
Top Tourist Attraction in Mumbai: Elephanta Island Tour
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Want to witness a historical blend of spirituality, art, and culture? The iconic Elephanta Caves offer all of it and more to travel enthusiasts. My Flight Trip’s Elephanta Caves sightseeing tour is an exciting opportunity to see a unique side of Mumbai—the city often associated with glitz and glamor. From mesmerizing rock-cut architecture to eye-catching carvings and a divine aura at Elephanta Island, every aspect of this unique travel destination draws travelers towards its unparalleled charm.
If you want to immerse yourself in the ancient aura of the Elephanta Caves, plan a tour soon. But before you do that, read all the important details given below to make an informed decision.
Why Go on an Elephanta Island Tour?
Elephanta Island is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site that gives you a glimpse of the marvelous ancient Indian civilization. Each rock-cut art is a narrative set in stone that cannot be replicated. The breathtaking art dates back to the 5th and 7th centuries and is a testament to the excellent craftsmanship of the artists of that time.
Take an Elephanta Island tour and you will be spellbound by the beauty of this classical Indian art. From the famous three-faced Shiva statue to the engraved art narrating the legends of Lord Shiva and the amazing blend of Buddhist and Hindu elements—everything about the caves is a sight for sore eyes. Read the information below to plan a smooth and convenient trip to Elephanta Island.
How to Reach the Elephanta Island?
Wondering how to reach Elephanta Caves? The way to reach the caves is rather adventurous. Here’s how the journey from Mumbai to the Elephanta Island unfolds:
A Fantastic Ferry Ride: Your journey will begin from the Gateway of India pier. Here, you will board a ferry that will take you straight to Elephanta Island. The one-hour-long cruise will pass quickly as you absorb the beauty of the picturesque surroundings and enjoy a tranquil ferry ride.
A Thrilling Toy Train Journey: As you disembark, there are two ways to reach the steps that lead to the hilltop caves. You can either take a short walk and enjoy a riveting trek or board the toy train which offers a fun way to cover the distance. The 5-minute toy train journey is a joyride that will be all the more enjoyable if you are on this trip with your family.
A Quick Climb Up the Steps: As you reach the ticket counter after the short walk/toy train ride, you will have to climb 120 steps that finally lead you to the Elephanta Caves.
When to Visit the Elephanta Caves?
The best time to visit the Elephanta Caves is between October and February as the weather is at its most pleasant during this time. The long walks, exploration, and sightseeing would get pretty inconvenient during the summer or monsoon season, but in winter, it can be rather refreshing. Some key points to keep in mind when planning your trip are:
- Elephanta Caves remain closed on Mondays.
- The caves are open for visits from 9:30 in the morning to 5:30 in the evening.
- The first ferry leaves the Gateway of India pier at 9:00 AM and the last at 5:30 PM.
Elephanta Cave Entrance Tickets
Entry to Elephanta Caves is not free. You must buy the Elephanta Island entrance ticket to visit the landmark. Here’s how much the ticket would cost:
For domestic travelers and people from SAARC and BIMSTEC countries: 40 INR
For foreign visitors: 600 INR
For children aged less than 15 years: no charges
If you buy a tour package from My Flight Trip, it would include all the expenses from entry tickets and ferry charges to guided tours and toy train rides.
Things to Do in Elephanta Caves
Wondering what can be done on a trip to Elephanta Island? There are quite a few options available on an Elephanta Caves tour package. We have listed them below for your convenience:
Visiting the Main Cave: Cave 1 houses the renowned Trimurti—a 20-foot-high statue of Lord Shiva with three faces. This is one of the most famous examples of rock-cut architecture in India.
Exploring Cave Art Depicting Shiva’s Lores: The panels inside the caves are engraved with Shiva’s legends, narrating stories like Shiva in the Natraj form, Shiva bringing Ganga to Earth, and a lot more!.
Savoring the Beauty of Architectural Marvels: Several other caves are filled with sculptures, courtyards, and religious shrines that feature the best of Hindu and Buddhist architecture.
Spending Time by the Stupas: Many stupas inside the caves show the influence of Buddhism at the time and the harmonious amalgamation of both religions.
Making the Most of the Island: Besides the caves, Elephanta Island in itself is worth visiting. The peaceful vibe and lush greenery offer a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. You can click pictures, explore local cuisine, buy handmade souvenirs, etc., to enjoy your time on the island to the fullest.
Go on an Elephanta Island Tour with My Flight Trip
After going through our Elephanta Island travel guide, you must be excited to plan a trip to this magnificent destination. Let My Flight Trip assist you with that. We have a wide range of Elephanta Island tour options that you can browse and choose from. Our tours are budget-friendly and come with all the necessary amenities like guides, private transfers, and more. So, book a tour now and get going on a memorable trip that will take you back to ancient times.