A first-timer’s guide to Elephanta Caves, Maharashtra

A short distance from Mumbai is the Elephanta Island, also called Gharapuri, home to a collection of cave temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. These cave temples comprise several rock cut artefacts, all dedicated to the life of Shiva. The island is one of the favourite day trips around Mumbai and if you also love history and art, Elephanta Caves is a must visit.Also read: Amazing architecture of Ajanta and Ellora CavesIf this is your first time in Mumbai or first time exploring Elephanta Caves, here’s a little guide to make your trip more interesting.

For Elephanta Caves, you can take a ferry from either Gateway of India or Belapur Jetty in Navi Mumbai. Gateway of India harbour is the more popular one. A Luxury Class ticket costs INR 200 per person.

The first boat leaves at 9AM. There is usually a long queue, so reach early. The last boat leaves for Elephanta Caves at 3:30PM. There is a boat every 30 minutes so don't worry even if you miss the first one. The cave and the ferry service remains closed every Monday. The last boat from Elephanta Caves leaves at 5:30PM.

In 1987, the Elephanta Caves, dating back to mid 5th-6th century AD, were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These rock-cut caves are an important piece of history and culture.

The most important among the caves is Cave 1. At the entrance of this cave, there’s a seven-metre high sculpture of Sadashiva representing the three aspects of Shiva – the Creator, the Preserver, and the Destroyer.

All of the caves have impressive rock-cut architecture, but the large and intricately designed reliefs in the inner sanctum of the cave temple speaks loud and clear of the talent and expertise with which these caves were carved and designed.

If you are visiting the Elephanta Caves with young children, you might want to try out the toy train. It isn’t a big attraction but a great one for young children.