caves and believe to belong to the period of 5th-8th century. The caves are of historical importance and can be traced to the defeat of the Mauryan Rulers reining the Konkan kingdom by the emperor Pulakesi belonging to the Badami Chalukya dynasty in the battle of 635 AD. Some historians claim that the caves belong to the Konkan Mauryans. Others claim that the caves belong to the Kalachuris.

Getting There

The Elephanta Caves is situated in an island away from the Mumbai coast and can be reached by ferry from the Gateway of India in Mumbai. The city of Mumbai is well connected to various other cities all over the world. Hence, tourists interested in visiting the caves have to first fly or take a train to Mumbai. The city also has a good railway network and in a local train tourists can reach the CST or Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Station or Church Gate. From here travellers have to reach the Gateway of India, which is a 20-30 minute walk or 10 minute ride in a taxi. From the Church Gate travellers can even avail bus or taxi service to reach the Gateway of India. Finally the caves can be reached in a ferry ride of 60 minutes from the Gate way of India. Ferry boats are available every 30 minutes. The cost of a round trip ferry ticket for a person is Rs.120. The cave temple is located about a km. away from the jetty.

Opening/Closing Timings and Days

The caves are open on all days between 9a.m. to 5p.m. except Mondays. The entry fees are Rs.10 for the Indians and Rs.250 for the foreigners.