Elephanta Caves Information :

Place: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Significance: World Heritage Site by UNESCO
Timings: Open daily except Mondays between 9am and 5.30pm
Fee: 10 Rs for Indians above 15 years, 250 Rs or US $ 5 for others above 15 years

About the Elephanta Caves :

Elephanta Island was known in ancient times as "Gharapuri" or The Place of Caves. The Portuguese took possession of the island and named it Elephanta after the great statue which they found on the seashore.

There are seven caves of which the most important is the Mahesha-Murti Cave. The main body of the cave, excluding the porticoes on the three open sides and the back aisle, is 27 m square and is supported by rows of six columns. The gigantic figures of Dvarapalas, or doorkeepers are very impressive.

The cave temple, which is the pride of Elephanta, sprawled over an area of approximately 5000 square metres, is reached by climbing a flight of more than 100 steps, to the top of a hill. Inside the temple, is a large pillared hall with rows of columns, that appear to hold up the roof of the cave.

Cross beams complete the illusion of a ceiling. One's attention is immediately drawn to the series of marvellous sculptured panels, nine in all, which are set like tableaux on the walls. Little is known about the architects and sculptors, who worked on this gem of ancient architecture. What is almost tangible is their intense faith, which seems to create an energy field in the cave premises. Each of the panel captures the volatility of Shiva's essentially paradoxic nature, and the magical interplay of light and shade, only intensifies the overall effect.

Best time to visit :

November to March is the ideal time to visit the island.

Access :

Located on a small island of Mumbai in Maharashtra, Elephanta can be reached by regular ferries that leave from Mumbai's Gateway of India harbour throughout the year, except during the monsoon season. 

Attractions of Elephanta Caves :

Trimurti - The main attraction is the three headed idol Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesha.

Mahesa murti cave - It is a 27 m square cave supported by rows of six columns each. The figures of Dwarapala or doorkeepers here are very impressive.

Construction of The Caves :

The rock cut temples in Elephanta caves are carved out of rock. There are columns, internal spaces and images within these temples. The entire temple is related to a large sculpture. In fact one can walk through the corridors and chambers of this sculptured temple. Created through a process of rock removal, the entire complex is an interesting monument. Some of the rock surfaces here are finely finished whereas some are unfinished bare rock.

The Elephanta rock caves are sprawled over a large area of about 60000 square feet. These temple caves consist of a main chamber, courtyards and several subsidiary shrines. There is also a mass of natural rock, above the temple.

There are three entrances to the temple. The eastern and the western entrances mark the axis of the temple. There is a 20 pillared hall that lines the axis, and on its western end is a cell in which a Shivalingam enshrined.

How to Reach Elephanta Caves :

by Air - The nearest airport is Mumbai International Airport.

by Rail - Nearest railheads are Church gate, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.

by Road - One can reach Mumbai by road from the neighboring states as regular bus services are available. One has to take a ferry from Appollo Bunder near the Gateway of India to reach the cave temples.