Elephanta Island or Gharapuri meaning “the city of caves” Declared as the World Heritage Site situated in Mumbai harbor. 9 nautical miles across the sea from the Gateway of India the painstakingly hewn rock-cut cave temples, are the Architectural masterpieces preserved in the caves. Historians are of the opinion that prince of the Chalukya Dynasty, Pulkesin II, built the shrine to celebrate his victory.
Presents rich heritages of ancient history to the tourist, The Elephanta Caves are a glorious testimony to the aesthetics of a forgotten world. Located in Arabian Sea the Island has two groups of caves. Here you will find two categories of caves; one is the Hindu rock art and the other is the Buddhist rock art.
The layout of the caves, including the pillar components, the placement and division of the caves into different parts, and the provision of a sanctum or Garbhagriha of sarvatobhadra plan, are important developments in rock-cut architecture. Elephanta is a protected island with a buffer zone which also includes "a prohibited area" that stretches 1 kilometre from the shoreline.
Opening Time : 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. and Closed on Monday
Entrance Fee: Citizens of India - Rs. 10 per head.
Foreign: US $ 5 or Indian Rs. 250/- per head
STATE : MAHARASHTRA
LOCATION : The Elephanta Caves are located on Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri in Mumbai Harbour, 10 kilometres to the east of the city of Mumbai.
LANGUAGE : Marathi, Hindi and English.
WHEN TO VISIT : Throughout the year. The best time to visit Elephanta is October to April. During this time the weather is pleasant and the temperature is comfortable.
FERRY OR BOAT
Tickets : For a deluxe boat are Rs. 140
Economy boats charge Rs. 20 per tickets.
Timing : The first boat leaves at 9:00 AM and the last boat from the island leaves at 5:00 PM.
CLOTHING : Cottons in summer and light Woolen in winter.
Historic
Ancient Place
Monuments
Unesco world heritage
Mumbai is an important junction on the National Highway network of the country. From Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves can be reached by Ferry. The journey takes one hour by sea.
Nearest railhead are Churchgate (W.R.) and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST, C.R.). Elephanta Caves can be reached by Ferry from the Gateway of India, Mumbai. The journey takes one hour by sea.
Nearest airport is Mumbai 20 km upto Gateway of India, and 9 nautical miles across the sea. Elephanta Caves can be reached by Ferry from the Gateway of India, Mumbai. The journey takes one hour by sea.
Best Season / Best Time to Visit Elephanta Caves
January
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