Elephanta Caves Day Trip from Mumbai
UNESCO World Heritage caves, the iconic Trimurti, and a scenic ferry ride across Mumbai Harbour
The Elephanta Caves are Mumbai's most important archaeological site — a UNESCO World Heritage collection of rock-cut cave temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, carved between the 5th and 8th centuries CE on Gharapuri Island in Mumbai Harbour. The centerpiece is the magnificent Trimurti sculpture, a 6-meter-high three-headed bust of Shiva that ranks among the finest sculptures in all of Indian art. Getting there is half the experience — a scenic one-hour ferry ride from the Gateway of India across the harbor.
5-6 hrs
Total Trip Time
1 hr
Ferry Each Way
₹400+
Budget (Indian)
Oct-Mar
Best Season
Day Trip Timeline
Board the Ferry at Gateway of India
Head to the ferry ticket counter at Apollo Bunder, right next to the Gateway of India. Buy your ferry ticket (₹200 return for economy, ₹300 for deluxe). Ferries depart every 30 minutes from 9 AM. Board the first available ferry — earlier is better to avoid the midday heat on the island. The deluxe upper deck offers better views and a breeze.
Ferry Ride Across Mumbai Harbour
The ferry ride takes approximately 60 minutes across Mumbai Harbour. Enjoy views of the Gateway of India, Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, and the Mumbai skyline receding behind you. Snacks and water are available on board. The ride is generally smooth but can be choppy during monsoon season (June-September). Sit on the left side for the best views of the Elephanta island as you approach.
Arrive at Elephanta Island & Walk to Caves
After docking, you have two options to reach the caves: walk the 1 km paved pathway (15-20 minutes uphill through a market of souvenir stalls) or take the toy train to the base of the hill steps (₹10). From there, climb approximately 120 stone steps to reach the main cave entrance. Palanquins (dolis) are available for those who cannot climb, carried by local porters for about ₹500-800.
Explore the Caves
The main cave (Cave 1) is the star attraction — a massive rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, dating to the 5th-8th century CE. The centerpiece is the famous Trimurti (three-headed Shiva) sculpture, standing 6 meters tall, depicting Shiva as creator, preserver, and destroyer. Spend at least 90 minutes exploring all the panels, sculptures, and smaller caves. A guide is highly recommended to understand the mythology and artistry.
Lunch on the Island
Several small restaurants near the jetty and along the pathway serve basic Indian meals — thali (plate meals), sandwiches, and cold drinks. The food is simple but adequate. Prices are slightly marked up for tourists but still reasonable (₹100-200 per meal). Alternatively, carry your own packed lunch and water.
Explore the Island
If time permits, walk around the island beyond the main caves. There are smaller rock-cut caves (Caves 2-5) that most tourists skip, a Portuguese-era cannon at Rajbandar, and pleasant walking trails through the forested hillside. The island has a small village with about 1,200 residents.
Return Ferry to Mumbai
The last ferry back to the Gateway of India departs at 5:30 PM, but aim to catch the 2:00 or 2:30 PM ferry to avoid the evening rush. The return journey offers beautiful views of the Mumbai skyline, especially as you approach the Gateway. You will be back at Apollo Bunder by 3:00-3:30 PM.
Getting There
Ferry from Gateway of India
Ferries to Elephanta Island depart from Apollo Bunder, right next to the Gateway of India. The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) operates the ferry service.
- Departure: Every 30 minutes from 9:00 AM onwards
- Last ferry to island: 2:00 PM
- Last ferry back: 5:30 PM
- Economy class: ₹200 return (lower deck, no AC)
- Deluxe class: ₹300 return (upper deck, better views)
- Journey time: Approximately 60 minutes each way
- Closed: Mondays (caves are closed to visitors on Mondays)
Tip: Buy tickets at the MTDC counter, not from touts. Arrive by 8:30 AM on weekends to avoid long queues. The deluxe upper deck is worth the extra ₹100 for the views and breeze.
Cave Highlights
The main cave (Cave 1) contains some of the finest rock-cut sculptures in India. Here are the must-see panels and sculptures.
Trimurti (Three-Headed Shiva)
Must SeeThe masterpiece of Elephanta — a 6-meter high bust of Shiva with three faces representing his three aspects: Aghora (the destroyer, left face), Tatpurusha (the preserver, center face), and Vamadeva (the creator, right face). The sculpture is considered one of the finest pieces of Indian rock-cut art and has been compared to the finest works of Greek and Renaissance sculpture.
Nataraja Panel
Must SeeA stunning relief of Shiva as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer, with 8 arms in a dynamic dancing pose. The panel captures the rhythm and movement of the celestial dance that represents the cycle of creation and destruction. Surrounding figures include Parvati, Ganesha, and celestial attendants.
Ardhanarishvara Panel
Must SeeA beautiful sculpture depicting Shiva and Parvati combined in one body — half male, half female — symbolizing the unity of masculine and feminine energies in the universe. The left side shows feminine grace while the right displays masculine strength, united in one divine form.
Marriage of Shiva and Parvati
Must SeeA large panel depicting the wedding ceremony of Shiva and Parvati, attended by gods, celestials, and mythological beings. The detail in the carving is remarkable — individual expressions, jewelry, and clothing are visible on each figure despite centuries of weathering.
Shiva Slaying Andhaka
Must SeeA dramatic panel showing Shiva impaling the demon Andhaka on his trident. The composition is dynamic and violent, with Shiva in a powerful stance while the demon writhes below. This panel shows the destructive aspect of Shiva's power and the victory of good over evil.
What to Bring
Water bottles (at least 1 liter per person)
The island gets hot and the climb is steep. Stay hydrated. Water is available on the island but at marked-up prices.
Comfortable walking shoes
The 120 stone steps to the caves are uneven and can be slippery. Flip-flops are not recommended. Sturdy sneakers or hiking sandals work best.
Sunscreen and hat
The ferry ride and the open pathway have no shade. The midday sun is intense, especially from October to May.
Camera with low-light capability
The cave interiors are dimly lit. A camera with good low-light performance will capture the sculptures better than a phone camera. Flash photography is allowed but natural light is more atmospheric.
Cash in small denominations
The ferry counter, island shops, and guides all prefer cash. Carry ₹500-1,000 in small notes. There are no ATMs on the island.
Light rain jacket (monsoon season)
If visiting during June-September, a compact rain jacket is essential. The ferry ride can be wet, and the island trails get muddy.
Budget Breakdown
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ferry (return trip) | ₹200 (economy) / ₹300 (deluxe) |
| Cave entry fee | ₹40 (Indians) / ₹600 (foreigners) |
| Guide (optional but recommended) | ₹300-500 for a group |
| Toy train (optional) | ₹10 each way |
| Lunch on island | ₹100-200 |
| Water and snacks | ₹50-100 |
| Total (Indian) | ₹400-800 per person |
| Total (Foreign) | ₹950-1,500 per person |
Insider Tips
Hire a Guide
Licensed guides are available at the cave entrance for ₹300-500 per group. A good guide transforms the visit — they explain the mythology behind each sculpture, point out details you would miss, and bring the 1,500-year-old art to life. Negotiate the price before starting.
Go Early, Avoid Weekends
Take the first ferry (9:00 AM) to reach the caves before the crowds. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends and holidays. Avoid Sunday and public holidays when the island is packed with local day-trippers and the ferry queues are long.
Beware of Monkeys
The island has a large population of macaque monkeys that are bold and used to tourists. They will snatch food, water bottles, and shiny objects (sunglasses, phones). Keep belongings in a closed bag and avoid eating near monkeys. Do not feed them or make direct eye contact.
Check Monsoon Schedule
Ferry services are often suspended during heavy monsoon weather (typically peak July-August). Check with the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) on the day of your visit. Even when ferries run, the ride can be rough during monsoon — take motion sickness medication if prone.
Combine with Gateway Visit
Since the ferry departs from the Gateway of India, plan your morning to include a visit to the Gateway, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel lobby, and the surrounding Colaba area. Arrive at Apollo Bunder by 8:30 AM, explore the Gateway, then board the ferry.
Photography Tips
The best light inside the caves comes from natural light filtering through the entrances — especially the main cave between 10:30-11:30 AM. Use a tripod or steady surface for sharp images. The Trimurti sculpture is best photographed from the central aisle with a wide-angle lens.
Frequently Asked Questions
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