Elephanta Caves, Mumbai — Guide, History & Visiting Tips
The Elephanta Caves are rock-cut cave temples dedicated to Shiva, on Elephanta Island in Mumbai Harbour, reached by ferry from the Gateway of India.
Elephanta Caves at a glance
- The caves date to around the 5th to 8th centuries.
- The main cave has large carved panels of Shiva, including the Trimurti figure.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1987.
- Ferries run from the Gateway of India to the island.
- The Elephanta Caves were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
- The Elephanta Caves have usually been closed on Mondays. Check the current schedule.
- A typical visit takes about 3 to 4 hours, including the ferry.
What a local guide shows you at Elephanta Caves
Book a guide by the hour or for a day. See tour guides for Elephanta Caves.
- The main cave and its carved Shiva panels
- The Trimurti figure
- How the caves were carved into the rock
- The ferry ride and the island
Photography at Elephanta Caves
Rules on photography, tripods and professional equipment apply at this protected site. Check them before a shoot.
- The columns and light inside the main cave (where photography is allowed)
- The ferry and the harbour
- The island's stone steps and greenery
Visiting tips for Elephanta Caves
- Allow a half day for the ferry and the visit.
- Ferry timings and the weather affect the trip, especially in the monsoon, so check before you go.
- Timings, ticket prices and entry rules change, so check the official source before you go.
Nearby: places to combine with Elephanta Caves
- Gateway of India (Mumbai) — The Gateway of India is a basalt arch on the Mumbai waterfront at Apollo Bunder, built to mark the 1911 visit of King George V and Queen…
More about Elephanta Caves
Become a tour guide or photographer at Elephanta Caves
If you know Elephanta Caves and Mumbai well, you can post your tour on Myna24; if you shoot, you can post your photography service. Set your own hourly and per-day price and get booked. Guests pay a 10% booking fee online and the remaining 90% directly to you.
These buttons open the Tours or Photography section of the Myna24 home page, where you can post your service. More: tour guide jobs in Mumbai · photography jobs in Mumbai · part-time jobs in Mumbai.
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Elephanta Caves — frequently asked questions
Where is Elephanta Caves?
Elephanta Caves is in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
What type of place is Elephanta Caves?
Elephanta Caves is a rock-cut caves in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Is Elephanta Caves a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
The Elephanta Caves were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
When is Elephanta Caves closed?
The Elephanta Caves have usually been closed on Mondays. Check the current schedule.
How long does a visit to Elephanta Caves take?
A typical visit takes about 3 to 4 hours, including the ferry, depending on how much you want to see. Timings, ticket prices and entry rules change, so check the official source before you go.
What are some quick facts about Elephanta Caves?
The caves date to around the 5th to 8th centuries. The main cave has large carved panels of Shiva, including the Trimurti figure. UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1987. Ferries run from the Gateway of India to the island.
Can I combine Elephanta Caves with other nearby places?
Yes. Gateway of India, in Mumbai, is close enough to visit on the same day as Elephanta Caves.
How do I reach the Elephanta Caves?
By ferry from the Gateway of India in Mumbai. Check the current ferry timings and the schedule of the caves before you go.
Can I book a local tour guide for Elephanta Caves?
Yes. On Myna24 you can book a local guide by the hour or for a full day. Guides set their own prices, you pick a free date, and you pay a 10% booking fee online when you book, and the remaining 90% directly to the provider.
Can I book a photographer for Elephanta Caves?
Yes. On Myna24 you can book a photographer by the hour or for a full day, see their portfolio first, and pay a 10% booking fee online. Check the rules for this place before a shoot.
Questions? Chat with Myna24 support on WhatsApp +91 81888 33003.