Beyond Mumbai
Elephanta: the back story
The back story
About Elephanta: the back story
The Elephanta Caves, on Elephanta Island (Gharapuri), hold a collection of rock art linked to the cult of Shiva. UNESCO inscribed them in 1987 and describes the huge high reliefs of the main cave as one of the most perfect expressions of Indian art.
The caves
The main cave’s great relief of a three-headed figure is the highlight; allow a couple of hours on the island.
Getting there
Ferries leave from the Gateway of India and take about an hour (Maharashtra Tourism). The site is open from 9am to 5pm and closed on Mondays (ASI).
Closed on Mondays: plan around it.
Our advice: take an early ferry and bring water and a hat.
Why it's on our list
- The caves
- Getting there
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Elephanta: the back story before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from Elephanta: the back story are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 15 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Nearest stations
- DeonarLine 2B9.2 km
- MankhurdLine 2B9.6 km
- MandaleLine 2B9.7 km
Key sights
- CSMT (UNESCO)10 kmCycle 42 minCar or taxi 36 min
- CSMVS museum11 kmCycle 45 minCar or taxi 38 min
- Gateway of India11 kmCycle 45 minCar or taxi 38 min
- Marine Drive12 kmCar or taxi 40 min
- NCPA12 kmCar or taxi 42 min
- Haji Ali Dargah13 kmCar or taxi 44 min
- Jio World Centre (NMACC)13 kmCar or taxi 44 min
- Bandra–Worli Sea Link14 kmCar or taxi 46 min
- CSMIA airport (T2)17 kmCar or taxi 55 min
- Juhu Beach19 kmCar or taxi 63 min
Main railway stations
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)10 kmCycle 42 minCar or taxi 36 min
- Dadar11 kmCycle 45 minCar or taxi 39 min
- Churchgate11 kmCar or taxi 39 min
- Mumbai Central12 kmCar or taxi 40 min
- Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT)13 kmCar or taxi 43 min
- Bandra Terminus15 kmCar or taxi 49 min